Beauty Doc Blog

There are many reasons why patients seek body enhancement with a tummy tuck. Factors such as pregnancy, the natural aging process and weight loss can cause the abdominal wall to relax and the result is a protruding tummy. Despite efforts through exercise and weight loss, few people are able to reverse this situation. A tummy tuck gives patients the flatter, smoother stomach they want.

The formal name of a tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty. During the tummy tuck procedure, the relaxed muscles of the abdomen are tightened and then rebuilt. Defects are repaired by the plastic surgeon and the skin is tightened for a smoother appearance.

A tummy tuck procedure may be performed within a hospital or in an outpatient setting. The procedures is usually performed under general anesthesia. If the patient is getting a mini-abdominoplasty, the procedure may be done under sedation and local anesthesia. A mini-abdominoplasty has the shortest scar because it only tightens the lower abdominal wall skin.

Patients may also opt for a standard abdominoplasty or an extended abdominoplasty. A standard abdominoplasty results in a standard size scar because all the abdominal wall skin is tightened. The longest scar comes from an extended abdominoplasty, which tightens both the abdomen and the sides or flanks of the patient.

Getting a tummy tuck is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures. Patients may have to stay in a hospital from one to three days after the procedures or require skilled nursing care. Within about 10 to 20 days, patients can resume light activity. It takes about six weeks for patients to resume more strenuous activity, such as sports. Prior to getting a tummy tuck, the plastic surgeon meets with the patient to discuss their goals, the procedures and possible risks or complications.

After a tummy tuck, the results may be obscured for a few weeks until the swelling subsides. Once a patient can stand fully upright and the healing process begins, the results will begin to show. A patient will appreciate a firmer, flatter abdomen that is more proportionate to their body weight and type after a tummy tuck procedure.

Patients in good health with realistic expectations can benefit from a tummy tuck by having more attractive abdominal contours and a boost of self-esteem. Rather than dreading swimsuit season or hiding under tunic tops, patients can feel confident about their appearance after a tummy tuck procedure.