The tummy tuck procedure is designed to get rid of excess belly skin and create a firmer, toned abdominal area. This is an ideal procedure for those who have lost a massive amount of weight and are left with loose rolls of skin hanging over their torso.
It is also a great procedure for those who are looking for firmer abs after diet and exercise have not produced the desired results. Also older people can greatly benefit from a tummy tuck. As the body ages the skin loses some of its elasticity, cause the skin to sink and sag around the abdominal region.
A tummy tuck can reverse this process for a while. Finally, mothers are also excellent candidates for this procedure as pregnancy can often leave the abs weaker and looser with plenty of stretched out skin hanging around the stomach area. A tummy tuck can tighten up their torsos and help restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.
The Procedure
An abdominoplasty is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. It can be performed in either a hospital or an out-patient facility. The surgeon makes an incision along the hip bones down along the pubic bone.
The skin is then loosened from that point up from the underlying muscles and tissues. The surgeon then carefully sutures the abdominal muscles into place and to each other making them tighter. If desired, liposuction can be performed at this point to get rid of any unwanted, stubborn fat deposits (like the love handles or the beer belly).
After all the muscles, tissues, and fat has been attended to, the surgeon then pulls the abdominal skin down tightly and removes the extra skin. The surgeon sews up the skin at the incision spot and the procedure is complete.
What's the Recovery Like?
There will be some pain, soreness, swelling, and bruising that accompany a tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon prescribes medication to be taken to manage the pain for the first week or so after the operation, and the swelling and bruising will usually start to disappear after a week or two.
You will need to take some time to rest immediately after the surgery. It is very advisable to have someone tend to you during that time as a lot of movement will be very painful, especially and stretching, bending, or twisting. You should be able to resume normal movement within a week and you can be back to normal exercising within a month or six weeks.
How Long Will the Results Last?
The results of a tummy tuck are generally long lasting. Assuming that you do not gain a great deal of weight or go through another pregnancy, the results can last for several years. Abdominoplasty produces a tighter, firmer torso that leaves patients very satisfied.
