A flat belly is a fitness and beauty goal for many. Magazines and television ads make it seem easily attainable with diet and exercise, but for most people, there are obstacles to achieving a slimmer profile that aren’t so simple to overcome. Genetics can determine where your body stores stubborn fat, pregnancy can stretch muscles and change the shape of your abdomen, and drastic weight loss can leave loose, excess skin that will not tighten on its own. If you feel less confident in your physique because of a protruding belly or excess abdominal fat and skin, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Tummy tuck surgery is not intended for weight loss. Instead, the goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten stretched muscles and remove excess skin and fat that are not responding to diet and exercise.
There are several different approaches to tummy tuck surgery. The technique for you will depend on the extent of your concerns, and your surgeon can tailor a combination of tummy tuck options to your needs. A consultation at the Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center can help determine which tummy tuck approach is right for you.
A flat stomach is a common goal for many. However, it can be difficult to achieve with diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck works to flatten the stomach, creating a more slender, sculpted, and muscular look.
Stretch marks are common on men and women, but many individuals are self-conscious of them. A tummy tuck can eliminate stretch marks on the lower abdomen if they are on the portion of the skin that is removed.
In addition to improving your body’s appearance, a tummy tuck surgically tightens the weakened abdominal muscles, resulting in improved posture and core strength, which can help alleviate body pain.
Your tummy tuck surgery will be performed using general anesthesia to eliminate any pain during the procedure. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medication can be taken to combat any discomfort during your recovery. However, we inject EXPAREL® during surgery, which is a nerve block that lasts for several days after the procedure to prevent pain.
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery will require a lot of rest to ensure proper healing. We recommend taking two weeks off from work and normal daily responsibilities, after which your surgeon can clear you to return to light activity. Strenuous activity like exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks post-op.
Although some patients see tummy tuck results immediately, full results may take up to six months to be visible. Results will gradually improve with time.