Over time, the abdomen can undergo many changes. From giving birth to losing a substantial amount of weight, a tummy tuck can be the perfect solution to reshape the tummy and regain your self-confidence.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, known formally as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure where excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal region. This procedure does wonders for recontouring the shape of the tummy and improving its overall appearance.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction

When you’re dealing with excess fat around your abdominal region, you may be wondering if a tummy tuck or liposuction is the best solution for you. The truth is that while these procedures may seem similar, there are stark differences. Liposuction deals mainly with removing excess fat from the body. A tummy tuck includes fat removal, but it also involves eliminating sagging skin at the abdomen. With an abdominoplasty, you’ll experience a toning and reshaping of the abdominal region to create a better overall appearance for your body.

Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tucks

Tummy tucks are recommended for patients who are looking to improve the appearance of their abdominal region. Those who have recently given birth, lost a significant amount of weight, and those suffering from lax abdomen skin due to aging are ideal candidates for this medical procedure. A tummy tuck is not recommended for those with a body mass index over 30, anyone who plans to become pregnant, and individuals diagnosed with severe chronic conditions.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

If you believe that a tummy tuck is the ideal choice to enhance your appearance, then you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a licensed professional. During your consultation, you can expect to give your medical history and discuss your expectations for the cosmetic procedure. Maintaining a consistent weight and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking are recommended to ensure optimal procedure results.

During this procedure, you’ll be put under general anesthesia. Incisions will be made between the belly button and pubic region, where excess skin and fat will be strategically removed. Permanent sutures are placed in the connective tissue that lies atop the abdomen to ensure a tight and toned look. This procedure typically takes between two and three hours to complete.

After the procedure, surgical dressing will be placed over the incision sites to ensure protection against infection. Small drain tubes may be placed at the incision sites to allow excess fluid to drain from the body during recovery. An abdominal binder should be worn for up to six weeks after the tummy tuck procedure to not only provide support for the abdominal region but also to prevent fluid buildup.

The Importance of a Professional Consultation

When you’re looking for alternatives to liposuction, like a tummy tuck, it’s imperative that you take the time to get a professional consultation. This will ensure that you will be adequately assessed and prepared for the procedure.

Tummy tucks are a great way to help reshape and restore tightness in the abdominal region. If you feel self-conscious about your sagging skin or excess abdominal fat, then talking with a licensed surgeon can help to determine if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you.