Most of us have a vision of what our bodies should look like. Many of us would love to have a toned tummy with well-defined abdominals, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Those who are having a hard time getting to the body of their dreams, despite working out and dieting, can benefit from a number of great procedures to obtain their ideal look. One such procedure that can help get you the toned tummy of your dreams is the abdominoplasty surgery.

What is Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that can help recontour your abdomen by removing the excess layers of skin and fat. It tightens the underlying muscles in your abdomen for a smoother and more contoured look. Finally, the remaining skin is pulled tight and taut over your abdomen, giving you a firm stomach without any excess sagging skin.

Why Go for an Abdominoplasty?

Both men and women opt for an abdominoplasty for a variety of reasons. If you have recently lost a lot of weight in a short time or experience dramatic weight fluctuations, your stomach may exhibit a saggy look. Women who have given birth may experience excess saggy skin and weakened abdominals that are tough to return to normal.

People may also experience sagging skin in the abdominal area due to the natural aging process. These factors and more are what help people decide on undergoing the abdominoplasty treatment.

The Different Types of Abdominoplasty?

There are different procedural techniques used to perform the abdominoplasty. It is recommended that you have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon so you can decide on what suits you the best.

A mini tummy tuck is used when you have mostly firm muscles and less excess fat around the abdomen. This procedure requires a small incision. A standard abdominoplasty works to remove larger chunks of skin and tissue and will require a much larger incision.

In case the patient has lost a lot of weight rapidly due to an illness, a gastric bypass etc., the surgeon will use the circumferential abdominoplasty technique. These days, surgeons also combine abdominoplasty with other cosmetic procedures like liposuction and more to give you a firmer and more contoured abdomen.

Post-Operative Care

Usually an abdominoplasty takes anywhere between three to six hours to complete depending on how extensive it is.

As is with any invasive surgery, abdominoplasty is also done under anesthesia. You will need to have someone available to drive you home and help you around the house with certain tasks as you rest and recover.

Your stomach will be sutured and bandaged after the surgery. Your sutures will be removed during your follow-up visits as you heal. It is very important to take care of yourself post-surgery so that your stomach can heal completely.

You will be given instructions to follow after the abdominoplasty to ensure you heal properly and quickly. You will need to follow them closely in order to produce the best results possible. Follow your surgeon’s instructions properly. They will guide you on how best to sit or lie down initially to avoid straining the tummy.

It is recommended to avoid all types of physically strenuous activities for at least six to eight weeks post-surgery. It is also advisable to take off from work for at least three – four weeks so that you can rest and recuperate and completely heal your body.

Contact Our Office

Yes, your new body will look fab but ensure you give it the rest it needs before you are ready to go out and conquer the world with renewed confidence and a new body!

Contact North Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Park today. He can help you understand the abdominoplasty process from beginning to end.