What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat, as well as restore weakened muscles for a smoother, firmer abdomen. There are many factors that can lead to the need for a tummy tuck, including aging, heredity, prior surgery, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging or you have a belly that protrudes and lacks tone. However, a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure and you should not undergo this surgery if you have a BMI over 30. If you are a woman you should also be done having children, as further pregnancy can negatively impact results. To learn more about if this procedure is right for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation appointment.
The Procedure
There are three main types of tummy tucks including:
Mini Tummy Tuck:
A mini tummy tuck is a good option for those with a small pooch or loose skin or stretch marks below the belly button. A single incision is created just above the pubic mound, through which loose muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed.
Full Tummy Tuck:
A full tummy tuck focuses on the length of the abdominal wall. A horizontal incision is created above the pubic mound and excess skin will be removed and abdominal muscles tightened. Sometimes, another incision is needed around the naval to eliminate excess skin above the belly button.
Extended Tummy Tuck:
An extended tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have lost a large amount of weight or have experienced multiple pregnancies and are now left with excess, sagging skin. A longer incision is created to remove excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen, and flanks. The abdominal wall is also tightened.
Recovery
Following a tummy tuck, you may need to wear a special compression garment to help minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. Small tubes may also be placed under the skin to drain away any excess fluid. Our team will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your surgical sites, how to properly take medications, and when to follow up with your surgeon. Depending on the nature of your job, you may be able to return to work after 2-4 weeks.
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Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about a tummy tuck and if it is right for you, contact North Valley Cosmetic Surgery today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment at our Scottsdale, AZ office to get started.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Are tummy tucks dangerous?
Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?
Incision sites on the stomach may fail to heal leading to infections and complications. There may be a collection of blood under the operated skin (hematoma). Many patients experience constipation following their tummy tucks.
Can I walk after tummy tuck?
By the end of the week, you should be able to engage in light activity or household chores and walk without assistance. Week Two: By the end of week two, you should be able to walk twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes, a habit you can form now that will help you succeed in staying fit after your tummy tuck.
Can you get a tummy tuck if youre obese?
If you are overweight, but not considered obese, you may still qualify for tummy tuck surgery. You will see optimal results if you are already close to your ideal weight. However, even if you arent yet at your goal weight, it may still be a good idea to meet personally with board-certified plastic surgeon
Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?
The incision required to perform tummy tuck will leave a horizontal scar along your lower abdomen. The scar will fade in the months following surgery, but it will never completely disappear.
Do you have to be skinny to get a tummy tuck?
It is important that you be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck. Most surgeons will recommend patients be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight. This is important as gaining or losing additional weight can undo the contoured shape achieved through your surgery.
Does a tummy tuck tighten muscles?
After extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies, stomach muscles can become distended, and diet and exercise alone cannot help. A tummy tuck surgically tightens weak muscles, while removing excess skin and fat, to flatten the abdomen. Weak abdominal muscles are often associated with lordosis, or sway back.
How are tummy tucks done?
During the typical tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon makes incisions to remove most of the skin and fat between your bellybutton and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. Connective tissue (fascia) that lies over the abdominal muscles is then tightened with permanent sutures.
How long after a tummy tuck can you drink?
If youve had a relatively minor plastic surgery, you can resume drinking after a few weeks. For more involved cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), you may need to avoid alcohol for several weeks.
How long do tummy tucks last?
By leading a reasonably active lifestyle and eating a healthy and nutritious diet, your tummy tuck results could last for a lifetime. Of course, the opposite is also true: if you become inactive or make food choices that are known to cause health and weight problems, you can quickly undo the results of your procedure.
How long do you wear a binder after surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery you have, an abdominal binder may be worn for up to six weeks or for the full the duration of your recovery. As you heal, your doctor may let you wear the binder less. You can also purchase abdominal binders at most drugstores or medical supply stores
How long does it take to lose weight after a tummy tuck?
Many Women Have Long-Term Weight Loss after Tummy Tuck, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Most Overweight Patients Show Lasting Weight Loss One Year after Abdominoplasty
How much does it cost for a tummy tuck?
The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
How much weight can you lose having a tummy tuck?
The amount of weight a patient loses after a tummy tuck will vary, depending on the extent of the procedure. In most cases, patients lose a minimal amount, typically under five pounds. Other patients with more extensive loose skin may lose between 5 – 10 pounds, and, sometimes, even more.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
At the beginning, you will be fatigued, swollen and sore. It is normal to have moderate pain during these first several days, although this will steadily improve. It is vital to allow yourself time to focus on rest and healing.
Is it easier to lose weight after a tummy tuck?
With a full tuck, you will lose more weight than you would with a mini tuck because you probably have more excess skin and fat to be removed. Finally, the opportunity to lose the most weight after abdominoplasty is reserved for clients who choose an extended tuck.
What qualifies you for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are those who have loose skin, excess fat, or are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. Whether genetics, pregnancy, weight loss, a previous surgery, or the aging process has caused loose or sagging skin in your abdomen, this procedure can resolve it.
When can I start working out after tummy tuck?
At around 7-10 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure, you should be cleared to ease into your normal exercise routine. You can begin doing crunches, sit ups, and planks, as long as you progressively increase your repetitions. We recommend focusing on performing these exercises with impeccable form.
When can I wear regular clothes after tummy tuck?
Most swelling and inflammation from tummy tuck surgery subsides after four to six weeks. Once you have been cleared by Dr. Dauwe, you can begin to have fun with your clothing selection. A shopping trip is a wonderful way to embrace your new body and reward yourself at the end of recovery.
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck?
13 Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Tummy TucknYou Have Loose Skin Around Your Abdomen. ...nYou Are Fairly Healthy. ...nYou Have Realistic Expectations About the Results. ...nYou Are Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle. ...nYou Have Had a Baby or Been Obese. ...nYou Are Done Being Pregnant. ...nYou Are Not Planning to Lose More Weight.
Can you get pregnant after tummy tuck?
Is it possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck? Barring any complications with fertility, yes; women can get pregnant after a tummy tuck. Can a tummy tuck accommodate a growing belly? The abdominal wall of a woman is designed to stretch and widen to accommodate a growing fetus.
Can you lose weight after tummy tuck?
Many Women Have Long-Term Weight Loss after Tummy Tuck, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Most Overweight Patients Show Lasting Weight Loss One Year after Abdominoplasty.
Do men get tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a very popular procedure for many women after pregnancy. This procedure, however, is not limited in popularity to only women. A growing number of men are choosing to have a tummy tuck, and plastic surgery procedures overall are becoming more common in the male demographic.
Do tummy tucks work?
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck wont correct stretch marks outside of this area.
How can I lose my stomach fat?
19 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science)nEat plenty of soluble fiber. ...nAvoid foods that contain trans fats. ...nDont drink too much alcohol. ...nEat a high protein diet. ...nReduce your stress levels. ...nDont eat a lot of sugary foods. ...nDo aerobic exercise (cardio) ...nCut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.
How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:nFluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. ...nPoor wound healing. ...nUnexpected scarring. ...nTissue damage. ...nChanges in skin sensation.
How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?
In preparing for tummy tuck surgery, you may be asked to:nGet lab testing or a medical evaluation.nTake certain medications or adjust your current medications.nStop smoking.nAvoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.
How early does your stomach get hard when pregnant?
Hardening is mostly due to excessive stretching of abdominal muscles. This generally happens around weeks 7 and 8, and it is normal for the lower abdomen to appear more swollen and harder than when you were not pregnancy.
How long is pain after tummy tuck?
After surgery, youll usually have some discomfort in your lower abdomen and mons pubis. Youll notice mild bruising and swelling soon after surgery thatll typically last 2 to 3 weeks.
How long will a tummy tuck last?
By leading a reasonably active lifestyle and eating a healthy and nutritious diet, your tummy tuck results could last for a lifetime. Of course, the opposite is also true: if you become inactive or make food choices that are known to cause health and weight problems, you can quickly undo the results of your procedure.
How many pounds can you lose with liposuction?
The reality is that most patients only lose about two to five pounds in total. The best candidates, in fact, are generally within 30 percent of a healthy weight range and have localized fat pockets they would like to reduce.
How many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck?
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
What are the side effects of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:nFluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. ...nPoor wound healing. ...nUnexpected scarring. ...nTissue damage. ...nChanges in skin sensation.
What do you eat after tummy tuck?
Eat protein – Meat, beans, eggs (or egg whites), and dairy products like yogurt are all high in protein which is critical for your recovery process. Vitamins fight infection – Get plenty of Vitamins A and C in order to fight infection. Vitamin A is found in eggs, dairy, and cod liver oil.
What does a tummy tuck usually cost?
While it is impossible to make an accurate cost estimate without a personal consultation, tummy tuck expenses generally range from $7,000 to $12,000. This range includes fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, operating facility, post-operative care, and other associated costs. After your consultation with Dr.
What is the best girdle to wear after a tummy tuck?
Our most popular stomach compression garment is the side fastening girdle – ideal for use after abdominoplasty or liposuction. They offer medical-grade, highly compressive qualities built into soft and comfortable fabric to ensure you can wear them everyday.
Why would you need a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton.
Will a tummy tuck make my stomach flat?
A tummy tuck can create a new, flat abdomen by removing extra fat. This can be a great, life-changing procedure if youve been carrying extra fat around your stomach area and cant get rid of it. However, it can only do so much in giving you a toned, contoured abdomen
