Tummy Tucks in Washington, D.C.
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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.
Who Can Benefit From Abdominoplasty?
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.
(202) 966-9590Why Is Abdominoplasty Performed?
To Provide a More Defined Tummy and Waist
After a tummy tuck, patients notice their abs are flatter and more defined. The belly and waist are slimmer and more proportionate to their new and improved body type. Patients will feel better about their bodies and notice a firmer, more pleasing contour and shape.
To Restore a Pre-Pregnancy Body
After childbirth, many women struggle with the changes to their body. Abdominoplasty can restore a more youthful and appealing figure while helping her look as good, if not better than before she had children.
To Improve Posture and Prevent or Improve Back Pain
After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, the stomach muscles descend, which cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone. When someone has weak abdominal muscles, the back tends to sway, which can cause bad posture and back pain. After recovering from abdominoplasty, these patients often notice significant pain relief, more back support, and better posture.
To Increase Confidence
A protruding abdomen and loose, hanging skin are unflattering and make it uncomfortable to wear certain clothing, such as bathing suits, at the beach or pool. After a tummy tuck, many patients feel more confident showing off their now flatter, better-contoured midsection and can wear clothing styles they were too insecure to wear before surgery.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
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.
Mini Tummy Tuck
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.
Full Tummy Tuck
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.
Extended Tummy Tuck
In some cases, an extended tummy tuck may be recommended to address the upper and lower abdomen as well as the back and hips.
What Happens After Abominoplasty?
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.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
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.
Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?
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.
Are There Scars After a Tummy Tucks?
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.
Your Washington, D.C., Tummy Tuck Expert
Dr. Steven Davison and Dr. Pinell are multi-board-certified plastic surgeons dedicated to their patients’ satisfaction and well-being. To learn more about your D.C. abdominoplasty options, call (202) 966-9590 to schedule an in-depth consultation.
Contact UsTummy Tuck FAQs
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
According to 2014 statistics taken from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a tummy tuck is $5,463. However, this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses. Additionally, the cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, the procedure performed, and the geographic location of the surgeon. Dr. Davidson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing tummy tuck surgery.
How long do I have to wait after pregnancy to have a tummy tuck?
It is recommended to wait at least six months to one year after pregnancy and to hold off on getting a tummy tuck if you plan on having any more children. While waiting to undergo a tummy tuck, you should focus on diet and exercise to get rid of excess fat, which will help create the best tummy tuck results.
Can I have children after tummy tuck surgery?
Yes, but pregnancy and childbirth will impact the original results of the abdominoplasty. For this reason, it is recommended that women wait until they are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck to achieve the best results and prevent future revisional surgeries.
Will I have to have additional surgeries to maintain results?
For the most part, the results of tummy tuck surgery are permanent as long as the patient maintains a healthy diet and continues to exercise. Pregnancy or additional weight gain or loss after a tummy tuck can cause a reversal of the results.
Can I undergo other procedures while undergoing a tummy tuck?
Yes, abdominoplasty is commonly paired with other body contouring procedures such as an arm lift or for a Mommy Makeover, liposuction, breast enhancement, or breast lift surgery. For a mommy makeover, patients often combine these procedures with a tummy tuck to achieve better overall body contouring.
What are the risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is among one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed. It has been proven to be safe and effective. As with any surgery, complications can arise, including bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing. It is essential to follow Dr. Davison’s preoperative and postoperative instructions to lower your risk for complications.
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