A tummy tuck is a great way to get that flat, toned stomach: and not everyone can get that stomach naturally, even with a pristine diet and flawless exercise routine. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom, CA, Dr. Kenneth Sumida – a board-certified plastic surgeon and proud California native – offers a way for nearly anyone in the Sacramento, CA area to get that toned look they’ve always wanted.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?
This popular and frequently performed surgical procedure reshapes and tightens the abdomen so that you look leaner and firmer. It does this by removing sagging skin, tightening up the muscles of the abdominal wall, and removing fat cells through liposuction, if needed. It can deliver in just a few moments what would take months of work through diet and exercise alone. The result is a better figure, a more youthful-looking abdomen, and greater self-confidence in general.
How Long Does a Tuck Take?
The time it takes for your procedure will depend on whether you are getting a mini tuck, a full abdominoplasty, or an extended abdominoplasty. Each of these three types of tucks has particular benefits, and your unique goals and needs will determine which one is the best for you.
The Mini Tuck
This is the simplest and fastest option, and it focuses on the lower part of the abdomen. It can address light to moderate sagging of the skin, some belly fat, and stretch marks below the belly button.
The surgeon will make a small incision just above the pubic mound and tighten loose muscles in the abdominal area through this incision. He will also remove some excess skin at this time. Sometimes, liposuction is added to remove extra fat. The procedure takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on exactly what you’re having done.
Full Abdominoplasty
This procedure addresses more than the mini tuck and takes around 2 to 5 hours. It also offers a more comprehensive change to both the lower and upper abdomen and is a good choice for those with a lot of extra skin both above and below the navel.
If you are suffering from issues with the strength of your abdominal muscles after pregnancy, the full tuck can help you with this better than a mini tuck. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a U-shaped incision that allows for more loose skin to be removed and better access to more of the abdominal muscles. Again, liposuction can be added as necessary.
Extended Abdominoplasty
This is the most comprehensive type of tuck, and it can deal with both the upper and lower abdomen and the flanks. This is a popular procedure for people who have lost a lot of weight and are dealing with lots of extra skin as a result. It’s also a great choice for women who have had multiple pregnancies.
This procedure also involves making an incision, which will be a bit larger than with the full abdominoplasty. Through this incision, the surgeon will tighten muscles and deal with excess skin, stretch, marks, and even fat. Expect this procedure to take an hour or two more than a full tuck.
The Benefits of Abdominoplasty
You may be considering this elective procedure to improve your physical appearance. This type of procedure isn’t typically needed for overall health, but it can give you a tighter, firmer midsection and help remove loose skin and stretch marks. Many men and women choose this procedure for cosmetic reasons, but it may also have some health benefits, depending on your situation.
Deal With Hernia Issues
A ventral hernia is a protrusion of abdominal tissue through a weak point in the abdominal wall. During a tuck, the surgeon will repair any weak areas of the abdominal wall, which can help prevent or improve a ventral hernia. Additionally, the removal of excess skin and fat during the procedure can reduce the strain on the abdominal wall, which can also help improve a ventral hernia.
In some cases, the surgeon may perform a hernia repair in conjunction with a tuck to address both issues. It’s important to consult with us for an evaluation of your case and to see if you are a good candidate for a tuck specifically to help with ventral hernias.
Get Better Posture
An abdominoplasty can help improve posture by tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. When the abdominal muscles are tightened, it can help pull the abdominal wall closer to the spine, which can help improve posture by pulling the shoulders back and the chest forward, creating a more upright posture. Additionally, the removal of excess skin and fat can also help reduce the strain on the abdominal muscles, which can help alleviate back pain and make it easier to maintain good posture.
Of course, a tuck is not a substitute for regular exercise or physical therapy: but this is a happy consequence of the procedure that many patients end up seeing. We can tell you more when you come for a consultation.
Improve Your Look (And Your Self-Esteem at the Same Time)
Feeling unhappy with your body can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Seeing images of attractive people with perfect bodies everywhere in advertisements, movies, TV shows, and posters can make the problem worse, causing a decline in self-esteem and self-confidence.
It’s worth noting that many celebrities have undergone cosmetic surgery, often multiple times, to achieve their current physique. If you desire a tight, toned, and stretch mark-free midsection, you can have it through access to those same procedures.
Other Common Questions
I’m a Man: Can I Have a Tummy Tuck?
Yes, men can get tummy tucks! Men can have tummy tucks for the same reasons women do: to improve the appearance of their midsection, particularly after significant weight loss, and to address issues like loose skin and stretch marks. The procedure can be performed on men and can be tailored to fit the specific needs and goals of the individual patient.
Can This Help Me Lose Weight?
An abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. The main goal is to improve the appearance of the midsection and to address issues like loose skin and stretch marks. A tummy tuck will not help a person lose weight, and, in fact, it is recommended that patients have a stable weight before undergoing the procedure.
This is because losing weight after a tummy tuck can negatively impact the results of the surgery. If a patient needs to lose weight, it is best to do so before the surgery. It’s also important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for regular exercise or a healthy diet. A healthy lifestyle is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Am I a Good Candidate for Surgery?
To be a good candidate for a tuck, it is important to be in good overall health and not to be a smoker (or be willing to quit smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery). It’s also important to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. A tummy tuck can help you achieve a flatter and more sculpted abdomen, but it is not a procedure that addresses the upper portion of your torso.
If you want to address the upper torso, you may need to pair the tuck with another procedure.
When Can I See the Results?
The recovery period can vary for each individual. Typically, you will be able to see the initial results of the surgery immediately after the procedure, as the excess skin and fat will be removed, and the abdominal muscles will be tightened. However, it is important to note that the full results will not be fully visible for several weeks.
During the recovery period, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to avoid any complications or delays in healing. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your incision site, as well as how to avoid straining your abdominal muscles and to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling.
Get a Fresh Look With Abdominoplasty
If you’re not happy with the way your stomach looks and want a flat, toned abdomen you feel comfortable showing off to the world, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options. Reach out to us at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery in Folsom, CA and set up a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Sumida today to get started.
