Have you wondered about the tummy tuck procedure? Referred to as abdominoplasty, this treatment can accomplish outstanding improvements. That said, it doesn’t come without a few disadvantages, too. Here, we look at both.
What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The abdominoplasty procedure is a surgery in which a plastic surgeon removes excess fatty tissue and loose skin, and also tightens the abdominal muscles. The tummy tuck is not like liposuction. The two are often combined because the primary objective of abdominoplasty is to tighten muscle tissue, not remove fat. In combination, liposuction and a tummy tuck can significantly improve abdominal contours.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
- A skilled plastic surgeon customizes abdominoplasty to the patient’s unique frame. Each surgery is carefully planned to achieve improvements such as a V-shaped torso, washboard abs, and smooth transitions from the abdomen to surrounding areas.
- Abdominoplasty can remove stretch marks. Pregnancy and weight gain can stretch the skin beyond its capacity to bounce back. While flattening the midsection, the tummy tuck removes excess skin from the lower abdominal area, thus eliminating visible stretch marks.
- A stronger core can alleviate back pain. Many people who have undergone a tummy tuck mention their surprise to no longer struggle with low back pain. The reason this may be is that the back and the core abdominal muscles work in unison to hold proper posture and mechanical function.
Disadvantages of Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Tummy tuck recovery takes some time. Patients can expect to return to work and light activities a few weeks after their tummy tuck. However, full recovery can take up to 12 weeks. This does not mean that discomfort is intense or prolonged after surgery, but that the abdomen may feel tight for some time as internal swelling and tissue inflammation resolve.
- There is a scar left by the procedure. We often say that a tummy tuck can eliminate a C-section scar. It can. However, it incurs a scar of its own. The abdominoplasty incision is positioned as low as possible in between the hip bones. There, it is not visible when wearing a bathing suit or swim trunks. Once incisions have fully healed, scar treatment with silicone sheets or other modalities may be used to help reduce scarring as much as possible.
- A tummy tuck can be ruined. Patients should not count on their tummy tuck to last indefinitely if they do not maintain healthy lifestyle habits after their procedure. Weight gain can still occur and stretch the abdominal muscles. Pregnancy may also diminish the contouring achieved with a tummy tuck, which is why we highly recommend postponing this procedure until after one’s family is complete.
The ultimate value of the tummy tuck is its ability to restore confidence. If you’re ready to feel great about your body, contact our Mullica Hill, NJ office at (856) 362-8898. We’re here to help!