Considering a tummy tuck? Having a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, involves making many choices. Here are 5 questions you should ask your plastic surgeon before making the decision.
1 – Am I A Good Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?
A Tummy Tuck may be the best option for you to get the toned stomach you desire, especially if exercise and dieting is not producing the flat, well-toned abdomen you want. If you’re healthy, at a stable weight, and bothered by the appearance of your abdomen, you may be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. Women and men from the age of 25 to 70 years old have had a tummy tuck, and have realized great improvement in their shape and confidence.
2 – What Specifically Does The Surgery Target?
Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat from your lower abdomen, tightens the weakened or widened muscles and creates a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. A tummy tuck can remove most of the skin which contains stretch marks. Liposuction is used to further shape your upper abdomen and waist, hence the term lipoabdominoplasty. Additional liposuction can also be done on your back, hips, and thighs to further improve your contour.
3 – Where Will My Scars Be?
A tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision between the pubic area and belly button. The length of this incision varies depending on the amount of skin which needs to be removed, but will easily be hidden beneath underwear or a bathing suit. A second incision around the belly button is also necessary but can be concealed within the belly button itself.
4 – How Long Is My Recovery Period?
Typically, tummy tuck patients do not require a hospital stay, and can easily recover at home. Most patients are uncomfortable for 3 – 4 days and will need assistance during this time. You will be able to shower within 2-3 days of surgery, and may drive after 7 -10 days. Wearing a binder or a compression garment can be helpful for several weeks, and exercise can be resumed within 2 – 3 weeks. Patients return to work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery and are fully healed after 2 – 3 months.
5 – How Do I Choose The Right Plastic Surgeon?
Do your homework. First, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery to ensure safety and quality (www.plasticsurgery.org has an easily viewable listing). Second, take time to look through the surgeons before and after photo gallery. Finally, during your consultation be sure you are comfortable with the surgeon and his/her staff. Assess their willingness to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. Be sure your expectations are met.
Want to learn more about a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction procedure?
Contact Associates In Plastic Surgery today for your complimentary consultation –
+1 (757) 491-3535
To Provide Some Expectations Of Results, Here Are Examples of Recent Tummy Tuck Procedures Performed By The Doctors At Associates In Plastic Surgery:
This 46-year-old woman underwent an abdominoplasty with midline tightening of the abdominal muscles and liposuction of the waist and back. Additionally she had fat grafting to her buttocks.
Before After
Here are two other similar procedures
