The tummy tuck, which is also called an abdominoplasty, is a process of removing excess or accumulated fat around the abdomen. And at the same time, it tightens the walls of the abdominal muscles in order to remove sagging tummy skin. As a result, it helps patients to achieve a flatter and tighter tummy.
The tummy tuck will eventually help patients to get rid of not only the tummy fats but also stretch marks and scars from a cesarean section if any. The process of tummy tuck might not be comfortable, and the patients should be aware that it is not a weight loss journey. However, there are still some guidelines a patient need to be mindful of, that would guide them through the tummy tuck process.
Getting a Lipo or a Tummy Tuck
Getting a lipo or a tummy tuck solely depends on the patient. Getting liposuction removes just the tummy fat under the skin, and unless you have elastic skin, then you might be left with excess skin. The tummy tuck removes fat and tightens your skin, and this is done for people who might have lost weight already. But still, have excess skin which makes their tummy sag.
Who is a good candidate for Tummy Tuck?
Before getting a tummy tuck, you must have stopped child-bearing, have a stable weight and also know precisely what to expect.
Types of Abdominoplasty
There are different types of tummy tuck, and each has its own advantages:
Full Tummy Tuck
The full tummy tuck is a procedure that goes from hip to hip, and also around the navel. This procedure can tighten the abdominal muscles, create a firmer look of the tummy and a narrow waist. It may also remove stretch marks and scars.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Patients that have fat deposits and excess skin below the navel may benefit from mini tummy tuck procedure, which focuses on tightening the abdominal muscles and also removes any excess skin. This procedure will leave a scar above the pubic area. It won’t reposition the navel and also won’t remove any excess fat from your upper abdomen.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is not for everyone; it is for those patients who have excess skin around their hip region and want to get rid of it. This procedure is for people who have lost an enormous amount of weight, with excess skin is left to sag. The process removes the excess skin from a larger area. The navel may be repositioned to a higher position.
Scar or no scar?
Most times, patients start worrying if they will be left with a scar. This question crosses the mind of everyone who wants to undergo a tummy tuck. Going through the full and mini tummy tuck procedure will leave a scar that will be well hidden underneath a bikini line, and a patient can flaunt the tummy without any visible scars. Keep in mind that extended tummy tuck is bound to leave a visible scar around the navel and at the lower back.
Recovery period
The process of recovering after your tummy tuck varies, and depends on individuals; however, your surgeon will give you some advice and after procedure instructions. During the healing process, patients might notice some swellings, but it’s nothing to worry about because the swellings will go down gradually during the recovery period.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon
The next step is to schedule a consultation and choose the right plastic surgeon to carry out a successful tummy tuck procedure.
You need to choose your surgeon wisely. You should choose your surgeon based on their educational and training qualifications, previous experience from a tummy tuck, and also how comfortable you are with him or her. You can go deeper in your inquiries by checking their websites for reviews from previous patients and then booking a one on one consultation with them.
You can discuss your cosmetic surgery goals with your plastic surgeon, and also ask questions. He/she will be able to tell you if you are the right candidate for the surgery and will recommend the right procedure for you. The treatment plan will also be discussed based on your characteristics and your goals.
Conclusion
The tummy tuck is the best way to lose all tummy fats and any excess skin that might have been left during pregnancy, after child-birth, and during your weight loss journey. The procedures might seem tedious, but the result is undoubtedly going to give you that body that you’ve always longed to have.
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If you consider tummy tuck procedure, you can schedule your consultation in one of our San Francisco Bay Area offices: Alameda or Brentwood, or call (925) 240-8775