A Tighter, More Toned Waistline
Nothing can flatten the stomach, removeloose skin and fat, and restore shape to the midsection like a tummy tuck.
Weight fluctuations, loose skin, andpregnancy can sometimes prevent an abdomen from transforming despite exerciseor diet. During pregnancy, common changes like sagging skin, stretch marks, andmuscle separation can alter the appearance of the midsection and cause it tolose its slender shape. While there are many options for fat reduction,noninvasive procedures cannot address the combination of excess fat and looseskin like a tummy tuck – or abdominoplasty - can.
Patients at a healthy weight can achieve amore streamlined stomach appearance through tummy tuck surgery, eliminatingexcess skin and fat from the abdomen. Because the waistline, hips, and thighsborder the abdomen, it is routine to address those areas in the appropriatepatient during a tummy tuck. Achieving a flatter, trimmer waistline can be donethrough various tummy-tucking techniques. You and our plastic surgeons willcollaborate to establish a personalized treatment plan that suits your desired outcomes.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
- Procedure Time: Two to Five Hours
- Recovery: Two to Six Weeks; avoidingstrenuous activity for Eight to Twelve Weeks
- How Long it Lasts: Permanently
The goal of this procedure is to tightenand tone the entire abdomen. It removes fat and saggy skin and repairs musclesthat have stretched out due to age, pregnancy, and/or weight fluctuation. Onceyour abdominal muscles have separated, you will most likely notice a bloatedand barrel-shaped appearance in the lower part of your tummy, even if hardlyany fat is present. The only way to correct this is to undergo a surgicalprocedure to tighten the muscles. If you're far from your ideal weight,consider modifying your diet and exercising regularly as weight fluctuationscan affect long-term results.
For this procedure, you will be placedunder general anesthesia. Incisions will be made at each hip bone, and fat willbe removed before the skin is tightened and lifted from the belly buttondownwards. Any excess skin will also be removed. You may experience swellingand bruising, which should disappear within a week. The skin on your stomachmay be numb due to minor sensory nerve damage, but it should recover within ayear or less. Not to worry, this happens after any surgery in this area,whether cosmetic or not!
Mini or Modified Tummy Tuck
- Procedure Time: One to Two Hours
- Recovery: One to Four Weeks; avoidingstrenuous activity for Six to Eight Weeks
- How Long it Lasts: Permanently
Mini or Modified Tummy Tucks aim toeliminate the belly bulge that won't budge. This procedure eliminates a smallamount of loose skin and localized fat, typically between the belly button andpubic bone. Mini or Modified Tummy Tucks will not tighten loose skin above thebelly button and may not remove stretch marks above that area. The incision ismuch smaller, and less skin is removed, so this is an option for someone withminor laxity and bulging.
Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedurecan be completed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. A smallincision will be made near the top of the bikini line, excess skin and fat willbe removed, and muscles in your lower abdomen will be tightened. Your scar willvary in length depending on your unique circumstances.
Other Tummy Tuck Options:
In addition to the above two options,extended tummy tucks and lateral tension tummy tucks are also incredibleoptions depending on your needs. An extended tummy tuck can reduce heavy lovehandles and deep folds of fat on the back. Some surgeons may suction the lowerback and flanks before turning patients to the abdomen. Another preferredmethod is to begin in the lateral position and shift the patient from side toside. The incision tends to run from the upper level of the pubic hair allaround the back.
On the other hand, the lateral tensiontummy tuck is for patients with loose skin on both their stomach and theirthighs. This variation places tension laterally on the abdominal musclesinstead of centrally to address the stomach. The scar will resemble atraditional tummy tuck and run from hip to hip. It also addresses skin laxityin the thighs.
We want to acknowledge NewBeautyMagazine’s valuable insights and original piece on [A Tighter, More Toned Waistline].