Tummy Tuck Surgery: Answering your FAQs
Posted March 23, 2016 in Practice News
Did you know that women’s metabolisms start slowing down at the tender age of 25? After this point, a woman’s metabolism continues it’s decline, slowing down by as much as 2-4% each year. A slowing metabolism can wreak havoc on a woman’s figure even if her lifestyle hasn’t changed.
Factors like a slowing metabolism, fluctuating weight, sedentary lifestyle, and pregnancy can all add excess fat and skin to a woman’s midsection. Once you’ve obtained a dreaded “spare tire,” it can be very difficult to get rid of. Women who want to trim down their tummies should observe a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Although a healthy diet and exercise can effectively reduce belly fat, it may not tighten loose skin around the midsection. In this situation, many women turn to tummy tucks to help them dramatically tone up their midsection.
What is a tummy tuck and what does it achieve?
Tummy tucks remove excess abdominal skin and fat and smooth and tighten the appearance of the belly. Tummy tucks also repair and tighten loose abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or significant weight loss. The procedure reduces bulging in the midsection, giving the abdomen a tighter, more sculpted appearance.
There are three kinds of tummy tucks: a mini tummy tuck, the traditional abdominoplasty and the circumferential abdominoplasty. Most women opt for the traditional abdominoplasty which takes 1-3 hours and can be performed as an outpatient surgery. During an abdominoplasty, fat is removed from the midsection and the underlying muscles are tightened to create a narrower waistline. The navel is then repositioned and the skin stretched taut over the stomach.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure than a traditional tummy tuck. A mini tummy tucks does not require the navel to be repositioned, and the incision is smaller.
A circumferential abdominoplasty is a more extreme procedure for people who have excess fat and skin folds along the buttocks and thighs as well as the midsection. In this procedure, an incision is made all the way around the waist so that the buttocks and thighs can be lifted in addition to the tummy being tightened.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Tummy tucks are ideal for people who have made every effort to lose weight but still have loose or excess skin and fat around their midsection. A tummy tuck can effectively remove the stubborn fat and excess skin that exercise can’t. Women who want to improve the appearance of their midsection, are in reasonably good shape, and are done having children are the perfect candidates for a tummy tuck Reno.
A mini tummy tuck is perfect for people who are experiencing minor abdominal fat and skin sagging due to aging.
People who have undergone radical weight loss, often as a result of bariatric surgery, are the best candidates for a circumferential abdominoplasty. Loose skin folds can be a major problem for people who have undergone dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately, exercise and non-invasive aesthetic treatments do little to tighten skin folds around the stomach, thighs, and buttocks, which is why many people who have lost significant weight consider the tummy tuck.
Can tummy tucks be combined with other procedures?
Tummy tucks are often combined with liposuction to remove excess fat and contour the shape of the midsection. A 2012 study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, concluded that the combined procedure of liposuction and tummy tuck yielded a high patient satisfaction (over 99%), with no increase in pain compared with abdominoplasty alone. Additionally, 86% of patients included in the study reported an increase in self-esteem after surgery. If your are dissatisfied with the shape of your waist and struggle with stubborn fat deposits, abdominoplasty and liposuction may be the perfect combination for you!
Do tummy tucks cause scarring?
A tummy tuck procedure begins with an incision made from hip to hip, typically placed just below the bikini line. Dr. Talbott will make this incision as discreetly as possible, and any residual scarring can be easily hidden under clothing or swimwear.
Do tummy tucks hurt?
Recovering from surgery usually entails some pain. Most tummy tuck patients experience pain in the abdominal area for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Fortunately pain and discomfort can be alleviated with medication. Compression garments should also be worn to alleviate pain and swelling post-surgery.
How soon can I return to my normal routine after getting a tummy tuck?
A traditional tummy tuck can be performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you can return home after the surgery as long as you have someone to watch you while you recover. Tummy tuck patients are encouraged to take walks as soon as they are able to do so in order to prevent blood clots. Most patients return to work 2-3 weeks after their tummy tuck procedure. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks following a tummy tuck.
Because circumferential abdominoplasties are more invasive that traditional tummy tucks, the recovery time is slightly longer. Patients who undergo a circumferential abdominoplasty stay at the hospital for 2-4 days following their procedure. Drainage tubes are used to keep the surgical site sterile and are removed 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Most patients return to work 3-4 weeks after their circumferential abdominoplasty.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Tummy tucks are one-time procedures with dramatic and long lasting results. However, tummy tuck patients should avoid excessive weight gain as this will create new fat deposits in the abdomen. Pregnancy can also cause abdominal weight gain and damage to the abdominal muscles. This is why women should not undergo an abdominoplasty until they are done having children. Core strengthening exercise and a healthy diet are vital for preserving the appearance of a taut tummy. Tummy tuck patients should also avoid tanning their midsections, as sun exposure can cause the scar tissue to discolor.
Contact Talbott Plastic Surgery Center
Are you considering a tummy tuck? Would you like to learn more and explore your options? Contact Dr. LaDawn Talbott today and schedule a complimentary consultation.
