Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as “abdominoplasty”, is a procedure that produces a flatter and more slender abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure can also tighten stretched abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned midsection.
Do I need a tummy tuck?
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, a tummy tuck may be right for you:
- Are diet and exercises unable to achieve the abdominal appearance you desire?
- Do you have excess fat and hanging skin following weight loss or pregnancy?
- Does your abdomen have a loss of skin elasticity or diastasis recti (stretched or separated abdominal muscles) due to pregnancy or aging?
- Do you want to remove unsightly skin and fat deposits, as well as properly align your abdominal muscles, to produce a more flattering appearance?
How can a tummy tuck help?
Tighten Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy, natural aging, and weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to become stretched and separated. These loose muscles often cause the abdomen to permanently protrude from the body, and it is extremely difficult to completely repair these muscles through exercise. After the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, your abdominal muscles are tightened to improve definition and shape in the midsection.
Remove Stretch Marks
Weight gain and pregnancy are nearly always accompanied by stretch marks as the skin expands. Stretch marks that appear on the skin of the lower abdomen are eliminated as this excess skin is removed.
Eliminate Stubborn Fat
Patients who have achieved a healthy weight are often left with areas of fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be performed during the tummy tuck procedure to remove this stubborn fat and produce a more slender appearance.
Improved Confidence
Sagging skin, excess fat and weak muscles in the abdominal region can cause embarrassment and detract from a person’s self-confidence. Tummy tuck surgery eliminates these problems to produce a flatter and more attractive abdominal area that you won’t be afraid to show off.
An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.
Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.
The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.
Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.
After surgery the patient has flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.Tummy Tuck FAQ
A. The results of a tummy tuck are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy. Abdominal muscle toning exercises are a component of shape maintenance and usually begin at 6-8 weeks after the date of procedure.
A. The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Knowling will evaluate you, listen to your desires regarding body shape and size to help determine the cost of your procedure.
A. Health insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck if it is undergone solely for cosmetic purposes. However, Dr. Knowling will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage. You may wish to contact your health insurance provider to learn the details of your coverage.
A. The incision for tummy tuck surgery is strategically placed along the lower abdomen so that the resulting scar can easily be hidden beneath undergarments and bathing suits. Your scar will continue to improve and fade over time, and protecting it from the sun will help prevent it from darkening.
A. Most patients plan for a two week recovery off work, some longer. Exercise activities can generally resume in a limited fashion at two weeks after the date of the procedure. Strenuous exertion or resistance training usually resumes at six weeks.
Have additional questions about the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure? Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Knowling for further information.
