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Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Excess skin that accumulates around the abdomen can contribute to a flabby appearance. Your abdominal skin is like a rubber band; when stretched too quickly or for too long, it can begin to lose its elasticity. Men and women with abdominal laxity often feel that their stomach area lacks the firm and sleek quality they strive to achieve through exercise. For many patients, working out cannot treat tissue laxity. Tummy tuck surgery specifically targets these unwanted folds of skin for a firmer abdominal appearance.
Pregnancy and aging are the main culprits of weak abdomen muscles, and many weight-loss patients also struggle to strengthen their abdomen. Women are most prone to developing an abdominal pooch following pregnancy. A weak abdomen prevents many patients from having the toned contour they desire. Tummy tuck surgery tightens loose abdominal muscles for a more toned appearance.
Fat accumulations in the abdomen can mask the attractive contours you work hard at the gym to achieve. Abdominal fat is often stubborn for many people, and it can be resistant to diet and exercise. Excess fat can prevent your clothing from fitting comfortably. Eliminating unwanted deposits of fat can slim your overall appearance. When done properly, treating fat deposits can create better abdominal definition.

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through the decision-making process so that you can achieve the look you love.
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Identify Your Tummy Type

Laxity After Weight Loss

laxity

Patients who have been overweight for a long time often find that they have significant skin laxity after their weight loss. This may be characterized by multiple folds of excess skin around the abdomen that are unsightly and painful. After weight loss, patients may also have weak abdominal muscles that require correction. Treating sagging abdominal tissues helps many people achieve the body contour they envisioned at the start of their weight loss.

Post-Pregnancy Pooch

pooch

Following pregnancy, women may find that weakened abdominal muscles cause them to develop a tummy pooch. A post-pregnancy stomach may have a limited amount of sagging skin. Women struggle to feel confident in their newly changed bodies and often become frustrated when they cannot reclaim their pre-baby body. Targeting loose abdominal muscles and correcting any excess tissue helps women regain the slim, toned appearance they may have had before pregnancy.

Age-Related Sagging

sagging

As you age, you become more prone to developing skin laxity. Diet and exercise can help maintain muscle tone, but even a healthy lifestyle cannot prevent the natural weakening of abdominal skin. Patients with age-related abdominal sagging may find that they require correction of their skin accumulation. Improving an aging abdominal contour helps many men and women maintain a vibrant, youthful appearance.

Tummy Tuck Techniques

Mini Tummy Tuck

  • A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients who require tightening of their muscles but only require limited skin removal
  • A limited incision is created low in the bikini line
  • The outer layer of tissue is pulled away from the abdominal muscles
  • Deep sutures are used to tighten the abdominal muscles
  • Any excess lower abdominal tissue is trimmed away
  • The remaining tissue is draped to highlight your new abdominal contour

Traditional Tummy Tuck

  • A traditional tummy tuck is best suited for patients who require the tightening of both their muscles and excess skin
  • An incision is created low in the pubic area that extends from hip bone to hip bone
  • An additional incision is created around the navel
  • The skin is separated from the muscles, which are then tightened using deep sutures
  • Excess skin from the lower abdomen is trimmed away
  • Your abdominal area is shaped to provide the best abdominal appearance

Extended Tummy Tuck

  • The extended tummy tuck is designed for patients after major weight loss
  • The extended tummy tuck targets unwanted folds of skin around the abdomen, flanks, and back that are a result of weight loss
  • A long incision is placed low in the pubic area that extends around the hips to the lower back
  • Excess tissue is removed from around the abdomen, flanks, and back to reveal your new, slimmer physique
  • The abdominal muscles are tightened in patients that require improvement

Recovery

Immediately following your surgery, you will experience bruising and swelling of your abdomen. A specialty compression garment should be worn to help minimize excess swelling. It is important to carefully follow your postoperative instructions to ensure quality healing and the best results possible.

Diet is an important factor in your healing process. It is necessary that you provide your body with the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs to heal following your surgery. Your diet should consist of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. However, a diet of soft foods may be best immediately following your surgery because of the side effects of the general anesthesia. A detailed list of healthy, nutrient-packed foods will be provided for you before your surgery.
Patients will be required to limit their physical activities following their procedure. You will need to rest for several days after surgery. Most patients return to work two weeks after their procedure. You can resume your regular exercise routine sometime between four and six weeks post-surgery. You shouldn’t smoke for at least six weeks following your procedure.
You will be prescribed medications to take on a routine basis following your surgery. KEFLEX® and CIPRO® (ciprofloxacin) are antibiotics used to prevent infection. Flexeril™ and Valium® are muscle relaxers used to reduce discomfort. Pain medication may also be used to relieve any additional discomfort you may feel during your recovery. medication
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Frequently Asked Questions

A: During your consultation, Dr. Ip will determine what type of anesthetic will be used for your surgery. Most patients will require the use of a general anesthetic, but others may utilize intravenous sedation.
A: Men and women considering a tummy tuck should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight-loss procedure; patients should only choose to undergo a tummy tuck when they have reached and maintained their goal weight.
A: Mild complications may develop following tummy tuck surgery which can include pain, bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, and scarring. More severe complications, such as altered skin sensation, blood clots, skin discoloration, and seroma development, are rare. Carefully follow your aftercare instructions to minimize your risk of developing postoperative complications.
A: The intensity and length of your scarring will depend on the technique used for your procedure and your body’s natural healing process. While some mild scarring may develop, it will occur low along the pubic area and can be easily concealed with clothing. Any scarring that does develop is likely to fade over time.
A: Tummy tuck surgery is designed to provide a firmer abdominal profile with long-term results. Once the initial swelling subsides, your final results should last you years. It is important to maintain a stable weight following your surgery in order to preserve the quality of your results.
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