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Most of us would like to look our best. When trying to improve the way our bodies look, diet, exercise, and medical support can be excellent options. However, some cosmetic issues are more difficult to address.
Even with a rigorous diet and exercise plan, stubborn fat may be impossible to shed, and when dramatic weight loss has been achieved, loose excess skin does not magically disappear. These common and concerning problems can significantly impact the abdomen, and plastic surgery is often required to recontour this area.
Fortunately, a tummy tuck can correct stubborn fat, loose abdominal skin, and a protruding belly due to muscle separation.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to recontour one’s midsection by removing excess fat and skin while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, which can result in stretched abdominal muscles and loose, sagging skin.
Tummy tucks can vary in complexity, ranging from mini tummy tucks, which focus on the lower abdomen, to full tummy tucks, which address both the upper and lower abdomen. The goal of a tummy tuck is to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen and improve overall body confidence and self-esteem.
The following are some common reasons men and women seek abdominoplasty:
They have experienced rapid or drastic weight loss: Individuals who have lost a massive amount of weight often find that the shape of their bodies is not what they had envisioned. For most, certain body parts are left with loose, hanging skin that, even with an extreme workout plan, will not go away. One of the most commonly affected areas is the abdomen. A tummy tuck can remove excess fat and skin after weight loss.
They have experienced one or more pregnancies: The wear and tear pregnancy does to a woman’s body is a common frustration amongst mothers. During pregnancy, the abdomen stretches to make room for a growing baby, which can cause the underlying muscles to separate. After childbirth, the circumference of the midsection decreases, but pregnancy can leave loose abdominal muscles and skin, leading to a flabby appearance that is often unresponsive to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tissue and tighten abdominal muscles to help a woman regain her pre-pregnancy abdominal appearance. It’s best if they have completed their families as subsequent pregnancies may affect abdominoplasty results.
They want to address or prevent back problems: Strong abdominal muscles help support the back. When the abdominal muscles stretch and become loose, the support they provide is significantly decreased. Pregnancy and weight gain can cause core muscles to become weak, which can lead to bad posture and back pain. A tummy tuck can repair and tighten the weak abdominal muscles, relieving pain and increasing support for the back.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are non-smokers in good overall health who are willing and able to follow our plastic surgeon’s pre and post-surgical instructions. They should also be committed to a healthy lifestyle.
There are a few abdominoplasty options, one of which may be appropriate for you, depending on the extent of correction you’re looking for. These options require slightly different approaches, but generally, tummy tuck surgery involves the following:
An incision is made along the lower abdomen. The underlying tissues are carefully repositioned, residual fat is excised, muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour. Liposuction may also be performed to remove localized fat deposits for a more sculpted appearance and enhanced overall results.
This option corrects loose skin and excess fat in the lower abdomen and doesn’t typically address muscle separation. The incision is shorter than a full tummy tuck, and your recovery experience will be quicker and usually easier to manage.
This option addresses the upper and lower abdomen, including the waist. The incision extends from one hip to the other, allowing the surgeon to remove larger amounts of fat and skin, as well as full access to the core muscles.
In some cases, an extended tummy tuck may be recommended to address the upper and lower abdomen as well as the back and hips.
After tummy tuck surgery, a dressing is applied, and drains are placed near the incisions to prevent fluid buildup. To help with healing, compression garments must be worn for a specific amount of time, as determined by Dr. Davison. Patients can expect to experience temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness. Prescribed medication will help alleviate any pain.
Patients should refrain from smoking, exercising, and strenuous activity for the first few weeks after surgery.
It is recommended that you take one to two weeks off from work to properly heal from surgery. Depending on the tummy tuck option, recovery can last anywhere from one to four weeks.
Learn some helpful recovery tips.
Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Davison will prescribe medication to alleviate pain, aid in the healing process, and reduce potential risks of infection.
Dr. Davison uses fine incisions, and any visible incisions can be hidden under underwear and swimsuits. He employs different tummy tuck techniques depending on the patient’s goals and the amount of correction needed. The extent of scarring depends on the patient and how their body heals, but most scars will be concealable and fade over time.
Learn how to minimize scarring after an abdominoplasty.
If you think that a tummy tuck may be beneficial for you or wish to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, please contact DAVinci Plastic Surgery today. Call (202) 966-9590 or fill out our contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you!
