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What Can a Tummy Tuck Do?

Posted October 17, 2019 in Body, Plastic Surgery

Woman showing off her smooth midriff after tummy tuck surgeryWhen exercise and diet do not get rid of sagging skin around your abdomen, you may consider a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure performed to help you achieve a tighter and better-looking midsection.

During an abdominoplasty, our plastic surgeons will remove excess skin and fat around your abdomen. In addition, loose, stretched or torn abdominal muscles will be tightened and the skin will be repositioned for a tighter look.

When To Get a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can help you if:

  • You have excess skin or fat around the abdomen
  • You have stretch marks in the abdominal region after giving birth
  • You have loose, hanging skin in the stomach region
  • You have weak lower abdominal wall

It’s common for abdominal muscles to become loose, stretched or torn during pregnancy, making it difficult to regain a flat stomach after giving birth. As a result, many women undergo a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover procedure in order to restore the toned stomach appearance they enjoyed priory to pregnancy.

A tummy tuck is also an effective way to put the finishing touches on your fitness efforts after undergoing massive weight loss. When you lose a lot of weight, it can result in loose, hanging skin in the abdominal region. A tummy tuck can remove this excess skin so that you look as good as you feel.

What To Expect From A Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Our plastic surgeons will make an incision from hipbone to hipbone. The length of this incision may vary based on how extensive your tummy tuck procedure is. Next, our surgeons will remove excess skin and fat, and tighten loose abdominal muscles in order to restore a more toned abdominal appearance.

You will receive detailed aftercare instructions. It’s important to follow these closely to ensure proper healing and best possible results. Our plastic surgeons will monitor your healing and let you know when it is safe to resume regular activities. In general, you will need to refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery.

The Results

It may take several months for your final results to become visible. In order to maintain these results for a long time, you will need to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. If you struggle with living in a healthy manner, our plastic surgeons recommend that you work with a nutritionist and a personal trainer to establish a routine moving forward that will help you maintain your toned, fit stomach appearance.

Contact our Raleigh Plastic Surgeons

Please contact Specialists in Plastic Surgery using the form on this page or call 919-785-0505 today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation. We serve patients in the Raleigh, North Carolina area.