There are many reasons why a person may be considering a tummy tuck. Whether you’re wanting to regain a pre-baby body, want a more youthful silhouette, or you’ve tried for years — unsuccessfully — to obtain a flat tummy through diet and exercise, you may be wondering what undergoing this cosmetic enhancement entails. What, exactly, is a tummy tuck? What are the types of tummy tucks that are available? And, are you an ideal candidate?
What’s a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty (commonly known as tummy tucks) is a cosmetic procedure designed to make the abdominal area look more firm. This is done by removing excess fat and skin, then tightening the layers of fibrous tissue on the abdominal wall (the fascia). It’s one of the most common cosmetic enhancements, and yields one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction — in both women and men.
While tummy tucks can increase a person’s self-confidence, before rushing to getting one, make sure you have someone at home who can drive you home after the procedure and who can help you for the following 48 hours. You will be restricted from exercise for at least two weeks, and you’ll have to wear a compression garment for up to eight weeks.
Types of Tummy Tucks
There are several types of tummy tucks. Which one would benefit you the most depends on the areas you’d like to improve, and your reasons for doing so. At Innovations Medical, we only perform one kind of tummy tuck — the Awake tummy tuck.
Standard Tummy Tuck
This is the most common type of tummy tuck. Its main goal is to reshape the lower abdominal area — something that’s commonly sought after pregnancy. During this procedure, a surgeon makes an incision above the pubic area from one side of the hip to the other. Liposuction is then performed in the lower abdomen and the abdominal wall is tightened. Once the tummy has been reshaped, the belly button may be repositioned to give you a more natural look.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
This type of tummy tuck (also known as a reverse abdominoplasty) is designed to help people who’d like to reshape their upper abdominal area. It is performed by making an incision underneath the breast folds to remove excess fat and skin.
Panniculectomy Tummy Tuck
This type of procedure is designed to help patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with a substantial amount of loose skin. The main focus of the procedure is to remove the folds of skin. The incision is also made right above the pubic area and goes from one hip to the other.
Awake Tummy Tuck
The Awake Tummy Tuck is done under local anesthesia at the doctor’s office and it tightens both the upper and lower abdomen. It’s a safe technique that provides better results than a traditional tummy tuck. It also eliminates risks often associated with plastic surgery — such as pulmonary emboli, organ complication, or infection. For these reasons, it also requires a shorter recovery time, so you can return to your regular daily routine within two or three days. This is the only type of tummy tuck that we perform at Innovations Medical.
Who’s an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
Although tummy tucks are an excellent option for individuals who’d like to reshape their bodies, they are not recommended for everyone. To be a good candidate, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have stubborn extra fat in your abdominal region
- You have moderate to large amounts of sagging skin
- You are in relatively good health
- You are close to your ideal weight range
- You are doing it for yourself and not to please someone else
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
If you need to lose significant amounts of weight, it is recommended that you lose it prior to considering undergoing a tummy tuck. You should also consult with your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions, as these increase the risks of complications in cosmetic enhancements.
If You’re Thinking About Cosmetic Enhancements, Contact Innovations Medical
If you’re looking to reshape your body and boost your self-confidence through an Awake tummy tuck, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about cosmetic procedures. We’ve been helping our patients look their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore cosmetic options and learn how Innovations Medical can bounce back your body, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.