Tummy Tuck Miami

Tummy Tuck in Miami: What You Should Know

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.

What is a tummy tuck?

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).

What are the health benefits of getting a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is both cosmetic and reconstructive. Apart from its cosmetic benefits, tummy tuck also has many health benefits.

Removal of excess fat and skin

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).

Having stronger core muscles

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 Miami 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.

Improved posture

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.

Higher self-esteem

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.

3 medical reasons for getting a tummy tuck

For some people, a tummy tuck can be a medical necessity, especially for those who have:

A ventral hernia
Stress urinary incontinence
Back pain

Ventral hernia

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.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

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.

Back pain

Weak abdominal muscles provide insufficient support to the spine, leading to back pain. A weak core is common in patients who just given 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.

What are the limitations of a tummy tuck?

Despite its benefits, it is important to note that:

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss.
Weight fluctuations (gaining and losing) largely influence the surgical outcome.
You should delay the procedure if you’re planning to get pregnant in the future.
The surgery doesn’t include the removal of stretch marks unless they are located in the skin to be trimmed.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck in Miami/Coral Gables?

You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if:

You are physically healthy
You know what to expect
You are not a smoker
You have a stable weight or are not planning to lose a significant amount of weight post-surgery
You are not pregnant and are not planning to have future pregnancies
You are having health issues because of your large abdomen
You want to improve your self-image through a tighter abdomen

If this is you, then you are an ideal candidate to enjoy the benefits of an hourglass tummy tuck in Miami. We know that a tummy tuck is a very personal and individualized procedure. So, if you are not sure whether a tummy tuck is the best option for you, don’t hesitate to book a virtual consultation with our plastic surgeon.

What to expect during your consultation for an hourglass tummy tuck in Miami?

Your consultation usually starts with an interview. It would be best if you prepare to answer the following questions:

Why do you want to get a tummy tuck?
What are your goals and expectations?
Can you tell us about your family and health history?
Are you currently diagnosed with any medical condition?
Do you have any known allergies?
What medical treatments did you undergo?
What medications, vitamins, or supplements are you currently taking?
Do you smoke? Do you drink alcohol? Do you take drugs?
Any previous surgeries?
Are you pregnant, or are you planning to get pregnant in the future?

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.

How to prepare for a tummy tuck?

If you agree to get a tummy tuck surgery, you need to prepare yourself by:

Getting a lab test
Taking certain medications as prescribed by your surgeon
Adjusting your current medications as advised by your surgeon
Not smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs at least a week leading to the surgery
Avoiding taking medicines that may increase your risk for bleeding, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
Arranging for someone to drive you to the surgical facility and back home

What to expect during your tummy tuck operation?

A tummy tuck in Coral Gables is performed in 3 steps:

1. Administration of anesthesia

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.

2. Incision, removal, and repair

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.

3. Closing the incision

Once the desired skin tightness is achieved, the surgeon will now close the incision using sutures, tapes, or clips.

What to expect after the Miami tummy tuck surgery?

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:

How to care for and clean the surgical site
How to care for the drainage tubes
What medications to take to ease pain, promote healing, and minimize risk for infection
What physical activities you may or may not do
When to return to your normal routine
What signs and symptoms to watch out for
When to go back for a follow-up

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.

Tummy tuck vs. liposuction: Which is better?

Liposuction and tummy tuck 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.

Answers to common questions about a tummy tuck surgery:

How long will the surgery be? The surgery may take 1-5 hours, depending on the patient’s case.
Are tummy tuck results permanent? Yes, the results of a tummy tuck are permanent. You will have a firmer and tighter abdomen. As long as you don’t gain too much weight or become pregnant, the excess skin removed during the surgery will not return.
Will my fat come back after a tummy tuck? The fat cells removed during the surgery will not return.
How painful is a tummy tuck? During the surgery, you are under anesthesia, so it is painless. During recovery, there can be some pain and discomfort in the operative site. Doctors prescribe pain relievers to help you manage the pain.
Can I sleep on my stomach after a tummy tuck? You can’t sleep on your stomach for at least 3-6 weeks, sometimes longer. You have to sleep on your back in a reclined position.
Will I have a scar after a tummy tuck? If you have an existing scar from a past cesarean section, the tummy tuck scar may blend with the old scar. The scar may take months to fade.
Does insurance cover a tummy tuck procedure? If your tummy tuck is performed for medical reasons, the surgery may be covered by your insurance provider. Health insurance will not cover the cost if it’s purely for cosmetic purposes.

Where to get a tummy tuck in Miami/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:

Tummy tuck

Liposuction

Arm contouring

Mommy makeover

Breast lift

Breast augmentation

Brazilian Butt Lift

Botox in Coral Gables

And much more! 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.

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