Circumstances like pregnancy or major weight loss can leave you with loose, sagging skin. This happens because your skin loses elasticity once stretched, and the body mass underneath decreases.
Excess skin is common and affects millions of people, but there is a solution that can improve your skin quality and provide long-lasting results: the tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty).
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
A tummy tuck fixes loose excess skin that’s been shifted or stretched due to weight gain or pregnancy. It works by firming and tightening the skin over your abdominal area.
Standard Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty can be performed in a few different ways, depending on your specific areas of treatment. A standard tummy tuck addresses excess skin in the general abdominal area.
The surgeon will make an incision above your pubic area and remove the excess skin on your abdomen. A standard tummy tuck tightens and firms the remaining skin and dislocated muscles to create a more toned appearance. Your abdominal area will look smoother and tighter once the remaining skin is tucked and the incision is closed.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A mini tummy tuck procedure removes extra skin below your belly button without affecting your upper abdominal muscles and navel. This is ideal for people with loose hanging skin only on their lower abdominal area.
Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended abdominoplasty removes extra skin all around the upper abdomen and middle abdomen areas. There are two incisions involved in this procedure一one vertical and one horizontal.
This helps the surgeon take off as much extra fat as possible and treat a larger surface area. An extended abdominoplasty is excellent for people who have lost a lot of weight and cannot achieve a toned flat stomach due to excess skin.
Health Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
While a tummy tuck is cosmetic and enhances your appearance, there are some medical benefits to the procedure, as well. Excess skin can cause health problems by putting extra strain on your core muscles. This can lead to back pain, limited mobility, and a higher risk of injury. Some patients experience bladder problems, weak pelvic floor muscles, and back pain as a result of excess skin.
A tummy tuck can eliminate these issues by removing the pull of hanging loose skin on your abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery also addresses weak or separated muscles by repairing and repositioning them. This gives your back, pelvic floor, and abdomen more support and takes the strain off of them. Tummy tucks may also take the pressure off of your bladder and help you regain bladder control.
With a stronger core and less strain on your back, your mobility will likely improve after a tummy tuck, too.
Who Is Eligible for a Tummy Tuck?
You should be at or close to your goal weight before your tummy tuck. If you lose a lot of weight after the procedure, you may develop loose skin, and your results will be less visible.
The female patients who are thinking of having children in future are advised to get a tummy tuck after they’ve finished having children. Of course, moms can get pregnant after the tummy tuck procedure, but the process will reverse their abdominoplasty results.
You should also be in good general health before your tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will evaluate the state of your health before approving you for tummy tuck surgery. If you have underlying medical conditions, make sure to bring that up during your consultation.
You should be committed to a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise before your tummy tuck to ensure you keep your results. Practicing healthy habits can also speed up your recovery time.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Results
Most patients can return home the day of their tummy tuck surgery, but it may depend on what type of tummy tuck you get. Make sure you have someone available to drive you home from the hospital after your procedure.
Doctors typically tell patients to keep moving after surgery, even if that means just walking around the house. Movement helps blood flow, which supports the healing process. You should limit exercise and strenuous physical activity for a few weeks. Ask your provider if you’re not sure about what activities you can (or cannot) do.
Mini abdominoplasties obviously require less downtime than traditional tummy tucks do. With that being said, you should still avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.
It takes roughly a week or two to see your tummy tuck results. The final results are most noticeable six months after your procedure.
A Note About Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss surgery. Tummy tucks address excess skin that has been stretched and lost elasticity. Without elasticity, your skin cannot conform to your body mass after significant stretching. You should not seek a tummy tuck to lose a significant amount of weight.
Tummy Tucks vs. Liposuction
Many people believe tummy tucks are the same as liposuction or lipoplasty, but these two procedures are very different. Liposuction removes excess fat in areas like the arms, back, sides, buttocks, and legs. Tummy tucks remove excess skin.
Visit Dr. Christopher Tiner for Your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Tiner is a cosmetic surgeon who has a passion for helping people achieve the body of their dreams. If you are a mother who wants a “mommy makeover” after having kids or someone who wants to remove excess skin from weight loss, Dr. Tiner’s office is the place for you.
Call us today to book your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Tiner and get tightened, toned, and trim!
