You can do all the sit-ups in the world, but it won’t necessarily give you the abs you want. If you have too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that won’t respond to diet and exercise, having a tummy tuck has probably crossed your mind. A tummy tuck, which doctors call abdominoplasty, flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin while tightening muscle in the abdominal wall.
A tummy tuck is not the same a liposuction, although depending on the results you want, you may choose to have a liposuction procedure along with a tummy tuck.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good health. Good candidates for a tummy tuck will also have the following:
- Excess skin, loose muscle and may have excess fat.
- Good candidates will not want to get pregnant after the procedure, so they do not undo their results.
- A tummy tuck is a good option for men or women who were once obese and still have fat deposits and loose skin around the belly.
- Ideal patients will be within a Tummy Tuck?
Women who are planning to get pregnant should postpone having a tummy tuck until they are done having children. During the procedure, muscles in the abdomen are tightened, these muscles can become separated during a future pregnancy.
If you are planning to lose weight, you should delay your tummy tuck. A tummy tuck should not be an alternative to weight loss, but should be the last resort after trying everything else.
Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. David Mashhadian will recommend the type of tummy tuck that will achieve your desired outcome and create natural appearing results with the least scarring possible. Make sure to have any questions ready and be prepared to discuss the following:
- Your surgical goals
- Any medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments
- Previous surgeries
- Current medication list, vitamins, herbal supplements, tobacco, alcohol and drug use
- During the consultation, your surgeon will:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing heal conditions or risk factors
- Discuss your options
- Take photographs
- Recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes and any risks or potential complications
Be sure to ask questions. It is natural to have some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or some preoperative stress.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Once you have scheduled your Tummy Tuck, you may be asked to do the following:
- Take certain medications or adjust your medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
- Eat well balanced and complete meals but keep it light the day before your surgery
Tummy Tuck Procedure
This surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your case. There are three major steps in the tummy tuck procedure:
1. Anesthesia – Your doctor will recommend which medication to administer for your comfort during the surgical procedure. These choices include general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
2. The Incision – Your surgeon will make an incision that is horizontally oriented in the area between the pubic hairline and the navel. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created.
3. Closing the incision – Your surgeon will use sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips to close the incisions.
4. Results – Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdomen that is more proportionate to your body type and weight.
Plan for Your Recovery
It is important to take enough time off to heal properly. You must also make arrangements for the care of your children, your home or for the care of other family members for whom you may be responsible for.
- Two weeks is the minimum before returning to a desk job
- Do nothing but care for yourself the first two weeks; this means no cooking, laundry, no childcare, no house work.
- You may be advised to work only half days on your first week back at work
- Make sure you have enough help lined up
- Nutrition is important, make sure you are eating well during your recovery. You should have protein with every meal and two servings of fruit
- Keep in mind full healing can take up to a year – majority of swelling, pain and fatigue resolves in the first six weeks
While improvement in your shape and appearance will be obvious within days after surgery, your figure will continue to change and improve over the first year. You may not feel like your normal self for several months. Once you get through the first year, you will be satisfied with your results and be happy to show off your new and improved figure.
At Rodeot Surgical Art, we are dedicated to providing each patient with personalized care and attention. Dr. David Mashhadian performs each consultation himself. He listens to your needs and concerns and can answer your questions about selecting the right procedures to achieve your desired goals.
