Many people associate the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure with weight loss. While the procedure will give you a slimmer appearance, abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure!

Let’s explore this procedure a bit further, and how it can help improve your confidence!

1. What exactly is an abdominoplasty? Abdominoplasty is a customizable procedure, which is used to effectively flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin. The procedure also helps tighten surrounding muscles! Despite what many people think, a tummy tuck is not designed to help people lose weight, though it may benefit patients who have already lost weight by removing excess skin. However, the procedure is not a substitute for exercise or diet.
2. Am I a candidate for this procedure?  Ideal patients for this surgery are otherwise fit individuals who wish to eliminate unwanted areas of the body following life-changing events such as pregnancy, or weight loss. While a tummy tuck cannot correct issues such as stretch marks, it can make a huge difference in your self-confidence and appearance!
3. Are the results of a tummy tuck permanent? Although most patients will experience great, long-lasting results with this procedure, the results of a tummy tuck are not considered permanent. In fact, a patient’s results can often be compromised by significant changes in weight, such as loss or gain. Women who are looking to become pregnant in the future, however, may want to hold off on this procedure since pregnancy can disrupt the results of a tummy tuck as well.
4. What will happen during surgery? Abdominoplasty takes about five hours to complete, under general anesthesia. Two incisions will be made: one will be from one hipbone to the other, getting close to the patient’s pubic area, and another around the navel.  The surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal muscles, pulling them together, and stitching them in place. Skin flaps will then be stretched down and over the tightened muscles. Excess skin is removed, and the navel will be attached in a more natural position. The incisions are then closed, and sterile dressings are applied. Recovery takes about six weeks.

Abdominoplasty in Okatie

If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty, contact us today at 843.705.8940 to schedule an appointment.  We look forward to hearing from you!