All about tummy tucks

Tummy tuck surgery is a popular term for abdominoplasty surgery, which is a major surgical procedure performed to improve a patient’s appearance in the lower abdominal region. A tummy tuck does not actually make you lose weight, but it is done after significant weight loss. When you go through a diet and exercise program, you will lose a lot of weight in a healthy way. This sudden weight loss will usually leave you with flabby stomach muscles and loose skin in the abdominal area. Flabby muscles can be toned with regular disciplined exercise, but sagging skin is more difficult to treat.

When the skin is stretched beyond its elastic limit, it is difficult for it to return to its normal firm shape. As a result, you are left with loose skin hanging from the lower abdomen. This loose skin is what a tummy tuck will address. The tummy tuck surgeon will separate the skin on your abdomen through surgery and pull hard on your belly. This requires an incision from hip to hip and another incision around the navel to loosen the skin on your body. Once stretched over the abdomen, the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is sutured in place. A new hole is also made for her navel.

Persistent fat in the abdominal area that does not respond to diet and exercise can also be removed during a tummy tuck. If your fat and skin problems are not that severe, then a mini tummy tuck may be performed instead of a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck will only address the lower abdomen in the belly area where only part of the skin is removed. Liposuction is sometimes done in conjunction with a mini tummy tuck.

If you have trouble tightening your stomach muscle, a tummy tuck can also help in this area. During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon may tighten the stomach muscles by sewing them together. You’ll be stuck with a tummy ache for a few weeks, but prescribed medication and some light exercise will heal the wounds.

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck will leave you with some unsightly scars. Some people may get lucky in this area as they heal very well. Scars from tummy tuck surgery are usually below the bikini line and can be hidden with a suitable swimsuit. If scars bother you or if you heal naturally with scars, then plastic surgery to remove scars might be an option when you are fully healed from your tummy tuck.