What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure that helps you gain a more toned appearance by removing excess skin. Before you decide if tummy tuck surgery is right for you, learn more about what it includes and the types of tummy tucks available.

Understanding the Procedure

The surgeon will make incisions along the hip bones, which will be hidden by underwear and swimsuit bottoms. They will remove excess skin and any pockets of excess fat tissue while tightening the abdominal muscles before closing the incisions. People often choose this procedure after having children or going through significant weight loss that leaves them with sagging skin.

Types of Tummy Tucks

When it comes to tummy tuck surgery, you have three options. The one you need depends on how much work needs to be done. A mini tummy tuck is the ideal choice for someone who is in fairly good shape without a lot of excess skin or fat. They have fewer stretch marks and scars to hide. With this surgery, only areas below the belly button are addressed, so it doesn’t need to be repositioned. A full tummy tuck is the most well-known, which is a surgery that addresses the full abdomen. The belly button needs to be repositioned as part of the procedure. An extended tummy tuck is designed for patients who need extensive tightening of the skin, usually after a significant weight loss.

Cosmetic Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

One of the main reasons people undergo a tummy tuck is because of the way it improves their appearance.

Achieving a Flatter Abdomen

A tummy tuck creates a flatter abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. Once the extra skin is removed, your abdomen will look smoother in clothing with no bumps or rolls.

Improved Body Contours

When the surgeon performs a tummy tuck, they tighten the abdominal walls, giving you a more toned appearance. They also remove excess fat tissue, improving the overall body contours with a smaller waist that leads to rounded hips.

Enhanced Clothing Fit

After a tummy tuck, you’ll notice that your clothes fit better. Without the excess skin hanging over, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable fit. Tighter or more revealing clothing won’t show any bulges as everything is smooth and tightened.

Boosts in Self-Confidence

Dr. Leo Lapuerta recognizes that plastic surgery impacts the mind as well as the body. A tummy tuck can boost your self-confidence, making you feel better about the way you look. Because you have an improved body image, you appear more confident in your clothes. You may feel like wearing clothing that you wouldn’t have tried on before, such as a bikini or lingerie.

Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

If the aesthetic benefits of a tummy tuck aren’t enough, you’ll also find medical reasons for a tummy tuck.

Correction of Diastasis Recti

During a tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon can repair the diastasis recti and abdominal muscles that may become separated during pregnancy. This is a common issue with women, but it can easily be corrected with a tummy tuck.

Improved Posture

When the abdominal muscles are repaired during a tummy tuck, they can provide better support for the spine. The result is better posture, allowing you to stand taller and better hold your stomach in place.

Reduction of Back Pain

When you have weak stomach muscles, it forces the back to work harder. Once the abdominal muscles have been tightened in a tummy tuck, they will provide more support as you stand and walk, which can take the pressure off the back and alleviate pain.

Enhanced Physical Activity

With less skin getting in the way and tightened abdominal muscles, patients often find it easier to stay active. They can enjoy their favorite sports or activities once they recover from the surgery.

Long-Term Health Benefits

As you’re preparing for a consultation, remember that tummy tuck benefits continue into the future.

Maintenance of Weight Loss

As mentioned before, having a tummy tuck can make it easier to be physically active. With regular activity, you’ll also find it easier to maintain your weight loss. Because you feel more comfortable doing your favorite activity, you’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Reduction of Health Risks

With less abdominal fat and by being more active, you can reduce several health risks. For one thing, abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. Getting rid of the abdominal fat will help decrease your risk while staying active will also improve your body’s ability to manage sugar and keep your heart strong.

Alleviation of Skin Irritation

Excess skin that hangs over can cause irritation and infections of the skin. Once that excess skin is removed, you’re less likely to have a skin infection or irritation because there aren’t any folds in the skin.

Recovery and Aftercare

Getting the most benefits of a tummy tuck depends on your recovery and aftercare.

What to Expect Post-Surgery

Your surgeon will likely have you wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and help with the healing process. You’ll need to rest for the first 48 hours while still moving around as they feel like it to keep the blood flowing. After the first few days, you’ll begin to feel like being more active, but you’ll have restrictions on lifting and bending for four to six weeks.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

To aid in your recovery, you should follow all the advice of your surgeon. Clean the incisions and follow all other post-op care instructions as directed. Avoid doing anything beyond what you’re allowed, such as lifting or engaging in strenuous exercise. Eat a healthy diet with foods that help with the healing process and attend all follow-up appointments.

Long-Term Maintenance

To continue to enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck, you’ll want to maintain your healthy lifestyle. Focus on keeping a stable weight and staying active to preserve the results for years to come.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta

A tummy tuck provides both cosmetic and medical benefits for anyone with excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area. To learn more about how you can benefit from a tummy tuck at our surgical facility, schedule a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta for personalized advice.