Everything You Need to Know About A Tummy Tuck

Losing weight can be challenging for many people and may only be half the battle. After losing a significant amount of weight, you may be left with loose skin and excess fat deposits. There is hope for people that want to get rid of these fat deposits and tighten loose skin. Ver Halen Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery is here to help. 

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can remove excess skin from your abdominal area. If you would like to know more about abdominoplasty surgery and how it can benefit you, give us a call or visit us in Southlake, TX, to schedule a consultation. 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Before deciding to have a tummy tuck, it is best to know what the procedure involves and what it addresses. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that targets excess skin and fat in your abdominal region. It not only removes fat and loose skin but also restores weakened muscles. This results in a smoother abdominal area. 

What Can a Tummy Tuck Treat?

Regular exercise and a balanced diet will lead to a healthy lifestyle. This is the best way to stay in shape and lose weight. Unfortunately, you may still have areas on your body, namely your abdominal area, that are left with stubborn fat deposits. Diet and exercise may not be effective for these fat deposits. If you have successfully lost weight and achieved most of your goals but cannot get rid of excess skin and fat around your tummy, a tummy tuck is perfect for you.

A tummy tuck is also a great option for people that are at their desired weight but still have a sagging or protruding stomach. This loose skin is often the result of aging, weight fluctuation, heredity, or pregnancy. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss substitute, but a solution for men and women that want a slimmer, more toned figure. Abdominoplasty surgery can also help firm up the muscles in your abdomen area. 

Types of Tummy Tucks

There are two main types of tummy tucks that you can choose from. Your choice will depend on your body’s concerns. When you schedule a consultation with us, we will help you decide which tummy tuck procedure is best for you.

Full Tummy Tuck

During your full tummy tuck procedure, the skin from above your navel area to your pubic area will be removed. Your abdominal muscles will be tightened, liposuction will be used to reshape the area by removing excess fat, and any excess skin will be removed. 

Mini Abdominoplasty

A partial tummy tuck, also known as a mini abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure tailor-made and better suited for people with stubborn fat deposits under the navel area. During this procedure, we do not need to reposition your belly button. There will only be one incision made in the pubic area of your abdomen. The recovery period required for this procedure is much less than for a full tummy tuck.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Before you undergo a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from your tummy, you will have to schedule a consultation with us. The reason for this consultation is for us to discuss your desired outcome and your area of concern. We will also review your medical history and assess your current medical condition, including lifestyle habits, allergies, medication, and previous surgery. This is your opportunity to ask us questions to help you understand the process better. By asking us questions, you will be able to have realistic expectations. 

After this consultation, we will be able to recommend the right tummy tuck procedure for you. We will also discuss the recovery period, which includes staying overnight or having someone drive you home from your surgery. Someone may have to stay with you for a day or two to help you with difficult tasks. During your abdominoplasty surgery, you will be given a general anesthetic.

Tummy Tuck: Before and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Knowing what to do before your tummy tuck surgery is just as important as knowing what to do after your procedure. Taking these measures will help your surgery to be a success. Certain arrangements and habits may need to be altered before surgery to ensure the best results. Here is a short guide to help you prepare for abdominoplasty:

Avoid using aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.

Arrange for someone to help you after your surgery.

Try to avoid weight fluctuations.

The Recovery Period

We will apply bandages and dressing to your incision sites. You may need to wear a compression garment or elastic bandage to dress the wound. These will support your abdomen while it is healing. You will also have tubes under your skin to drain any excess fluids. We will give you clear and easy instructions on how to care for your surgical site so you can recover properly. We will also prescribe the appropriate medication to support you during the healing process. You will not be able to resume daily activities right away. After a tummy tuck, patients should ease back into their routine slowly and cautiously.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Today

A tummy tuck is perfect for patients wanting to address the excess skin and fat on their abdominal area that exercise and healthy eating have failed to reach. At Ver Halen Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in Southlake, TX, we offer full and mini tummy tuck procedures. If you would like to know more about abdominoplasty, give us a call and schedule a consultation.