Tummy Tuck in Pensacola serving Gulf Breeze, FL
A good plastic surgeon can provide the cosmetic procedures you need to feel better about your body or to help tighten areas after extreme weight loss. Like any invasive surgery, you want to ensure that you're in good hands under an experienced practitioner, which you can find at Ortega Plastic Surgery. Dr. Marcus Ortega is a local plastic surgeon who can help you with many procedures, such as an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
This procedure is cosmetic surgery where your surgeon removes excessive fat and skin from the abdominal area. In addition to this removal, he will tighten the underlying muscles to create a more attractive abdominal contour. People often need this type of surgery after they've lost a large amount of weight. It can be part of a mommy makeover due to the stretching in the midsection area after a pregnancy. As the body ages, one may experience sagging and loose skin, which a tuck can fix.
The Process
During this procedure, the first step is a consultation with your surgeon. Your surgeon will evaluate your abdominal area and discuss your medical history to see if you're a good candidate for the procedure. If approved for surgery, you'll be placed under anesthesia, and your doctor will make an incision along the lower abdomen, usually between the belly button and pubic hairline. Next, your surgeon removes excess skin and fat while using sutures to tighten the abdominal muscles.
Dr. Ortega will create a firmer abdominal contour by pulling down your remaining skin, adjusting your belly button position, and closing the incisions.
The Recovery
The healing process usually involves rest and wearing a compression garment. Your doctor will advise you to avoid straining yourself and always follow post-care instructions completely. After surgery, you may experience some swelling and pain in the area, but the compression garment will help. Avoid strenuous exercises or anything that can cause your stitches or sutures to come out of place. Expect to wear your compression garment for about six weeks, but a full recovery may take about two months.