An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, can provide a solution to separated muscles and loose skin in the abdominal area. It creates a sculpted, toned appearance that you may be unable to achieve with diet and exercise alone. If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Wellington, FL, find out more about how the procedure addresses loose skin and separated abdominal muscles safely and effectively.
Concerns Addressed by a Tummy Tuck in Wellington
A tummy tuck tightens and repairs weakened or separated abdominals, which may cause a bulging appearance that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. After pregnancy, many women experience a separation between the left and right ab muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti. When this occurs, the lower stomach loses its shape, leading to a pouch-like appearance.
This procedure also removes excess skin. Loose, stretched skin can occur because of hereditary, aging, pregnancy, previous abdominal surgeries such as a C-section, or significant weight loss.
How the Surgery Works
You’ll be asleep under general anesthesia during the tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon starts by making a horizontal incision from one hip bone to the other. This incision provides access to the abdominal muscles for repair. Your physician will tighten the muscles, using sutures to hold them in place so they heal correctly. They contour the area to create a smooth, firm silhouette.
After addressing separated muscles, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. They typically use liposuction to take out unwanted fat cells and scalpel excision to remove sagging skin. Finally, the surgeon may reposition the naval for a natural appearance before closing and dressing the incision. It can take a few weeks to see the final results of your tummy tuck as the surgical area heals and the swelling goes down.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
You should be in good health with a body mass index of less than 30 to consider a tummy tuck. This surgery may not be appropriate for you if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease or diabetes. If you smoke, your physician will likely recommend that you quit at least a few weeks before you have the procedure and through your recovery period. It usually takes a few weeks to return to work and normal activities after this surgery.
A tummy tuck is most effective if you’ve already reached a healthy weight. If you plan to lose more weight, you may want to delay the surgery until you reach your fitness goals. It might also make sense to wait if you plan to become pregnant, which can stretch out and damage the abdominal muscles. Click here for more information if you’re wondering whether you’re an appropriate candidate for an abdominoplasty.
Conclusion
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for women. Many people enjoy permanent results if they avoid dramatic weight fluctuations after this procedure. Understanding how the surgeon will address separated muscles and loose skin can help you determine whether you want to move forward with an abdominoplasty consultation.
