Tummy Tucks

Most of us battle the bulge. Even with rigorous exercise and diet regimes, there are stubborn fat areas that just can't be budged without surgical intervention. Pregnancy also does a number on a previously flat stomach by damaging and stretching the skin, separating the muscles that join in the abdomen. There are some muscles that can't be restored and the skin's elasticity is gone. Women also have stretch marks to deal with. Adominoplasty, or tummy tucks, can help beautify this problem region.

The skin and fatty tissue between the belly button and pubic area is removed in an abdominoplasty. Any weak, flabby muscles are tightened to make a flatter appearance. The extra skin is distributed aross other areas to cover the whole tummy area. After the procedure, patients have a tight, flat abdomen.

If you are considering this procedure, your physician will most likely consult with you and evaluate your bulges, skin tone, and excess skin. Depending on what he or she finds, you may have a choice between a mini-tummy tuck, a traditional tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. In a traditional abdominoplasty, the excess abdominal skin is removed and the underlying abdominal muscles are tightened. Extended tummy tucks remove excess skin and fat from the tummy area, hips, and back area. This tuck will also lift your thighs and buttocks.

A mini tuck will involve liposuction of the tummy and removal of excess skin below the belly button. A curved incision below the underwear line is made and a small section of the lower abdominal skin is removed. Abdominal muscles can be tightened up to the belly button.

A standard abdominoplasty involves an incision in the lower abdomen. Underwear or bikinis will hide the incision. Full tummy tucks include removal of any excess skin and fat, stretch marks, and total muscle tightening and reconstruction of the belly button.

Recovery time is different for each procedure. Mini-tummy tucks don't normally require overnight hospitalization and can return to work within 5-7 days. This procedure can be done on an outpatient basis but most patients choose overnight recovery. More involved procedures may require a 1-2 night stay in hospital and can return to work in 10-14 days.

Scars are minimal in standard abdominoplasties. Extended tucks may require an incision around the body but the scar will fade over time. You will have a flat, sexy tummy that will compensate!