An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure that tightens and tones the abdominal region through removing excess skin and fat, resulting in a flatter and firmer stomach.
The procedure involves making incisions on the abdominal area, tightening the skin together, removing the excess skin, and preforming liposuction to remove unwanted fat.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairs any abdominal muscles that may have been separated by pregnancy, weight gain, or aging.
After a tummy tuck, patients enjoy a flatter abdominal contour and shape.
The procedure will tighten up muscles and the abdominal core.
Often used in mommy makeovers for mothers wishing to repair muscles that have been separated after having children.
Typically, a tummy tuck scar would stop at the hip bones, however, Dr. Lloreda takes it further to the sides to take away even more excess skin.
This allows patients to remove love handles and a stronger sculpting of the body.
It is simply the name of the procedure itself.
Many surgeons do not do liposuction all the way around the body, but Dr. Lloreda takes the time to sculpt the body all the way around.
This includes the back, flanks, abdomen, bra line, and waistline to ensure the body is in proportion.
Different types of patients may benefit from a tummy tuck for a variety of reasons.
The best candidate is someone who is otherwise healthy, does not smoke, and is at or near their ideal body weight.
Patients that may benefit from a tummy tuck include those who after diet and exercise still have an abdomen that protrude or have excess skin.
Also, those who experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose skin around the abdomen.
Other patients that may benefit are those who as a result of pregnancy are left with stretched, separated abdominal muscles.
This is the most common type of tummy tuck and focuses on restoring the shape and contour of the abdominal area.
The incision is typically made above the pubic hairline and below the belly button, and travels from hip to hip.
During this type of tummy tuck, the six-pack muscles can be reconstructed if needed.
Also, during this procedure the belly button is repositioned after the excess skin and fat have been removed.
This is an alternative to the classic tummy tuck that works for those who have a small amount of excess skin below the belly button, also called a ‘pooch.’
Just like the classic tummy tuck, the incision is made above the pubic hairline, but it is much shorter and may only be a few inches long.
Unlike in the classic tummy tuck, in a mini tummy tuck the belly button is not repositioned and there are no incisions around the belly button.
This type of tummy tuck benefits those who have excess tissue not only in the abdominal area but also the hip or lower back ‘love handle’ regions.
This involves an incision that is placed above the pubic hairline and travels around to the back of each hip.
Also, just like in the classic tummy tuck, the six-pack muscles can be repaired and the belly button will be repositioned after the excess tissue is removed.
Some patients have a lower abdominal area that is toned but have an upper abdominal area that has excess skin and fat.
For these patients a classic tummy tuck would not be of much benefit, instead, a reverse tummy tuck is recommended.
The incision is placed under the chest or breasts, the excess skin and fat are removed, and the upper abdomen is tightened upwards.
A Tummy tuck can safely be combined with a number of other procedures.
One of the most common procedures that is combined with a tummy tuck is liposuction.
Also, the commonly used term “Mommy Makeover” refers to a combination of procedures that usually encompasses a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a breast procedure such as a lift or implant placement.
Combining surgeries is not something that may be appropriate for everyone and it’s something that would be determined by the surgeon at the time of consultation.
Patients usually take one to two weeks off from work; however, a more physically demanding job will require more time off.
It is generally recommended to remain active with light activities such as walking but refrain from doing anything strenuous for the first four weeks after surgery.
After four weeks, patients usually begin to ease into more physically demanding activities such as going back to the gym.
After surgery most patients are placed in a compression garment or an abdominal binder. These will be used for approximately four to six weeks to help reduce swelling.
In some cases, drains are placed during surgery. These are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery once the output is low enough.
As far as pain goes, most patients can manage their post-procedure discomfort with just a few days of pain medications.
Also, you will be slightly bent at the waist while standing or laying down for approximately seven to 10 days after surgery in order to protect the incision and allow the skin to properly heal.
This is a very common question, and the answer depends on the location of the stretch marks.
If they are below the belly button, yes, these will be removed at the time of surgery.
However, I the stretch marks are above the belly button, they will not be removed by the surgery.
With stable weight, tummy tuck results will last over time.
However, a significant gain or loss in weight or pregnancy might affect the long-term results
The surgeon will first obtain a careful medical history and speak to the patient about specific desires and goals.
Then he or she will perform a physical exam and likely take pictures as well.
Once all this information is gathered, the surgeon will work to tailor a specific procedure or procedures, to best achieve the patient’s goals.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck procedure, Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lloreda at the Williams Center today.
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