Pregnancy, age and significant weight loss can dramatically impact our overall appearance, especially around our stomach. Baggy and excess skin, stubborn extra fat, and loose, stretched out abdominal muscles can make us feel less than ourselves. And these experiences aren’t uncommon either. And as a result, a tummy tuck is one of the most common plastic surgeries performed today. This procedure is great for:
What is a tummy tuck?
An abdominoplasty, aka a “tummy tuck”, is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted skin and fat while tightening muscles throughout the torso. By removing excess skin and fat as well as tightening abdominal muscles, you can achieve a flatter, more contoured figure. As a result, a tummy tuck is a great option for both men and women who have struggled to achieve results through diet and/or exercise alone.
Unlike liposuction, abdominoplasty doesn’t just remove unwanted fat. A full tummy tuck involves:
Traditional tummy tuck vs fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
Concerned about excess skin below the abdomen after a significant weight loss journey? First, congratulations! We’re so happy about your success. Second, there is a way to address sagging skin around the pelvis: a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck removes horizontal and vertical excess tissue to help reshape at and below the abdomen. This specialized form of abdominoplasty is a great option for post-bariatric patients who have undergone significant weight loss resulting in lots of excess and saggy skin.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck is a major outpatient procedure. It will be performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast enhancement surgery and body procedures in our accredited, award-winning surgical suite. After surgery, you can expect bruising, swelling, pain and discomfort, and some numbness around the surgical site. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you can return to work within 7-10 days and resume strenuous exercise in about 4-6 weeks. While individual results and experiences may vary, you should see optimal results in about 3-6 months.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
Many men and women are excellent candidates for abdominoplasty. A key factor for candidacy will be good overall health. Realistic expectations are also crucial, and your surgeon will thoroughly discuss them with you during your consultation to ensure you’re a good fit for a tummy tuck procedure.
It’s important to note that abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. You should only consider abdominoplasty after dieting and exercise have achieved the right body shape underneath. If your goal is weight loss, consider liposuction or:
Achieve Your Ideal Figure with a Tummy Tuck at Artemedica
If you’re looking to refine your figure and achieve a more sculpted appearance, schedule a consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon today. We will discuss your goals and help you determine if post-bariatric body contouring is the right choice for you. Dr. Tran is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast enhancement surgery and body procedures. She believes in fostering a deep understanding of your unique aesthetic goals to provide a truly personalized approach to every procedure. Her approach combines a keen eye for aesthetics with advanced techniques to ensure outcomes that harmonize with every patient’s unique cosmetic goals and natural beauty.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck or other body plastic surgery procedures, please fill out the form below or contact our Santa Rosa surgical office at (707) 577-8292 for your free consultation.
