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.