What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure that improves the appearance of your abdomen. During pregnancy or after significant weight loss, your abdominal muscles may become weak, and skin can become stretched and loose. Fat accumulation around your middle may also lead to stretch marks and excess tissue that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise like you’d hoped.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fatty tissue and flattens a protruding belly by tightening your abdominal muscles. The outcome is a more contoured, flatter midsection. Depending on your individual goals, Dr. Smith may also recommend liposuction in combination with a tummy tuck so you get a more contoured waistline, including finally getting rid of those pesky love handles or back fat.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, you should be in good overall health and have realistic goals for the outcome of a tummy tuck. You should also be close to or at your ideal, stable weight, and be a nonsmoker, as smoking interferes with the healing process after plastic surgeries.
If you are bothered by the appearance of a flabby belly or protruding midsection, a tummy tuck may be an ideal solution. Dr. Smith customizes a procedure just for you as a way to enhance your overall silhouette. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
After surgery, it’s necessary to wear a supportive compression garment for about six weeks. During this recovery time, you have to be careful about how you move around and schedule follow-up visits with Dr. Smith so he can check your progress. You’ll have bandages and small tubes to drain any excess fluid from the incision sites.
Since your tummy tuck is unique to you, Dr. Smith and his highly qualified team go over what to expect before your surgery so you can be prepared. You may need help dressing, bathing, and performing daily tasks for the first several days after surgery.
To learn more about tummy tucks and other plastic surgery procedures that can help you get a more contoured shape, call the Yonkers office to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
