Do you feel self-conscious about the size of your stomach when wearing figure-hugging clothes? How about when you are in a public place in a bathing suit? If you tend to stick to loose-fitting clothing to hide your protruding belly, you might be a candidate for a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
This cosmetic surgery procedure gets rid of the extra fat and skin around your belly and tightens weak muscles to give you a firmer, flatter abdominal profile. By reshaping your stomach area, you will look slimmer and wear your favorite form-fitting clothes with confidence. Helping you feel comfortable in your body is one of the main reasons we provide cosmetic surgery!
Why People Love a Tummy Tuck
Patients who have sagging skin and a belly that sticks out, love seeing their midsection become flattened and toned. Both men and women come to us to enhance their body shape with a tummy tuck. Whether you have a saggy belly from weight loss or pregnancy, you don’t have to live with an unflattering stomach profile.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks work best after you have lost weight or are close to your ideal body weight. You should also be in good health, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can do for you. You might be a good candidate if:
– You have lost weight and exercised, but your stomach still sticks out and lacks tone.
– Your post-pregnancy stomach muscles are stretched, so now you have loose skin sagging around your belly.
– Your body has always maintained a protruding belly even when you are in good shape otherwise.
Types of Tummy Tucks
If you are thinking about getting a tummy tuck, there are a few options to consider that will work best for your needs.
Mini Tummy Tuck: This one is done to fix your “pooch.” It addresses the loose skin and stretch marks underneath your belly button. By making one incision, our cosmetic surgeon can tighten up those loose muscles and get rid of excess skin. The scar is thin and usually only a few inches long, giving you a smooth stomach, so you look good in your bathing suit!
Classic or “Full” Tummy Tuck: This one makes your upper and lower abdomen look slimmer and smoother. Patients who have excess skin folds on top and under the belly button choose this tummy tuck. Our cosmetic surgeon makes a horizontal or U-shaped incision spanning between the hip bones. This version helps you look great in figure-hugging slacks, skirts, dresses and bathing suits!
Extended Tummy Tuck: This one extends from the hips to the back, so it tightens your waistline as well. This version is done for moms after pregnancy or those who lost a lot of weight rapidly. It gets rid of those “love handles” along the waistline and saggy skin hanging down the stomach area. It’s also great for restoring the abdomen wall after multiple pregnancies.
Should You Wait?
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for losing excess weight and exercising. Also, women who are still planning on becoming pregnant again should wait until you are done bearing children. It is because your vertical stomach muscles are tightened during a tummy tuck and could be separated during your next pregnancy, resulting in a hernia.
If you are ready to enhance your appearance with a tummy tuck, we invite you to come in for a consultation with our cosmetic surgeon. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!