Few things are more frustrating than when excess fat and skin accumulate around the stomach, giving you a pot-shaped belly. While this may be a result of weight fluctuations or childbirth, it can also be due to the simple aging process — which is impossible to avoid. Sadly, getting rid of the condition is an uphill task since dieting and exercising can sometimes prove unsuccessful in achieving a flat belly. That’s why the tummy tuck procedure in San Francisco and the Bay Area has become very popular.

But What Is Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a successful cosmetic procedure designed to help you achieve a smoother stomach and sculpted waistline. The procedure involves a surgery used to tighten the stomach while repairing weakened and damaged abdominal muscles. The procedure is also used to extract excess abdominal fat and trim loose skin. 

Always remember it is always good to opt for this cosmetic surgery after dieting and exercising fail.

How Is Abdominoplasty Surgery Performed?

First, a plastic surgeon administers local anesthesia to the patient in question. Then a horizontal incision is made from hip to hip just below the public hairline. The surgeon gently lifts the upper skin consisting of the fatty layer to expose the underlying tissue. Then the weakened or separated abdominal muscles are stitched and tightened. 

Finally, excess fat is removed.

Pros of Getting a Tummy Tuck

  • Improved bladder function
  • Helps in alleviating pain
  • Restores and tightens weakened, damaged, or separated muscles
  • Restores the tone of the abdomen by giving it a smoother profile
  • Reduces inflammation, itching, and chances of contracting a skin infection

Requirements and Preparations Before Going for a Tummy Tuck

While abdominoplasty is a fantastic way to sculpt the figure of your body, not everybody can undertake the procedure. For starters, before getting a tummy tuck you must have a stable weight. Always remember a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss.

Before going for the procedure, you should have achieved or be close to your desired weight. Most plastic surgeons recommend the patients in question be between 10 and 15 pounds from their desired weight. This is because significant weight fluctuations may lead to stretching of abdominal tissues, which may call for a revision procedure.

Other preparations you should undertake before the procedure include but are not limited to:

  • Quitting or limiting alcohol intake
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink adequate fluids to keep hydrated
  • Avoid taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication before the surgery

In simple terms, follow all the directions recommended by your physician before going for surgery.

Final Takeaways

Abdominoplasty should be conducted by a professional fully-certified plastic surgeon. This is because the procedure involves a major surgery. When done right, the procedure is safe and the chances of complications are minimal. However, if you experience extreme side effects like hematoma, numbness, blood clotting, seroma, or infection just to mention a few, you should contact your physician immediately. Always remember these are isolated cases and most abdominoplasty procedures are successful.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

Are the results of tummy tucking permanent?

While the outcomes of abdominoplasty are long lasting, they are not permanent. Aspects such as aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuation affect the results of this procedure.

Is the tummy tuck procedure painful?

During the procedure, plastic surgeons use local anesthesia. However, the recovery can be painful for approximately one week after getting the surgery but the pain is managed by prescription medications.

What is the length of the operation and how long does it take to heal after a tummy tuck procedure?

Depending on the severity of the procedure, abdominoplasty can take up to three hours. The healing duration takes between six and 12 weeks, all this depends on factors like the body shape, state of health, and the severity of the operation just to mention a few.

When should I expect to see the outcome of my tummy tuck procedure?

Tummy tuck recovery involves bruising, swelling, and soreness. However, this does not last long and the results of the cosmetic surgery start manifesting after six to eight weeks after the aforementioned side effects have disappeared.

How can I reduce scarring after abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty leaves a noticeable scar below the lower abdomen. One way to reduce these side effects is by following your plastic surgeon’s instructions to the letter. Make sure you apply scar management products as directed by your doctor. More importantly, make sure you keep the incision clean and dry at all times to reduce the chances of infection.

What makes me a good candidate for abdominoplasty?

If you’ve got loose skin from pregnancy, excess abdominal fat, or are experiencing the effects of aging, then you’re definitely a good candidate. Always remember it’s advisable for women to be done with having children before considering getting the procedure.