A Complete Guide to Tummy Tuck

Following pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, diet, exercise and non-invasive body contouring procedures can help restore some tone and firmness to the abdomen.

But often times, there’s only so much that they can do for skin and abdominal muscles that have been significantly stretched.

If this is you, then it may be time to consider a surgical approach. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, remains among the top five plastic surgery procedures and is a safe, effective, and reliable way to tighten your abdomen and reshape your midsection.

Continue reading to learn all about abdominoplasty, including: How it works; Who’s a good candidate; What to expect from the procedure; Recovery; and Cost.

Here’s a complete guide to tummy tuck.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that addresses loose skin, stretch marks, and muscle separation in order to achieve a more toned and youthful-looking abdomen.

It’s well-suited for patients who have a considerable amount of skin and muscle laxity, which cannot be repaired through diet, exercise, or non-invasive treatments.

What’s the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck?

The key differences between a full and a mini tummy tuck are the length of the incision and the amount of skin that can be removed.

More specifically, a classic tummy tuck treats abdominal areas that are above and below the belly button. It involves a horizontal incision and a u-shaped incision for sufficient access to the upper and lower abdomen. This option is ideal for patients with general roundness to their mid-section.

In comparison, a mini tummy tuck targets loose skin and muscles in the area below the belly button and requires a single horizontal incision in the lower abdomen. Accordingly, it tends to be a good fit for individuals that are bothered by a bulging lower abdomen.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

Patients often decide to undergo an abdominoplasty following pregnancy or significant weight loss. In many cases, they have tried diet, exercise, and other methods that were ineffective in a tightening abdominal muscles and firming skin.

A majority of these individuals are women in their 40s and 50s, who are done having children, and want to achieve a flatter abdomen and feel more confident about their bodies.

With that being said, a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Kelly Bolden at Cultura, is the best way to determine candidacy for a tummy tuck or any other cosmetic procedure.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Depending on the type of abdominoplasty, one or more incisions are made in order to lift loose skin and reunite the rectus abdominis muscles below. Once abdominal muscles have been tightened, skin is pulled taut and excess skin is trimmed away.

Liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to remove pockets of fat and produce a leaner midsection.

At the end of the treatment, drains are inserted to collect fluid and help skin stick to muscles.

What Can Patients Expect from Tummy Tuck Recovery?

A tummy tuck is an out-patient procedure, and in most cases, patients are free to return home after surgery. However, they will need to be accompanied back to their residence by a responsible adult, who can assist them for the first 48-72 hours.

It’s also recommended that patients take two weeks off from work and the gym. Most are able to resume their normal routine by five weeks.

Additionally, patients may feel significant abdominal tightness and have difficulty standing erect for several days to a week. Drains are typically removed after 1 week.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Tummy tuck cost can vary based on a number of factors including geographic location, surgeon expertise and experience, and individual treatment plan.

Interested in a Tummy Tuck?

If you are considering a tummy tuck, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Kelly Bolden, Cultura’s board-certified plastic surgeon.