A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps shape the body’s midsection. Plastic surgeons remove excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles to flatten the stomach and waist area. Here are some reasons a tummy tuck may be the right option for you:
Your Midsection Is a Stubborn Area
If you are getting close to your goal weight and your midsection is not responding to your current diet and exercise plan, a tummy tuck can help. Often, this stubborn area is related to excess abdominal tissue or skin, making a tummy tuck an effective option to target and contour the area. A tummy tuck helps to slim down the waistline and flatten the overall stomach area.
You Want a Refresh After Pregnancy
Your midsection may have stretched skin and muscles after going through pregnancy. Diastasis recti, a condition where abdominal muscles separate abnormally, is also a possible issue after having children. Once your family is complete, a tummy tuck can refresh your body by tightening those muscles. It also will remove the unwanted “apron” belly.
You Notice Skin Folds
If you catch a side glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice extra creases or folds that hang lower than you like, a tummy tuck will address those concerns. Hanging skin is common after significant weight loss. Loose or sagging skin around the midsection is not typically treatable through non-invasive treatments. This makes a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery the ideal treatment. If you want to wear a swimming suit or tight-fitting clothing with added confidence, Somerset Plastic Surgery can help.
You Have Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition that causes involuntary urine leakage when pressure is applied to the urethra. Coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion are likely culprits for SUI. A tummy tuck alleviates these issues by tightening the muscles and soft tissues around the bladder, pelvic floor, and urethra. This allows the area to stay tight during pressure to prevent bladder leakage.
You Suffer From Back Pain
If your back pain is caused by weak or separated stomach muscles, a tummy tuck helps mitigate that pain. Weakened core muscles place a burden on your back as your body tries to compensate for the lack of strength. A tummy tuck pulls together and reattaches those muscles, which aids in the recovery of core strength. This will relieve some tension on your back and can help to eliminate many types of back pain.
Different Options for Tummy Tucks
There are a few different types of tummy tucks to contemplate when looking at cosmetic surgery options. A full tummy tuck addresses weakened abdominal muscles and excess skin. It is not intended as a weight loss surgery, but you can include liposuction to further reduce excess fat. The mini tummy tuck is designed to remove stubborn pocket areas of fat and is a smaller procedure than the full tummy tuck. An extended tummy tuck is a more extensive procedure. It is intended to address concerns around the stomach, hips, and lower back. Liposuction is commonly used for contouring and fat removal, and the belly button is often repositioned before the incision is closed. Discuss your options in a consultation with our plastic surgeons to find out which would apply best to your situation.
Factors of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgeries will leave a permanent scar and require a significant recovery period. The scar runs hip to hip and is low enough that a bikini will cover it. At Somerset Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are careful with incisions, and the scar will fade over time. Surgical drains will be put in place to avoid a buildup of blood or fluids and will remain for about one to two weeks. You will need to be at a stable weight before the procedure because weight fluctuations afterward may require revision surgery. Liposuction can be added to the procedure, but the details will need to be addressed with the plastic surgeon before making a surgery appointment.
Healing will take some time, and in the first several weeks you may not notice the benefits due to stiffness, bruising, and swelling. You will begin to notice the results after about six weeks. You may feel tingling or numbness around the incision, but that should subside slowly. After a few months, you should feel back to normal, but full healing can take over six months.
Consult With Us About Your Cosmetic Surgery
A significant cosmetic surgery such as a tummy tuck should start with a consultation with an expert plastic surgeon. Our surgeons are available to discuss concerns and questions regarding tummy tuck procedures or other services to help you get the results you desire. If you are interested in getting a tummy tuck, contact us to explore your options.