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The Tummy Tuck Surgery: A Brief Overview

flat belly after 40 a think woman with her shirt partially lifted up in jeans that are several sizes too large Middle Class Dad

Everyone wants a beautiful body, and a flat tummy provides body contour. A tummy tuck can improve a patient’s stomach shape for many years. It is a life-enhancing procedure performed by board-certified surgeons.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Individuals interested in a tummy tuck may wonder what the process entails. A tummy tuck tightens and shapes the stomach area, making a more slender look. People with a flatter, firmer stomach can find clothing that fits and looks better. They also feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies.

During a tummy tuck, a surgeon tightens muscles in the abdomen. Extra skin is removed, slimming the abdomen and leaving the stomach flatter. Tummy tucks are popular for both men and women, especially those who have lost a lot of weight.

Who Benefits from a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck will be at or near their ideal body weight, non-smokers, and in overall good health. People who have lost weight through diet and exercise but still have a midsection that protrudes and lacks tone are often good candidates for a tummy tuck.

Women with stomachs stretched out from pregnancy may also benefit from a tummy tuck. Some people have just always had a shape where their stomach sticks out. If they are in good overall health, a tummy tuck might be a way to solve the protruding stomach problem. A tummy tuck can help individuals obtain a firmer, flatter stomach.

Choosing a Surgeon

Tummy tuck surgery requires specialized training and experience for a successful outcome. Always ask a potential cosmetic surgeon how many surgeries they have performed and how often they perform them. It can also be helpful to ask for feedback from previous patients.

A cosmetic surgeon should be board certified. This ensures they have had the training necessary to perform tummy tuck cosmetic surgery. In addition, the surgery should be conducted in an accredited surgical facility.

Always look at before-and-after photos from a surgeon’s previous patients. Patients should pay special attention to the results of patients with similar body types before agreeing to undergo the surgery.

Types of Tummy Tucks

Mini-tummy tuck surgery involves making a single incision just above the pubic mound. The surgeon will tighten loose muscles and remove extra skin to form a flat abdominal wall. The scar remaining will be a thin, horizontal line only a few inches long. Mini-tummy tucks are shorter procedures with a faster recovery time.

In a full tummy tuck surgery, the cosmetic surgeon makes a horizontal or U-shaped cut and removes excess skin both above and below the belly button. Sometimes, the surgeon will make a second incision around the navel for the best results. The resulting scar will be longer than a mini-tummy tuck, but it can still usually be hidden by a swimsuit. Form-fitting dresses and swimsuits will fit better, and pants and skirts will be more comfortable.

An extended tummy tuck removes skin from the lower and upper abdomen as well as the flanks. This creates a longer, more noticeable scare that cannot always be hidden by a swimsuit. Many patients still consider it to be worthwhile to improve their body shape.

A tummy tuck procedure can be life-changing. Individuals can enjoy a slimmer, more beautiful body and the confidence that goes with it.

Jeff Campbell