The abdomen, or “tummy,” is often an area of the body that holds onto fat. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tone or shed fat from the tummy. The tummy can pooch outward due to weight gain, pregnancy, or age. In many cases, diet and exercise are not effective in slimming and contouring the abdomen. This is what the tummy tuck is designed to address.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to tighten and contour the abdomen. During a tummy tuck, loose skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissues and muscles are tightened with sutures to firm and shape the waistline and achieve a more shapely and feminine physique.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck has many benefits for patients who would like to improve their abdominal area, including the following:
- A flatter abdomen
- A slimmer, more sculpted waistline
- A toned and contoured abdomen
- Surgically tightens weakened muscles
- Provides abdominal support that can help alleviate back pain and improve posture
- Can remove up to 10 pounds of excess skin from your abdomen
- Eliminates stretch marks.
- Can help to lower the risk of encountering diabetes, heart disease, and gallbladder disease
- Minimizes unnecessary stress on the stomach muscles
- Reduces urinary incontinence.
What happens during the tummy tuck surgical procedure?
During a tummy tuck surgery, you are under general anesthesia. Dr. Sajan will start with an incision across the lower abdomen at the level of the pubic hair. This ensures scarring can be hidden by underwear or a bathing suit. Using this incision, Dr. Sajan will remove excess fat and tighten the muscles with tension sutures. Patients may also opt to have liposuction as a part of this, to benefit from further shaping and toning.
Dr. Sajan will then pull the skin downward and secure it firmly, removing excess, loose skin. He will then reposition the navel, and close the incision with biological glues or absorbable sutures.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
Immediately following a tummy tuck you will have dressings around your abdomen to help protect your incision and minimize swelling as you heal. You will be required to wear this bandage for one or two weeks.
You will need two weeks to recover after your surgery, and six weeks before you can exercise or lift anything heavy again. While it’s important to relax and fully recuperate, we do encourage that you walk with assistance as soon as possible after surgery. This promotes healthy blood circulation and prevents blood clots from forming.
Bruising will fade in 2-3 weeks. Swelling will take longer to resolve, ultimately fully subsiding after 3-6 months.
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Patients who meet the following requirements may be candidates for a tummy tuck:
- Are physically healthy
- Do not smoke
- Have severely weakened or separated stomach muscles
- Have loose skin and stubborn fat pockets in the abdomen
- Are at a stable weight that can be maintained
- Have realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck procedure can accomplish
Why choose Dr. Sajan?
Dr. Javad Sajan is a board-certified, highly awarded plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence, and is known as a leading international expert in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Sajan specializes in procedures such as tummy tucks. He is truly dedicated to achieving the most beautiful outcomes for his patients. Because of his outstanding experience, stunning results, and record of patient satisfaction, Dr. Sajan is an ideal choice for those who want a tummy tuck.
FAQ
How soon can I have a tummy tuck after childbirth?
Women should wait at least six months after childbirth to have a tummy tuck to give their abdominal tissue a chance to heal fully before their surgery.
Can you get rid of stretch marks with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can permanently remove white stretch marks between your bikini line and your belly button.
When can I return to work after a tummy tuck?
Expect at least two weeks off of work before you are recovered enough to return to sedentary work.
Will tummy tuck surgery help me lose fat?
If liposuction is done as a part of your tummy tuck, you can safely lose up to 11 pounds of abdominal fat and excess skin.