If you want to have a taut tummy but struggle to achieve one through diet and exercise, you might want to consider getting an hourglass tummy tuck procedure in Miami. Read on to find out if getting a tummy tuck is exactly what you need.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure medically known as abdominoplasty. This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the underbelly and mid-waist and tightens the abdominal muscles to make the abdomen flatter. It is among the top 5 most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the U.S. In fact, approximately 130,000 tummy tuck procedures were performed in 2017.
This popular surgery is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks to improve the contour of the mid-waist. In addition, a “corset” procedure is performed to tighten the abdominal wall (the deep layer of the belly involving the abdominal muscles).
Abdominoplasty is both cosmetic and reconstructive. Apart from its cosmetic benefits, tummy tuck also has many health benefits.
Excessive fat and skin in the abdominal area are not only unpleasant to look at and may also feel uncomfortable. Likewise, they can lead to health problems such as back pain and skin irritation. It also increases one’s risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Sometimes, however, the cause of a loose and sagging tummy is not something that you can control. It can be an after-effect of something completely normal such as aging, weight loss, and pregnancy. Even a past abdominal surgery can contribute to the weakening of the abdominal muscles.
When these excess tissues are removed through a tummy tuck, you can minimize your risk of developing lifestyle diseases. It can also alleviate back pain and get rid of rash between skin folds and underbelly fat (intertrigo).
Patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck procedure usually have weak abdominal muscles and poor core strength. When your core muscles are weak, they cannot hold in abdominal contents effectively, making your tummy protrude and look distended. It can also shift your center of gravity and back pain.
During a tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon repositions, restores, and tightens the weakened muscles in the abdominal wall, which can significantly increase the strength of your core muscles.
The shift in the center of gravity caused by a big tummy and weak core muscles can lead to a lordotic posture. When you have lordosis, your lower back is arched too far inward, leading to back pain and awkward posture.
Removing the excess tissues in your abdomen also means removing the extra weight in the center of your body. Aside from a tighter tummy, this can also relieve the stress from your lumbar spine, decrease back pain, and improve your posture.
A tummy tuck often has positive psychological benefits. Research published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal has concluded that a tummy tuck can increase the quality of life of patients. After surgery, patients have had enhanced family experiences, improved living conditions, and better independent mobility. All of these have contributed to very high self-esteem and emotional stability post-surgery.
For some people, a tummy tuck can be a medical necessity, especially for those who have:
In a person with a ventral hernia, the abdominal tissues protrude through a weak area in your abdomen. It can develop because of weak abdominal muscles caused by a massive weight loss or a past abdominal surgery such as an appendectomy and a cesarean section.
Abdominoplasty can tighten the weak muscles on the abdominal wall, increase abdominal support, and reduce pressure on the skin. A tummy tuck can also prevent another ventral hernia from developing in the future.
SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence, particularly in women who delivered their babies vaginally. Those with SUI tend to leak urine when doing activities and exercises that put some stress on the urinary bladder. They can’t control the leakage when they cough, laugh or sneeze.
Non-surgical measures such as lifestyle change and exercise can treat stress urinary incontinence. However, a study has shown that SUI symptoms may also be relieved through abdominoplasty, especially for women who gave birth through normal delivery.
Weak abdominal muscles provide insufficient support to the spine, leading to back pain. A weak core is common in patients who just gave birth and lost a lot of weight.
A tummy tuck surgically removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles. This can improve core strength and abdominal support that eventually leads to back pain relief.
Despite its benefits, it is important to note that:
You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if:
Your consultation usually starts with an interview. It would be best if you prepare to answer the following questions:
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Morad Askari, will also perform a physical examination. If deemed necessary, he might also need to run some tests and take photos. A thorough assessment is essential to weigh the benefits of surgery against the risks.
Then, he will discuss your best options and recommend a treatment plan tailored and customized to your needs. He will also inform you of any potential risk, possible complications, and the realistic outcome you can expect from a tummy tuck.
As a patient, you should be honest about your health and outspoken about your expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask any question that’s causing you anxiety. Our surgeon is legally bound to treat any information you reveal with the utmost confidentiality.
If you agree to get a tummy tuck surgery, you need to prepare yourself by:
A tummy tuck in Coral Gables is performed in 3 steps:
The use of anesthesia will ensure a pain-free and comfortable surgery. Our plastic surgeon will recommend the best type of anesthesia to give you. The options include intravenous sedation, wherein the doctor will administer the drug directly into your bloodstream through an IV, and general anesthesia, which will be given either through an IV or inhaled through a mask.
Once you are completely sedated, and the surgical site is disinfected, the plastic surgeon will now create incisions in your abdomen.
Partial or mini abdominoplasty
This surgical procedure removes excess fats and skin below the belly button. The incision is horizontal and will be made between your navel and pubic hairline, running from each side of your hip. The size of the incision depends on the amount of loose skin. The surgeon will lift the skin and repair the abdominal muscles underneath. Then, he will remove the excess fat and skin.
Complete abdominoplasty
This is the type recommended for patients with excess skin and fat tissues in the upper part of the abdomen. Aside from the first horizontal incision, the surgeon may need to create a second incision around the belly button. The surgeon will pull down the skin in the upper abdomen, and he will trim the excess. The navel will also be removed, repositioned, and sutured in place.
Once the desired skin tightness is achieved, the surgeon will now close the incision using sutures, tapes, or clips.
You will find your incisions covered with dressings and bandages to keep the area clean. Your abdomen will also be wrapped with an elastic bandage to provide abdominal support. You may also wear a compression garment as a substitute.
If you underwent a complete tummy tuck, you would have temporary drainage tubes under your skin in the first few days after the surgery. These tubes will drain excess fluids and blood that may collect in the operative site.
Your plastic surgeon will also give you specific instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include:
The abdomen will normally look swollen post-surgery. You will also struggle to stand upright until the incisions have fully closed and healed. If the healing stage goes smoothly, you may expect a slimmer, tighter, and contoured abdomen in 1-2 weeks.
Liposuction and tummy tucks both aim to make your abdomen flatter and tighter. What’s best for you depends on your overall health status, needs, and goals. To find out which of these two can give you the results you want, please consult our experts in plastic surgery in Coral Gables.
If you are thinking of getting tummy tuck surgery, visit us at Revive Plastic Surgery Institute. Our board-certified plastic surgeon has over a decade of experience in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery. He offers a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, such as:
At Revive, we make sure to give you the best care and surgical results to meet your expectations. Feel free to browse our gallery to see the before and after results of our satisfied patients.
If you have any questions we failed to answer in this post, don’t hesitate to contact us. You may also request a virtual consultation for your convenience, and our staff will get in touch with you.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.