Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery is a safe and proven procedure designed to restore the attractive contours of the abdomen. Dr. Carter enhances abdominal definition and improves the overall shape of the stomach by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. Men and women generally feel comfortable and confident in their bodies after undergoing this procedure.
Reasons for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Following Weight Loss
Excess skin accumulation is a common side effect of weight loss. The abdomen is often affected most significantly by unwanted folds of skin, excess fat, and lax abdominal muscles. Men and women often seek a tummy tuck following their weight loss to achieve the attractive contour they envisioned throughout their journey. Tummy tuck surgery can provide weight-loss patients with a sense of accomplishment and completion of their weight-loss battle.
Schedule Your ConsultationPost-Pregnancy Pooch
Women are likely to experience abdominal laxity following pregnancy. While some women may only have stretched excess skin around the abdomen, many also suffer from muscle laxity. These weak abdominal muscles result in the appearance of a lower pooch or extended belly. You can achieve a mild improvement in the presence of stretch marks across the abdomen, which many women struggle with following their pregnancy.
Schedule Your ConsultationAge-Related Skin Laxity
Patients who had relatively good skin elasticity in the past may find that the aging process has caused loose, excess skin to develop. Laxity due to aging is hard to prevent because the tissue fibers simply wear out over time. While diet and exercise can keep your appearance slim, you may lack the attractive tone you ultimately desire. Enhancing the contour and firmness of your abdomen can reverse these signs of aging to restore a more youthful aesthetic.
Schedule Your ConsultationTummy Tuck Options
Standard Tummy Tuck
- An incision is placed low in the abdomen that runs from hip to hip
- A secondary incision is created around the navel
- The skin is separated from the abdominal wall
- An internal corset technique stitches loose abdominal muscles together to create a firmer stomach area and more narrow waist
- The abdominal skin is draped over the new muscular contour
- Excess skin is trimmed away
- A new navel is created to ensure a natural appearance
- Incisions are closed
Mini Tummy Tuck
- The mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with muscle laxity but minimal excess skin
- This technique doesn’t address tissue accumulation above the navel; the navel maintains its original positioning on the abdomen
- Women with abdominal wall separation following pregnancy often choose a mini tummy tuck
- Most suitable for patients who require only minor improvements to their lower abdomen
- A single incision placed low in the pubic area is used
Combining Liposuction
- Excess fat can obscure definition and contribute to a flabby appearance
- Liposuction is a means of permanent fat removal via gentle suctioning
- Liposuction can be combined with almost any tummy tuck procedure to enhance your results
- Liposuction provides custom contouring of the abdominal area
- It may also be used to create subtle, attractive curves at the hips
- Liposuction uses tiny incisions placed around the abdomen to remove fat, which rarely results in any scarring
Concerns
Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Carter is designed to provide her with information about your goals and abdominal contouring needs. She will evaluate your unique body shape and will help you determine the best treatment plan to provide you with your ideal abdominal appearance. Each tummy tuck is customized to meet your individual needs.
Recovery
Dr. Carter’s tummy tuck techniques are designed to provide each patient with a quick and healthy recovery. However, you will experience some bruising and swelling of the abdomen following your procedure. Drains are placed for several days to remove excess fluid from the abdomen. You will need to rest for several days following your surgery. A compression garment should be worn throughout your recovery. You should be able to return to work within two to four weeks of your procedure depending on the nature of your work. You should avoid strenuous activity throughout your recovery. Swelling should significantly subside after six weeks, but minor swelling may last for several months following your procedure.
Scars
Dr. Carter strives to make incisions as inconspicuous as possible. However, the extent and visibility of your scarring will depend on the tummy tuck technique used to achieve your desired results. Your body’s healing process will also affect how your scarring develops. Most scarring is likely to fade over time.
Pain
Tummy tuck surgery is performed with the patient under general anesthesia to ensure a safe and painless procedure. You may experience some soreness during your initial recovery. Patients can use an oral pain medication to control any associated discomfort.
K.K.
“I just want to thank you for providing us with the best medical care. We have been very impressed with you and your staff who have been so kind and gone out of their way to make this the best possible experience.”
Sincerely,
D.D.
Women and men considering tummy tuck surgery should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Tummy tuck patients are looking to improve the contour of their abdomen by eliminating excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. Other contouring procedures may be necessary to improve the appearance of other areas of the lower body.
Complications are extremely rare, and Dr. Carter takes great care to minimize your risks. Bleeding, infection, and loss of sensation are the most common risks associated with tummy tuck surgery. There is also a risk of developing seromas. Patients should carefully follow all postoperative instructions to reduce these risks.
Women who desire a tummy tuck following pregnancy should wait until they have finished having children. Future pregnancies can negatively affect the quality of your results. Weight-loss patients should have a tummy tuck after they have reached and maintained their goal weight for six months to a year. Weight fluctuations following your procedure can alter your results.
Tummy tuck surgery provides patients with long-lasting results. However, your results will be affected by fluctuations in your weight and the natural aging process. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the best results possible.