Tummy Tuck

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgery to address and reduce fat and excess skin in your abdominal region, an area where many people accumulate extra fat, skin, and separated muscles. While you might consider a flat tummy to be a particularly desirable feature, it isn’t always possible to get one naturally after certain life events and body fluctuations.

As with other surgeries at Luminary Dermatology, you do need general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with a tummy tuck. Your surgeon discusses your options with you in advance.

During the surgery, your surgeon makes a single large incision horizontally between your belly button and pubic area. They place the incision strategically so that any lasting scar is easy to conceal under your clothes. They lift the skin, repair any weak or torn muscles, and remove any excess skin and fat deposits.

Your surgeon may make a second, circular incision around your belly button. If this is the case, they make sure your belly button still looks normal and is in a natural-looking position when they suture the incisions back together.

When should I consider getting a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck can address the excess fat and loose, sagging skin in your abdomen. Even if your weight is within a normal range for someone of your gender, height, and age, you might have a protruding or sagging belly that affects your self-image.

The most common causes of a sagging or protruding abdomen, often treatable with a tummy tuck, include:

• Normal aging
• Your genetics
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Surgery like liposuction
• Drastic weight fluctuations

What should I expect while recovering after a tummy tuck?

Your surgeon gives you very specific instructions to follow as you heal and recover from your tummy tuck, including managing your bandages and dressings. They might also place some temporary tubes beneath your skin to help with fluid drainage and teach you to use them.

Additionally, you should follow your surgeon's instructions regarding pain medications and antibiotics after the surgery. Within about a week, you can stand up straight as the swelling diminishes. After that, you can slowly integrate yourself back into your normal routine.

You can expect to have a lasting scar, but it may get smaller over the course of the year after your surgery. If you already have a scar from a cesarean section birth, your surgeon can integrate your tummy tuck scar into it.

A tummy tuck surgery can get you a step closer to your ideal figure. To find out if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, call Luminary Dermatology for a consultation or book online today.