Excess skin and loose abdominal muscles are common occurrences after weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Sometimes diet and exercise can’t bring your tummy to your ideal shape, which is why many people look into getting an abdominoplasty.
An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, is a procedure that tightens the loose skin and relaxed muscles in the abdominal region. In this procedure, the abdominal muscles are sutured, excess fat is removed and the skin is tightened to reveal a flat tummy.
There are multiple techniques for performing this procedure ranging from a mini abdominoplasty to a full abdominoplasty. In your initial consult, your surgeon will help you determine which technique will allow you to realistically reach your goals.
An abdominoplasty is not a substitution for weight loss. While the results of an abdominoplasty are generally permanent, large fluctuations in weight will diminish the effects of the surgery. Those who are planning for future pregnancy or weight loss are advised to postpone this procedure. Although an abdominoplasty does not correct stretch marks, the visibility of current stretch marks may decrease depending on their location and stretch marks present on excised skin will be removed.
Recovery time for an abdominoplasty varies among patients. The first few weeks after the surgery should be dedicated to rest and avoiding complications. After the initial few weeks, you should be able to regain mobility and light exercise. You can start to check the aesthetic results of your abdominoplasty a few months after the surgery.
When to consider an abdominoplasty:
• Diet and exercise fail to minimize excess skin, fat or stretch marks
• The shape of your abdomen has been affected by pregnancy or massive weight loss
• Self confidence is low due to abdominal shape and/our contour
Other cosmetic procedures that may be performed with an abdominoplasty include:
• Mommy makeover, in which other procedures are combined with abdominoplasty
General info:
• Performed under general anesthesia
• Outpatient procedure
