Why would I need a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal wall to create a smoother, flatter, and firmer contour. Women who have been pregnant or have excess abdominal skin and fat resulting from aging or weight change can greatly benefit from a tummy tuck. Although dieting and working out may help you lose weight and tone your muscles, they will not tighten your loose skin, nor will they tighten your loose inner girdle. A tummy tuck can dramatically help you improve the contour of your abdomen by tightening your inner girdle and removing unwanted excess skin and fat to achieve a flat, firm abdomen and waistline you always desired. View tummy tuck photos.

What can you tell me about the procedure?

A well camouflaged incision is made in the natural skin crease of the bikini area. The abdominal inner girdle (muscle fascia) is tightened to create a wash board effect, and the excess skin and fat are removed. The belly button is repositioned to a more aesthetic location depending upon the amount of excess skin and fat that is removed.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other plastic surgery procedures?

Many patients who have a tummy tuck, also desire to have liposuction of their hips at the same time to achieve a more aesthetic body contour. In general, a tummy tuck can be done alone or in conjunction with liposuction or any other plastic surgery procedure if safety permits.

What are the surgical descriptions?

The procedure takes two to four hours depending on the size of the patient. It takes place in our accredited surgery facility or a hospital. It can be performed as a day surgery or require an overnight stay depending on your overall health and the extent of surgery.

What should I anticipate about the recovery?

Mild to moderate swelling and discomfort is to be expected although bruising is minimal. You should plan on not driving or working for 7-10 days and no vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 4 weeks. Drains are placed under the abdominal flap to prevent any fluid collection and are removed in the office after 10- 14 days.

What other information will help in my decision making?

• You should defer having this procedure until you have finished childbearing. Otherwise, the benefits you gain by having a tummy tuck will be undone by another pregnancy.
• If you smoke you will place yourself at an increased risk for complications and should defer having this procedure until you have discontinued smoking for a minimum of two months.
• Some patients have excess fatty deposits in their hips as well and may benefit from hip liposuction at the same time as the tummy tuck to achieve the best contour.
• If you only have a small amount of excess skin, then you may be a candidate for a limited incision abdominoplasty also known as a mini- tummy tuck.

Dr. Awada will be glad to provide you with a consultation and help you determine what is required to achieve the best improvement in your body contour and thoroughly inform you of the risks and benefits of this procedure.

Learn more about liposuction, a thigh lift, an arm lift, or breast surgery or call this female plastic surgeon in Michigan to schedule a consultation.

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