What is a tummy tuck?
Throughout a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, excessive fat and skin are removed from the tummy-area. Connective tissue in the stomach that has stretched out, called fascia, generally is sutured back together. The skin is then repositioned to make a more toned appearance.
You may opt to get a tummy tuck if you have excess skin or fat around the region of your belly or even a weakened or loose lower abdominal wall. Sometimes, a tummy tuck will help alleviate back pain.
The operation will help you achieve a more toned, tightened abdominal appearance and will aide in your journey to look and feel better about your stomach.
Are you a tummy tuck candidate?
Pregnancy or major fluctuations in your weight may stretch out the skin that surrounds your abdominal area. A tummy tuck can help remove this skin and bring the rectus abdominis, or sit-up muscles, back together. These muscles are often stretched or separated by pregnancy or weight gain.
A tummy tuck may not be right for you if:
- Your body mass index is over 30
- You are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant in the future
- You are actively trying to lose weight
- You have heart disease
What is recovery for a tummy tuck like?
Depending on the surgical technique utilized, a temporary tube may be inserted beneath the skin to help drain excess fluid from the surgical area. A compression garment is worn throughout the recovery period for about 6 weeks to prevent fluid build up and also to provide abdominal support during the healing period.
During the first 6 weeks after your tummy tuck, you will need to take precautions when moving around and avoid positions that can possibly strain your incision. Your surgeon will give you a full list of recovery restrictions and instructions.
What are tummy tuck results like?
A flatter and more toned abdominal region is noticeable immediately. Provided that you keep your weight managed using a balanced diet and regular exercise, your results will be long-lasting.