Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
With the tummy tuck, we can help to smooth out and tighten the skin of the patient’s abdomen. There is no reason for people to continue living with excess skin or stubborn fat that does not go away, no matter how much time someone spends in a gym.
If you have any amount of excess skin or fat on your stomach and abdomen, then a tummy tuck procedure is the solution you need.
As a plastic surgeon in Williamsville, NY, we strive to provide patients with the quality medical procedures they need to change their body’s appearance in a variety of ways. We understand that everyone has something about their body they wish they could change. For other people, a tummy tuck is the second step in a weight loss process.
Many people will lose weight and reach their weight goal, only to find the excess skin remains. Even after losing the weight, the skin was stretched and remains that way once the weight is gone. With a tummy tuck, we can help to remove the excess skin and tighten the remaining skin for a smoother appearance.
Benefits of a tummy tuck includes:
- Flattening the abdomen
- Removing excess fat and skin
- Tightening the muscles in the abdomen wall
- Having a more proportionate-sized abdomen to the rest of one’s body
Reasons for a Tummy Tuck
The causes of excess fat and skin can vary per patient. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not liposuction and is not a viable substitute for weight loss. Along with that, a tummy tuck does not remove stretch marks. Reasons for why a patient may want a tummy tuck include:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
- Previously botched surgery
- Sudden and drastic changes in weight
Patients following a pregnancy may notice the skin on their abdomen continues to sag even after losing excess pregnancy weight. We can remove the stubborn bits of fat along with excess skin in the abdomen. We will also tighten the muscles in the abdomen wall.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
One factor that people need to realize is that a tummy tuck is not for everyone. For instance, women planning to get pregnant should not get a tummy tuck until after they are done having children. Since a tummy tuck is not an alternative to weight loss, people planning on losing a lot of weight should speak with us about other options first.
If the patient is a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, then we will establish the patient’s goals and desires for this procedure. There are several steps the patient needs to take in order to prepare for the tummy tuck, which includes:
- Stop smoking cigarettes for two weeks before and two weeks after the procedure
- Not beginning an extreme diet before the procedure
- Notify us of any and all medications the patient is taking
- Have ice packs, loose/comfortable clothing and petroleum jelly at home
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
The Tummy Tuck Treatment Process
Depending on the patient and the type of procedure, the incision will vary in size. Along with that, the procedure can take anywhere from one to five hours. Once the patient is asleep from the anesthesia, we will make the incision. Next, we will contour the skin, tissue and muscles as necessary. In cases, where the incision is only partial, we may only need to treat fat deposits beneath the navel.
Once complete, we will close the incision. No matter the type of procedure, the patent will need to prepare for follow-up care. For instance, the patient will experience pain and swelling in the days after the surgery. While we can subscribe painkillers, having icepacks at home can help to relieve pain. The stomach area we treat will need to be bandaged for a while after the surgery.
We will go over all the proper follow-up steps the patient needs to follow for a full recovery. If you are interested in a tummy tuck to help tighten the skin on your abdomen, give us a call and schedule an appointment today.
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as “abdominoplasty,” is a procedure that produces a flatter and more slender abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure can also tighten stretched abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned midsection.
Do I need a tummy tuck?
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, a tummy tuck may be right for you:
How can a tummy tuck help?
Tighten Abdominal MusclesPregnancy, natural aging, and weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to become stretched and separated. These loose muscles often cause the abdomen to permanently protrude from the body, and it is next to impossible to completely repair these muscles through exercise. After the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, your abdominal muscles are tightened to improve definition and shape in the midsection.
Remove Stretch MarksWeight gain and pregnancy are nearly always accompanied by stretch marks as the skin expands. Stretch marks that appear on the skin of the lower abdomen are eliminated as this excess skin is removed.
Eliminate Stubborn FatPatients who have achieved a healthy weight are often left with areas of fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be performed during the tummy tuck procedure to remove this stubborn fat and produce a more slender midsection.
Improved ConfidenceSagging skin, excess fat, and weak muscles in the abdominal region can cause embarrassment and detract from a person’s self-confidence. Tummy tuck surgery eliminates these problems to produce a flatter and more attractive abdominal area that you won’t be afraid to show off.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?A. The results of a tummy tuck are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?A. The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you and your desires to help determine the cost of your procedure.
Q. Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?A. Health insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck if it is undergone solely for cosmetic purposes. However, your surgeon will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage. You may wish to contact your health insurance provider to learn the details of your coverage.
Q. Will scarring exist?A. The incision for tummy tuck surgery is strategically placed along the lower abdomen so that the resulting scar can easily be hidden beneath undergarments and bathing suits. Your scar will continue to improve and fade over time, and protecting it from the sun will help prevent it from darkening.
Contact Us
Artesia Plastic Surgery is located at
6044 Main St Suite 106
Williamsville, NY
14221