Achieving a flat or toned stomach is a goal for many, but for some people, traditional weight loss and dieting are not enough to eliminate excess or sagging skin in the abdominal area. That’s why at Hamptons Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tracy Pfeifer is proud to offer patients a tummy tuck procedure that gets rid of stubborn fat and helps patients achieve the goal and appearance they’ve been striving for.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery performed to remove excess skin and stubborn fat from the abdominal area. This procedure can also reshape and improve the appearance of the abdomen, especially for weight loss patients. Connective tissue can be tightened and repositioned in this area, creating a more toned look.
Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for the tummy tuck procedure are those who are in overall good health and at a stable weight. Candidates should be non-smokers, committed to the recovery process, and have realistic expectations about their results. The best results will be most notable in candidates who have excess skin, stubborn fat, or weakened stomach muscles.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Patients who are overweight or not within 30 pounds of their goal weight may not be candidates for a tummy tuck surgery. If you have underlying health conditions that may increase your risk of complications during recovery from a tummy tuck, we recommend speaking with your primary doctor to find out if you are eligible for a tummy tuck.
Are There Any Risks with a Tummy Tuck?
Just like any other surgery, a tummy tuck can come with several risks patients should be aware of. These risks can include:
- Scarring
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Seroma
- Poor wound healing
- Blood clots
- Numbness
- Wound separation
Under the care of Dr. Pfeifer, however, patients can feel confident that these risks can easily be avoided during their customized tummy tuck procedures.
How Can I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?
Preparing for your tummy tuck beforehand can help patients complete a successful, complication-free surgery and recovery. To prepare, we recommend that tummy tuck patients do the following:
- Quit smoking at least six weeks before your surgery.
- Avoid blood thinning medications prior to your surgery.
- Eat a balanced diet that will help you maintain a stable weight during recovery.
- Arrange transportation plans with a loved one to and from your surgery.
- Prepare your home for an easy recovery, making your bedroom comfortable and placing things within your reach before undergoing your surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck?
While recovery is different for everyone, most tummy tuck patients will need at least six full weeks to heal before they can return to their normal routines. During your first few days in recovery, you will need to take care of your drains, wear your compression garment, stay diligent about taking your antibiotics, and, most of all, prioritize rest to allow your body to heal. Light movement is also encouraged so that your body’s muscles can stay active, maintain stamina, and encourage healthy blood flow. Most patients can return to work and normal routines within two weeks, with careful movement. However, most physical activity should be avoided until after six weeks.
How Long Will the Results from a Tummy Tuck Last?
When the excess skin and fat are removed during a tummy tuck procedure, they are removed permanently, with no chance of those same fat cells returning. The results from a tummy tuck procedure usually last a lifetime as long as a patient maintains a stable weight. Significant weight loss and weight gain can alter the appearance of your results.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck can enhance the abdomen's appearance. However, they differ in scope, incision size, and the areas they address.
Here are some key elements of a mini tummy tuck:
- Focus: Targets the lower abdomen (below the belly button).
- Incision: Smaller and less invasive, usually a short horizontal incision above the pubic area.
- Muscle Repair: Limited to the lower abdominal muscles if needed.
- Recovery: Faster with less downtime compared to a full tummy tuck.
- Best Candidates: Individuals who are close to their ideal weight but want to address a small "pooch" or loose skin.
A full tummy tuck involves the following:
- Focus: Improves the entire abdominal area, from the ribcage to the pubic region.
- Incision: A longer incision extends across the lower abdomen. A small incision may also be made around the belly button.
- Muscle Repair: Tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) from top to bottom.
- Recovery: More extensive recovery, often requiring several weeks of downtime.
- Best Candidates: Individuals with significant abdominal muscle separation, loose skin, or excess fat after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Patients can combine a tummy tuck with other procedures. Popular surgeries paired with a tummy tuck include:
- Liposuction: Liposuction is often performed alongside a tummy tuck. It can remove stubborn fat deposits from the abdomen, flanks (love handles), hips, or thighs.
- Breast Procedures: Many women choose to combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery (breast augmentation, lift, or reduction). This helps them address changes after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Labiaplasty: Combining a tummy tuck with labiaplasty addresses aesthetic and functional concerns.
How Soon After Childbirth Can I Have a Tummy Tuck?
It's generally recommended to wait at least 6 to 12 months after childbirth before undergoing a tummy tuck.
After pregnancy, your body needs time to recover from childbirth. Hormone levels, uterus size, and abdominal muscles must return to their pre-pregnancy state. Rushing into surgery can lead to complications or less effective results.
Waiting also allows time for you to lose post-pregnancy weight. Surgeons recommend being close to your ideal, stable weight to achieve optimal contouring results.
Time allows your abdominal muscles and skin to tighten and recover on their own as well. This can make the surgery more effective.
Will a Tummy Tuck Help With Stretch Marks?
In some cases, a tummy tuck can reduce or eliminate stretch marks. Results depend on the marks' location and the extent of the procedure.
Stretch marks on the lower abdomen (below the belly button) and excess skin are often removed during the procedure. For stretch marks above the belly button, the tummy tuck tightens and pulls the skin downward. This can improve their appearance by making them less visible.
It's important to note that a tummy tuck is not designed to treat stretch marks. Marks outside the removed area will remain.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Tracy Pfeifer draws from years of experience in cosmetic surgery to provide high-quality, personalized procedures that help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. If you are interested in a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pfeifer at Hamptons Plastic Surgery today by filling out our form online.
Why Choose Hamptons Plastic Surgery?
Hamptons Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Tracy Pfeifer, offers superior aesthetic plastic surgery focusing on transformative, natural-looking results.
A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Pfeifer is part of an elite class. She holds double board certification from the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of General Surgery.
Dr. Pfeifer's exceptional skill and meticulous approach have also earned her recognition as one of New York's "Cutting Edge Plastic Surgeons" by New York Magazine.