Posted on May 8, 2019 in Blog
With warmer weather comes a lot of summer fun.. Whether you’re planning a trip to the beach, or just want to have fun in the back yard, a tummy tuck is one way to look the best you can in your favorite summer wardrobe.
Known as an abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure popular with both women and men. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat, while also tightening the abdominal muscles. This creates a firmer, flatter abdomen. Some patients pair a tummy tuck with liposuction to get the smoothest contouring available across the abdomen to the flanks. Here are some things to know about this excellent option to prepare your summer body.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Ideally, a good candidate will be in good physical health, be at their ideal weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcome. Good candidates should have excess skin and fat that do not respond to traditional diet and exercise.
That being said, not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. For example, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, though it’s a perfect way to get rid of excess skin and fat that remain after losing a great deal of weight or after being pregnant. It does not replace a healthy diet and exercise program.
How Does the Procedure Work?
In most cases, the tummy tuck is done as an outpatient procedure. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision across the lower part of the abdomen. Then, she will separate the skin and fat from the tissues and muscles below. Many times, your plastic surgeon will tighten the muscles of the abdomen to keep them from sagging and restore their function. Then, she will remove excess fat and skin in the lower part of the abdomen. The last step is to suture the tissues and skin back into place. The final result is a flatter, firmer abdomen.
What Is Recovery Like?
Most patients require a few weeks to recover after the procedure. Many can return to work in about two weeks time. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend avoiding exercise and strenuous activity for six weeks or so. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may leave a drain in the recovering tissues for a few days after surgery. It will be removed during a followup appointment.
Swelling is quite common after the procedure. To keep swelling to a minimum, your plastic surgeon will recommend wearing a compression garment for a few weeks after surgery. This stabilizes the healing tissues and keeps fluids from building up in the wound area. Additionally, it helps the skin adhere to the new contours. You can expect some scarring, but it can be easily concealed within your waistline.
The Outcome
It will take a few weeks of healing to begin to see the outcome of your procedure. You can expect to find your abdomen flatter with a more pleasing contour after the swelling subsides. The vast majority of patients are quite pleased with their results and can’t wait to show off their bodies at the beach or pool. However, you can expect your results to continue to refine in the months after surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should take the time to find a qualified, trained plastic surgeon who is board certified. Dr. Ellen A. Janetzke is here to make your tummy tuck surgery go as smooth as possible. It all starts with scheduling a consultation, during with Dr. Ellen can discuss your options and what to expect. Contact our office by calling or filling out our online form to get started.
READY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION?
The first step to any cosmetic procedure is a through consultation with a qualified and trusted professional. Schedule your consultation by filling out the form below or calling our Bloomfield Hills office.