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Sometimes there is only so much a person can do to improve the appearance of his or her body. Unfortunately, even with a rigorous diet and exercise plan, fat sometimes doesn’t go away, and excess skin cannot magically disappear. Among the most common and concerning areas affected is the abdomen, which can be the most troubling area for achieving weight loss and contouring or toning of the body.
When considering a tummy tuck, you should first determine which of the following groups best describes your abdomen.
Men and women who have lost a massive amount of weight often find that their body is not the same as it was before their weight gain or loss. For many, specific parts of the body are left with loose, hanging skin that, even with an extreme workout plan, will not go away. One of the most common areas that have loose hanging skin is the abdomen. A tummy tuck can remove excess fat and skin after weight loss.
The wear and tear pregnancy does to a woman’s body is a common frustration amongst mothers. During pregnancy, the stomach has to grow to make room for a developing baby, which causes the abdominal muscles to stretch and become loose. After childbirth, the girth of the stomach decreases, but the aftermath is stretched abdominal muscles and loose, hanging skin, which creates a flabby abdominal appearance that is often unresponsive to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and tissue and tighten abdominal muscles to help a woman regain her pre-pregnancy abdominal appearance.
Strong abdominal muscles help support the back. When the abdominal muscles stretch and become loose, the support these muscles provide is significantly decreased. Pregnancy and extreme weight loss can cause the abdominal muscles to become weak, which can lead to bad posture and back pain. A tummy tuck can pull together and tighten the weak abdominal muscles, relieving pain and helping to increase the support for the back.
After tummy tuck surgery, a dressing is applied, and drains are placed near the incisions to prevent fluid buildup. Compression garments will be worn for a specific amount of time to help with healing. Patients can expect to experience temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness. Prescribed medication will help alleviate any pain.
Patients should refrain from smoking, exercising, and strenuous activity for the first few weeks after surgery. It is recommended to take one to two weeks off from work to properly heal from surgery. Depending on the patient, a tummy tuck can involve anywhere from one to four weeks of recovery.
Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell use fine incisions, and any visible incisions can be hidden under underwear and swimsuits. They employs different tummy tuck techniques depending on the patient’s goals and amount of correction needed. The extent of scarring depends on the patient and how his or her body heals, but most scars will be concealable and fade over time.
According to 2014 statistics taken from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon’s cost of a tummy tuck is $5,463. However, this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses. Additionally, the cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, the procedure performed, and the geographic location of the surgeon. Dr. Davidson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing tummy tuck surgery.
Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after tummy tuck surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe medication that will alleviate pain, aid in the healing process, and reduce potential risks of infection.
If you think that a tummy tuck may be beneficial for you or wish to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, please contact DAVinci Plastic Surgery today. Call (202) 966-9590 or fill out our contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you!
