TUMMY TUCK

A taut tummy can be within your reach when you choose to have tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, performed at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville. Loose and saggy skin is removed and weakened stomach muscles are tightened to strengthen them for a smoother, flatter tummy. In some scenarios, patients may qualify for a mini tummy tuck, where there’s only a small amount of skin that needs to be removed to improve the stomach. For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, an apron of skin and tissue can hang beneath the belly button. This apron is known as the pannus and can be removed through a surgery known as panniculectomy.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

Individuals who are in relatively good shape but desire a flatter tummy may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These patients have loose abdominal fascia, but the muscles aren’t stretched to the point where a full tummy tuck is necessary. During surgery, a smaller incision is made along the lower abdomen, liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and the remaining skin is pulled tight. The belly button is not affected by this surgery. 

FULL TUMMY TUCK

A traditional (full) tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who have a moderate amount of excess skin in their midsection. It is commonly performed on women post-pregnancy. During this surgery, the incision extends from hipbone to hipbone, which grants the surgeon access to a greater portion of the internal structures. Liposuction is used to remove fat and the abdominal muscles are pulled and tightly secured. The belly button is usually repositioned for natural placement. 

EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK

The extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients who require major skin tightening and body contouring following a major weight loss. The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, as well as another one around the navel. Liposuction is used and the excess skin is trimmed away and tightened. The belly button is repositioned during this surgery.

A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 – 3 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment and will need to rest for the first 48 hours. They should make a concerted effort to move around in order to help promote blood circulation, but should only attempt to initially stand at a 45-degree angle to protect the incision. Pain medication will be provided to help with post-operative pain. Clearance to resume exercise is usually given around 4-6 weeks. 

TUMMY TUCK OR LIPO?

Patients who have loose skin in the lower abdomen may be better candidates for a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck. If a patient is battling unwanted belly fat, but otherwise has good skin tone, liposuction (which removes fat only) may be all that is needed.

COMBINATION SURGERY?

Abdominoplasty can be combined with another cosmetic procedure, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift or liposuction that targets another area of the body. This is sometimes referred to as a  “Mommy Makeover” and is considered a common practice, especially where pregnancy, weight gain and breast-feeding are concerned.

WHAT ABOUT SCARRING?

Unfortunately, scarring is a part of this procedure. However, every effort is made to minimize scarring, and the incisions are generally placed in locations easily concealed by undergarments. For women who have had a previous C-section, the original C-section scar will be replaced with the tummy tuck incision. Most patients feel the physical results of this surgery far outweigh any scarring left behind.

PREGNANCY OR WEIGHT GAIN?

For optimal results, it is recommended that patients wait to have abdominoplasty until after all pregnancies have been completed. This is to ensure the stretching and weight gain that occurs with pregnancy does not compromise the results of the surgery.

Who doesn’t want that flat, tight tummy? You, too, can have that dream stomach with a tummy tuck surgery. Whether you need a full-on tummy tuck or a mini one, we are here to get you started. To find out more, give us a call to schedule your consultation.