Stubborn pockets of fat on the abdomen, otherwise known as a “potbelly,” can compromise any chances of having a slim, athletic figure. Often caused by pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, aging, sagging skin, and genetics, a “bulge” around the tummy and the midsection can appear that’s nearly impossible to eliminate with a good diet and constant exercise. A tummy tuck is one of the few, but one of the most definitive solutions for a loose belly. A tummy tuck can dramatically improve the shape of the abdomen and slim down the waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles on the abdominal wall.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Stubborn fat that’s localized beneath the bellybutton can still cause a wide variety of problems. Even those who have sufficiently toned abdominal muscles still often have to deal with pockets of fat that is resistant to exercise. For a specialized procedure that removes excess pockets of fat and skin, patients can get a mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck also has an added benefit of creating only a limited scar.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
Some of the benefits of the tummy tuck includes:
- Tighter, firmer skin on the belly
• Reduced stretched marks and scars
• Improved muscle tone
• Contoured abdomen that reveals the central depressions on the upper abdomen
• A non-hooded navel
Who Is a Proper Candidate for the Tummy Tuck
Patients seeking abdominoplasty typically have excess skin, tissue, and localized fat on their abdomens. If any of these criteria fits you, then you might be an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty:
- In relatively good health—a non-smoker and not obese
• Not planning on having children in the future
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck will be performed under general anesthesia. First, your surgeon will try to determine the most beneficial placement for the incision. Your surgeon has the objective of making sure the incision will be as easy to conceal as possible, and will even consider your clothing preferences before deciding. Your incision is typically placed across the waist, in between the navel and public hairline. Then, excess tissue, fat, and skin will be lifted and removed. Non-dissolvable sutures will then be placed to repair the weakened abdominal muscles and the incisions will be closed. In some cases, a separate incision will be made so that your surgeon can remove any excess fat surrounding the upper abdomen. Other procedures like liposuction can be combined with the tummy tuck to help polish your results.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Typically, our patients recover around 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Patients will experience swelling in areas like the abdomen, back, hips, legs, and even ankles. The most swelling that will occur will happen within the first 5-7 days. After that, the body will release the fluid it retained and the majority of swelling will reduce. The abdomen will have some puffiness and firmness for 4-6 weeks, but will continue to get better every day. Most patients can see an immediate difference in their abdominal area during the first 48 hours after surgery, however, it will take around 4-6 months to see the final results of the surgery.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Want to see our exquisite tummy tuck results? Our Before and After gallery has real results from dozens of real patients.