TUMMY TUCK

Pregnancy, weight fluctuations and the aging process can all cause the abdominal skin and muscles to become stretched irreversibly. While a healthy diet and exercise routine are considered to be the two main pillars of weight loss, they often do nothing to correct skin laxity or weakened and separated abdominal muscles. Fat distribution also tends to increase as you age, often resulting in the formation of a stubborn bulge on your lower stomach.

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, works to correct these concerns around the midsection by eliminating loose, excess skin and fat around the belly, as well as tightening abdominal muscles that have weakened over time. This procedure can also serve to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the abdomen, restoring a smoother and more youthful-looking abdominal region. Dr. Bazzi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing tummy tuck procedures to help men and women to achieve the flatter and more toned stomach they desire.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN A TUMMY TUCK PROVIDE?

Patients may choose to undergo tummy tuck surgery for a variety of personal and aesthetic reasons and concerns, commonly following significant weight loss or pregnancy. When performed by an experienced and highly-skilled plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can be a highly rewarding experience that boasts a variety of benefits, such as:

  • Reducing stubborn fat around the midsection that is unresponsive to diet and exercise

  • Removing loose, excess skin around the abdominal area

  • Tightening separated or weakened abdominal muscles

  • Achieving a firmer, flatter and more defined abdomen

  • More comfortable and flattering fit to your wardrobe

  • Enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?

Traditional tummy tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery, and may utilize general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation depending on the extent of your concerns and whether any additional operations will be performed. Dr. Bazzi will recommend which option is ideal for you during your initial consultation. First, a horizontal incision is made between your navel and pubic bone. The length of this incision will usually stretch from hip to hip but will depend on the degree of correction required for your needs.

Through this incision, Dr. Bazzi will repair and suture weakened abdominal muscles, and remove any excess fat, tissues and skin from the region. Your remaining skin will be draped over your tightened muscles, and your naval may be relocated to a more natural-looking position if necessary. The incisions will then be closed, and bandages will be applied to the area.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?

The duration of your recovery after tummy tuck surgery will vary from patient to patient and depends on a variety of factors, such as the extent of your surgery, your age and the rate in which your body heals. You can expect to experience some discomfort the first few days of your recovery and will be required to wear a compression garment to aid in the healing process. Most tummy tuck patients can expect to return to many of their daily activities in just a few days, and return to work within two weeks of recovery.

As you are healing, it is vital to limit your physical activity and strenuous exercises as directed by Dr. Bazzi. Your final results can take a few months to appear as swelling subsides and your skin conforms to your new abdominal contour. After your surgery, Dr. Bazzi will inform you of all postoperative instructions so that you can take proper care of your body for a positive recovery experience.

WHAT RESULTS CAN A TUMMY TUCK ACHIEVE?

Shortly after your tummy tuck surgery, initial improvements should be noticeable almost immediately. Your stomach will appear flatter and better proportioned with your body shape, though it will take a few weeks for residual swelling in the area to entirely subside. You can expect the final outcome of your tummy tuck surgery to be long-lasting so long as you maintain your current weight and a healthy lifestyle. Your beautiful new tummy will remain flatter, smoother and more aesthetically-pleasing for a lifetime with proper care.

WHAT PROCEDURES COMPLEMENT A TUMMY TUCK?

If you’ve had children or lost a significant amount of weight, other areas of your body may have excess, sagging skin or stubborn fat deposits in addition to your stomach. If you have additional areas of concern, Dr. Bazzi can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that combines other cosmetic or body contouring procedures to help you reach your aesthetic goals. A tummy tuck surgery is frequently paired with liposuction, arm lifts, thigh lifts or breast enhancement procedures for patients to restore the contours of multiple regions of their figures.

IS A TUMMY TUCK RIGHT FOR ME?

As a tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy and active lifestyle or a solution for weight loss, Dr. Bazzi recommends that his tummy tuck patients be committed to good habits already, but also unable to slim and firm their abdomen with diet and exercise alone. The ideal patients for tummy tuck surgery are candidates who have achieved a stable weight within a reasonable range for their body, and who are prepared to maintain this weight after their procedure. Women who may be planning to have children in the future or individuals who intend to lose a significant amount of weight should wait before undergoing tummy tuck surgery, as both of these scenarios can reverse the positive effects of this procedure.

Certain major life events such as childbearing, significant weight fluctuations or the natural changes that come with aging can each take a toll on your body with excess, loose skin and stretched, weakened muscles in the abdominal region. If you have a stubborn belly that doesn’t budge despite your healthy lifestyle, a tummy tuck surgery may be right for you. If you would like to discover more about tummy tuck procedures, call the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery today at 734-237-6632 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bazzi.