The abdomen is known to be highly resilient. In time, however,
pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, abdominal surgery and
gravity can take a tremendous toll on its ability to retain a
youthful-looking shape.

While following a good exercise program and healthy eating
habits can go a long way in improving physical and mental
well-being, they can’t repair abdominal muscle and skin that
has been stretched beyond the point where it can return to
normal naturally.

The only effective form of treatment is surgery.
A tummy tuck tightens weakened muscles and removes the adjacent fat that can cause the abdomen to protrude.

It can also eliminate excess skin which, in some cases, forms
an apron in the lower abdomen, causing rashes and infections.

For the vast majority of patients, the end result of surgery is
a flatter, smoother tummy than they have seen in years. In as
much as it can leave you with a shapelier waistline, the
operation has its limitations.

Unlike various types of gastric surgery, the tummy tuck is not
intended as a means of weight reduction. It will hot slim your
hips or buttocks, and it might not leave your abdomen perfectly
flat.

Liposuction may be necessary to eliminate stubborn fat deposits.

Furthermore, a tummy tuck will not eliminate all stretch marks,
cellulite or previous scars. These are conditions of the skin,
and only those imperfections located in the skin that is removed
during surgery will disappear.

A tummy tuck can, however, dramatically improve your midsection,
and this can help you fit into clothes better and feel really good
about yourself.

Watch for more Tummy Tuck Articles…

With Your Beauty in Mind,

This variation of abdominoplasty is designed for a select
number of patients with good skin tone and muscle weakness
of the lower abdomen only, and it on involves some
iposuction of the area.

If this is the case, the doctor begins by making a small
incision and inserting the appropriate suction tube. Moving
the instrument back and forth, he carefully suctions out the
fat.

Tightening of the muscles in the lower abdomen is achieved
through a single small incision at or just below the pubic
hairline. The exact length of the opening can vary between
patients, but is usually 3 to 5 inches in length.

After the muscles have been sutured into position, a small
drain tube is inserted to prevent blood and fluid from
accumulating. The incision is closed, bandages are draped
over the area, and an elastic compression garment is applied.

Removal of Skin and Fat Only
Designed for patients with excess skin and fat but no
abdominal muscle weakness, this procedure is essentially
the same as a tummy tuck, but without the tightening of
abdominal muscles.

With Your Beauty in Mind,

This variation of abdominoplasty is designed for a select
number of patients with good skin tone and muscle weakness
of the lower abdomen only, and it on involves some
iposuction of the area.

If this is the case, the doctor begins by making a small
incision and inserting the appropriate suction tube. Moving
the instrument back and forth, he carefully suctions out the
fat.

Tightening of the muscles in the lower abdomen is achieved
through a single small incision at or just below the pubic
hairline. The exact length of the opening can vary between
patients, but is usually 3 to 5 inches in length.

After the muscles have been sutured into position, a small
drain tube is inserted to prevent blood and fluid from
accumulating. The incision is closed, bandages are draped
over the area, and an elastic compression garment is applied.

Removal of Skin and Fat Only
Designed for patients with excess skin and fat but no
abdominal muscle weakness, this procedure is essentially
the same as a tummy tuck, but without the tightening of
abdominal muscles.

With Your Beauty in Mind,

Resuming Normal Activities and Seeing Your Final Result…

Most patients report feeling better within seven to ten days
of their operation. Keep in mind, however, that depending on
the extent of the procedure performed and your general state
of health, it could be weeks or even months before you feel
completely back to normal.

Persons who go into surgery in good physical shape and whose
abdominal muscles are in fairly good condition will recover
quicker.

Because of the strain it could pose on the surgical area,
driving is usually not allowed for at least two weeks after
surgery. The amount of time required before returning to work
and normal social activity can vary.

Patients having less extensive surgery or whose duties are not
physically demanding may resume their schedule in two to
three weeks. Those who undergo significant muscle repair or
whose job requires a significant amount of bending, lifting
or other physical exertion may be advised to rest four to
six weeks.

In general, nonvigorous upper- and lower-body activities,
such as stretching and low-impact aerobics, can be resumed in
about three weeks.

Weight training and other forms of exercise involving the
abdominal muscles should be delayed for six to eight weeks.
Due to the length and location of incisions necessary with this
procedure,scarring is significant.

While incisions around the navel tend to heal relatively quickly,
it may take up to a year before the redness in the long scar
diminishes and it flattens out. While it will never disappear
completely, this incision rarely shows under clothing, including
two-piece swim suits.

In monitoring your progress, several brief follow-up visits
will be scheduled in the weeks and months following your surgery.
Occasionally, a small amount of liposuction is desired after six
months or so to fine tune the results.

Of course, if you have any unusual symptoms or questions
between visits, you should call the office at your earliest convenience so that the surgeon and medical staff may address them promptly.

With Your Beauty in Mind,