What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is sometimes called abdominoplasty and has the
goal of removing excess fat and skin and restoring the stomach to a flat and
contoured appearance. Along with this, it can repair the abdominal muscles that
become stretched and loose during weight gain or pregnancy. In some cases, it
can remove stretch marks if they are within the area of skin excised during
surgery. All of this makes the tummy tuck a valuable body contouring option
that can be customized to your unique goals and circumstances.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Patients who benefit most from a tummy tuck have excess skin and fat in the abdomen because of factors like aging, genetics, pregnancy, or weight loss. It’s important to be in good overall health for this surgery, meaning you’ve fully recovered from pregnancy and are maintaining a stable weight. It’s commonly recommended that you be at or near your ideal weight before opting for a tummy tuck, since the tummy tuck should not be considered a weight loss surgery. Rather, it can help flatten stubborn pockets of fat and loose skin for a flat, contoured stomach.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?
Although some different types of tummy tuck exist, the
techniques are mostly the same. A tummy tuck is performed under general
anesthesia at our in-house, certified facility. It begins with a predetermined
incision in the lower abdomen that is carefully placed so that you can easily
cover it with clothing and swimwear later on. Then, Dr. Diktaban will lift the
skin of the abdomen to gain access to the underlying muscles and tighten them
with specialized sutures. Commonly, liposuction is performed on the surrounding
areas to further contour your figure and remove stubborn fat. Then, the skin is
pulled downward and any excess is trimmed away. Finally, the incisions are closed
and made ready for your recovery.
Results and Recovery
During your tummy tuck recovery, it’s important to wear a
specialized compression garment to control swelling and help your skin adhere
to the new contours. You may also be fitted with drains that you’ll need to
manage for the first few days. Dr. Diktaban will prescribe medications to
reduce swelling and discomfort, so be sure to take these according to
instructions. It’s extremely important to rest and avoid strenuous activity in
the weeks following your surgery, so you should make sure to arrange for help
with regular tasks within the first few days. You can expect to take at least
one week away from work, with several weeks away from your exercise regimen.
Your results will continue to refine as swelling goes down, and most patients
see their final results within six months. If you plan to be beach-ready within
a certain timeframe, then you should plan your surgery accordingly.
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Schedule a Consultation
A tummy tuck is an excellent way to improve your figure after weight loss or pregnancy. To learn more about your options and how Dr. Diktaban can help, contact our Manhattan office by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the medical benefits of a tummy tuck?
Although a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, there are some known medical benefits. Especially in postpartum women, a tummy tuck can repair stretched abdominal muscles that contribute to symptoms like incontinence or back pain. This makes the tummy tuck a great asset to mommy makeover candidates.
Can you get pregnant after tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck will not impact your ability to get pregnant. However, getting pregnant after your tummy tuck can negatively affect your results and you may require another procedure. For this reason, it’s recommended that you be finished having children before you opt for this surgery.
Does a tummy tuck treat stretch marks?
A tummy tuck does not directly address stretch marks. However, if you have stretch marks in the lower abdomen where loose skin might be excised during the procedure, they will be removed. Dr. Diktaban can recommend your best options for stretch marks during your consultation.
Are tummy tucks dangerous?
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck comes with risks such as anesthesia reactions, poor healing, scarring, and the necessity for revision surgery.
Can you lose weight after tummy tuck?
Patients who have had a tummy tuck can either gain or lose weight once they recover from the procedure. Some, but not all patients consistently lose weight due to feeling more full after meals.
Can I walk after tummy tuck?
Because a tummy tuck tightens the muscles in your abdomen, most patients find it difficult to stand up straight after surgery for up to 3–4 weeks.
Do men get tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a viable surgical option for men with hanging skin or fat in the abdominal region who want a flatter, more defined stomach.
Can you get a tummy tuck if youre obese?
Tummy tucks are not a weight loss surgery, but rather a contouring procedure. It is recommended for people with hanging skin in their abdomen and a minimal amount of stomach fat.
Do tummy tucks work?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is effective in firming and contouring the stomach for people with loose skin and muscle tissue.
Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?
The incisions used for tummy tucks vary based on the individuals skin elasticity, amount of fat, or desired result. Some incisions are minimal and result in little scarring, whereas others are larger and may be more visible upon recovery.
How can I lose my stomach fat?
If diet and exercise arent resolving your hanging stomach problems, a tummy tuck may be an effective and permanent way to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles.
Do you have to be skinny to get a tummy tuck?
Doctors recommend that patients for a tummy tuck have a consistent and normal or slightly above average BMI for the best results.
How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
As with any major surgery, there are risks involved with getting a tummy tuck. Internal bleeding, poor reaction to anesthesia, and excessive scarring are among the risks for tummy tuck.
Does a tummy tuck tighten muscles?
A tummy tuck can tighten the rectus muscle (aka sit up muscles) from the chest all the way down to the pubic bone. The oblique muscles can also be tightened when indicated. The muscle tightening will reshape the core of the body at the same time that excess skin is removed.
How long do tummy tucks last?
A tummy tuck will last as long as you take care of yourself by not gaining weight. If you become pregnant after a tummy tuck then the skin and underlying muscles can be stretched out of position. So it pays to protect your investment.
How long do you wear a binder after surgery?
The binder is worn for 5-21 days. At a time recommended by your surgeon, you can be fitted for an elastic garment like spans. It all depends on your body and the procedure that was performed on you that will dictate the recovery garments.
How long does it take to lose weight after a tummy tuck?
You can lose weight after a tummy tuck at any time. You will lose weight immediately after a tummy tuck because a wedge of skin from the lower abdomen was removed. That can result in a weight loss of 2-1o pounds. However, your weight might go up initially due to water retention.
How much does it cost for a tummy tuck?
The cost involves the surgeons fee, the anesthesia fees and the operating room costs. With all 3 of the factors taken into account, the cost can range from $4000-$20,000. That is for sure a wide range.
How much weight can you lose having a tummy tuck?
You can lose 2-10 pounds depending of the amount of excess skin that was removed. If you liposuction at the same time as the tummy tuck that will add a small additional amount of weight loss. However, temporary weight gain after surgery can take place due to water retention.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
The pain or discomfort associated with a tummy tuck is related to the amount of muscle tightening performed. It is like someone tightened a wide belt around your waist.
What qualifies you for a tummy tuck?
The usual criteria for a tummy tuck is excess skin that can be removed and still allow closure. In addition, the position of your abdominal muscles and the amount of fat that you have under your skin. All 3 of those components are factored in.
When can I start working out after tummy tuck?
Working out after a tummy tuck depends on the type of tummy tuck procedure performed and whether or not you had a muscle plication/tightening performed. If you had a muscle plication/tightening then you should refrain from using your abdominal muscles for 6-8 weeks in general. Work outs that involve non-abdominal muscles can resume after 2 weeks.
When can I wear regular clothes after tummy tuck?
You can wear regular clothes after 7-14 days but you need to have your surgeon instruct you specifically on how to go about doing it. Sometimes undergarments that are recommended for your bodily healing might effect what clothes you can wear.
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck?
In general, someone who has excess abdominal hanging skin, abdominal muscle widening and excess fat beneath the skin. Those are the typical anatomical structures that can modified with a tummy tuck.
Will a tummy tuck make my stomach flat?
It should make it flatter. How flat depends on the starting point of your body and the type of procedure chosen for you. If you have a moderate or significant amount of fat internally where your organs are (aka visceral fat) then that fat can only be lost by diet and exercise alone. The visceral fat can limit the impact of the tummy tuck result.
Why would you need a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is an elective procedure in most applications that a person would like to have done in order to have a more pleasing bodily shape of the abdomen. You would need a tummy tuck if you have a condition that is medically necessary.
What does a tummy tuck usually cost?
The cost involves the surgeons fee, the anesthesia fees and the operating room costs. With all 3 of the factors taken into account, the cost can range from $4000-$20,000. That is for sure a wide range.
What do you eat after tummy tuck?
The first afternoon or night after a tummy tuck you should start with liquids and a light diet to prevent any nausea and/or vomiting. The next day you can advance your diet as yo feel.
What is the best girdle to wear after a tummy tuck?
There are so many binders, girdles, padding and vests on the market. Your surgeon will prescribe the garment tailored to your body and the procedure performed in order to achieve the result desired.
How long is pain after tummy tuck?
If you have a tummy tuck without a muscle tightening component then your recovery will be much quicker. On the other hand, if you underwent the muscle tightening, then you will experience circumferential tightness like someone wrapped a wide belt around your waist. That tightness dissipates gradually and patients adapt to it on a daily basis.
How long after a tummy tuck can you drink?
If you are referring to alcoholic beverages then the usual recommendation is to refrain from alcohol for 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after your surgery.
Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?
A tummy tuck does not enter the abdominal cavity unless you have a hernia. Therefore, your stomach organ should not be effected. The tummy tuck only deals with your outer skin, the underlying fat and the muscles that protect our internal organs.
How long will a tummy tuck last?
Tummy tuck results are considered permanent. This means that the repaired stomach muscles and eliminated fat are designed to be long-term.
How many pounds can you lose with liposuction?
The FDA has approved the use of liposuction to remove up to 11 pounds.