Everything You Need to Know About Tummy Tuck Surgery

For men and women alike, the abdominal area can be one of the most difficult areas of the body to maintain. Many people are predisposed to carry extra fat in the stomach area and situations such as pregnancy and weight gain can cause excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat. 

Weak abdominal muscles are also a problem that many people have after pregnancy, weight gain, or hormonal changes. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can be used to regain tone in abdominal muscles, strengthen the abdominal wall, and remove excess skin and fat. 

If you struggle with any of these concerns and you want to regain more control over your body shape, you can consider tummy tuck surgery from Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. We offer services to patients in and around Exton, PA. 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that can resolve excess skin and stubborn fat while tightening the abdominal wall and healing ab separation. A tummy tuck can give the abdomen a smooth and shapely appearance while also resolving some medical problems such as back pain and stress incontinence. During the surgery, an incision is made, muscles are sutured together, stubborn fat is removed (also called an abdominoplasty with liposuction), and excess skin is removed.

What Is the Difference Between a Full and Mini Tummy Tuck?

Full tummy tucks involve addressing issues both above and below the belly button. During this procedure, problems with the muscles are often addressed and the belly button is often repositioned. 

During a mini tummy tuck, only the area below the belly button is addressed. In some patients, the lower abdomen is the only part of the body that needs to be resolved. During this procedure, the belly button is not incised and the upper abdominal muscles are not sutured. 

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Step 1: Consultation

The first step of any surgery is a consultation. We will take a full health history and discuss your expectations and questions about the procedure. Because tummy tuck surgery can’t resolve every abdominal issue, it is important to make sure you have realistic expectations about the results. By the time the consultation is over, you will be confident in your decision and you will know exactly what to expect from the procedure.  

Step 2: Anesthesia

The anesthesia that is used during your abdominoplasty will be decided between you, your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist. Anesthesia options can include local anesthesia, oral and conscious sedation, and general anesthesia. Talk to your doctor about your options and preferences.  

Step 3: Making the Incisions

During most full tummy tuck procedures, two incisions are made. One will be an incision around the belly button to separate it from the surrounding skin, and another will be made just above the pubic bone. 

Step 4: Liposuction (Optional)

In an abdominoplasty with liposuction, the fat will be removed at this point during the procedure. Any excess fat will be liposuctioned from the abdominal area. This can help to permanently address stubborn areas of fat.  

Step 5: Tightening Muscles

Repairing the muscles is an important step in a tummy tuck procedure. Muscles are tightened by suturing abdominal muscles together. This can help to resolve diastasis recti, weak pelvic floor, stress incontinence, and more. 

Step 6. Removing Excess Skin and Closing Incisions

After the muscles are sutured together, the excess skin is pulled down and the surplus is removed from the bottom. This can often remove any stretch marks that are present in the lower portion of the skin. A new hole is made for the belly button and the incisions are carefully closed to minimize scarring. 

Step 7: Surgery Recovery

After surgery, you will need someone to take you home and take care of you. You will have some swelling after surgery and you may need to wear compression clothing and tubes to drain any excess fluid that collects in the abdomen after surgery. 

Once your swelling goes down, you can begin to see your final results. It will take several weeks to recover from your abdominoplasty so plan to relax and take care of your body. It may be several months before you see the full results of your tummy tuck. 

Will You Have a Tummy Tuck Scar?

Surgery scars are inevitable after a tummy tuck procedure. However, tummy tuck scars are carefully placed in the bikini line and hidden around the belly button so they won’t be visible when you wear a bathing suit. With proper care and attention, scars can fade after time. 

Can Other Surgeries Be Performed at the Same Time?

If you are a mom who is hoping to resolve several different concerns with one surgery, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. This service offers several different simultaneous procedures. Common mommy makeover surgeries include abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, breast lift, and liposuction. Ask your doctor if you are interested in more than one procedure. We can help devise a customized plan that can help you achieve your goals. 

Abdominoplasty From a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Safety and procedure satisfaction are our top priorities at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. At our practice, we have board-certified and world-class plastic surgeons who have performed many of these operations and changed many lives. If you are considering abdominoplasty, you will want a doctor that you can trust and who cares about you and your surgery outcomes. For more information about our tummy tuck surgery, call us today or request information online.