Want to learn more about tummy tucks?
Most people deal with some excess fat around their abdomen; however, women are more likely than men to experience abdominal fat, particularly menopausal women. This is due to the change in fat to lean tissue ratio, which begins to settle in the upper body rather than hips and thighs as we age. Heredity, pregnancy and surgery can also cause an increase in abdominal fat. If diet and exercise haven't improved your midsection, then they may want to talk to our Fairfax, VA, and Chevy Chase, MD, dermatologist Dr. Shabnam Shahabadi and plastic surgeon Dr. Reza Mirali about how a tummy tuck could enhance their appearance.
What is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery (referred to as abdominoplasty) removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region and can even restore separated or weak abdominal muscles, giving the lower region of the body a firmer look. This procedure is not the same as liposuction; however, these two procedures may be performed together to offer the desired look.
What does the tummy tuck procedure involve?
During your consultation, we will discuss your goals for surgery and then decide whether a complete or partial abdominoplasty is necessary. During a complete tummy tuck, we will make an incision from hip to hip and then sculpt the skin, tissues and muscles to create a smoother, tighter look.
A partial abdominoplasty is often recommended for those who want to remove fat around their navel. While the belly button won't need to be moved—unlike with a complete abdominoplasty—this procedure can still take a couple of hours to complete.
The procedure may take as little as an hour or as long as five, depending on the case. You may also need to stay overnight following your procedure. Since this is significant plastic surgery, this procedure will be performed under general anesthesia.
How long is the recovery process?
You may experience pain and swelling for a few days after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. Post-surgical soreness may even last for several weeks or even months. Most patients find that they make a full recovery in about 8 weeks after their surgery.
What can't a tummy tuck do?
While a tummy tuck can certainly remove fat deposits and excess skin from the midsection, this surgery should not be considered a replacement for a healthy diet or exercise. Even with this fat removed, we still recommend a healthy, active lifestyle to prevent serious health conditions.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
A good candidate for a tummy tuck is a healthy non-smoking individual who is dealing with loose skin around the abdomen but is already maintaining a stable weight. Anyone who is looking to lose a significant amount of weight, or women who still plan on having children, may want to hold off on a tummy tuck until they have reached a stable weight or no longer plan to have children.
It's also important to have realistic expectations about this procedure and what it can offer, which is why it's important that you schedule a consultation with our Fairfax, VA, plastic surgeon first so that you fully understand what a tummy tuck can offer you.
If you have questions about the tummy tuck procedure or if you're a good candidate, call Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Associates in Fairfax, VA, and Chevy Chase, MD, at (703) 645-0077 to schedule a no-risk consultation with our plastic surgeon.