Tummy Tuck for a Tighter Abdomen

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure in which extra fat and skin are removed from the stomach area and the muscles tightened for a smoother, more youthful look. If you have lost weight but still have stubborn excess fat and loose skin, you may be a good candidate for this procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for This Procedure?

As long as you are in good health and at a healthy weight, you are probably a good candidate for a tummy tuck. While a tummy tuck does remove extra fat, it is not a substitute for weight loss. Rather, it removes the loose skin and excess fat that accumulate due to fluctuations in weight, pregnancy, the aging process, or prior surgery.

You should be close to your ideal weight before undergoing this procedure. In fact, a tummy tuck is often performed several months after bariatric surgery for patients who are unable to lose weight with a diet and exercise regimen. In addition, if you’re planning to get pregnant, you should probably postpone a tummy tuck until you’re finished having children. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least two weeks before your surgery until two weeks after your surgery, as it can affect healing.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?

This procedure is done under general anesthesia and can last between one and five hours. Sometimes it’s an outpatient procedure, while other patients may need to stay in the hospital overnight. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. John Bull will make an incision in your pubic area. The skin is lifted, allowing him to repair the underlying muscle and to remove excess fat. Extra skin is trimmed before the incision is closed.

What Is Involved in Recovery?

After your surgery, you’ll be bandaged. You must wear a compression garment to hold the skin and muscles in place while they heal. You’ll also have drainage tubes that help remove any excess blood and fluid from the surgical site. While you will experience pain and swelling at the surgical site, we can prescribe medications to reduce discomfort, promote healing, and prevent infection.

For most people, it takes about six weeks before normal activity can be fully resumed, so you should be prepared to take time off work. Complications are rare, but can include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. You will have permanent scarring after your procedure, though these tend to fade over time.

If you have lost weight and are unhappy with the appearance of your stomach, a tummy tuck may be the answer you’re looking for. At The John Bull Center for Cosmetic Surgery and Laser MediSpa in Naperville, we’ll work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs. Our medical staff can answer any questions you may have. Contact The John Bull Center today to schedule your consultation.