A tummy tuck is great for people who cannot seem to lose weight around the midsection no matter what kind of diet and exercise they do. This plastic surgery procedure can help to give you a healthier look and feel.
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck is a procedure that helps to flatten the abdomen. During this procedure, excess fat and skin will be removed, and the abdominal wall is tightened. This procedure is commonly seen in people who have had massive weight loss or pregnancy.
WHAT QUALIFIES SOMEONE AS A GOOD TUMMY TUCK CANDIDATE?
There are many different reasons why someone may choose to have a tummy tuck. It can be because they are unhappy with how their abdomen looks or cannot lose the last few pounds around their abdomen. The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck is to come in for a consultation. During a consultation, the doctor will look at your abdomen and let you know whether a tummy tuck will benefit you.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?
There are three versions of a tummy tuck. The type of tummy tuck you choose will depend on your needs for the procedure.
FULL TUMMY TUCK
During this procedure, a horizontal incision between the hip bones and an incision will be done around the navel. All excess skin will be removed. Liposuction will be done to make sure the abdomen is contoured. During this procedure, weakened abdominal muscles will be tightened. The full tummy tuck is the most common procedure done.
EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
The extended tummy tuck will have an incision between the hip bones and around the navel. This will extend to the lower back and sides to help remove large amounts of skin and fat. During this procedure, the skin and fat will not only be removed from the abdomen. It will also be removed from the thighs and flanks. The extended tummy tuck is often seen with those that have experienced extreme weight loss.
MINI TUMMY TUCK
During the mini tummy tuck, a single incision will be created between the hip bones, and this will be smaller than that used with the full tummy tuck. Lax muscles will be tightened during this process, and excess skin and fat will be removed. This tummy tuck technique is used to address the small area under the belly button. This is good for those with a small pooch that does not respond well to exercise and diet.
THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK
Having a tummy tuck can help you have the body that you always dreamed of. You will be able to fit into clothes that you have always wanted to, and you will have confidence in your body image. People who have had tummy tucks have reported that they have a better overall life experience.
CAN COMBINING OTHER PROCEDURES BE BENEFICIAL?
If you are interested in combining other procedures with your tummy tuck, like breast implants, you will need to speak with your plastic surgeon to see if this is a good option for you. This will all depend on the type of surgery you will be having and what you want. Often, the tummy tuck is paired with procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation to address multiple changes in the body after pregnancy; this combination is known as a mommy makeover.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are looking to have a tummy tuck or you want to learn more, please schedule your consultation with the offices of Dr. Luke Cusimano by filling out our online form or calling (225) 230-4210. With a wide variety of options available, you will have no trouble getting the body of your dreams.