A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is sometimes misunderstood as a weight loss treatment. However, in reality, its primary goal is body sculpting. While both weight loss and stomach tucks can improve appearance, they serve distinct purposes. Weight loss surgical procedures reduce total body fat, whereas a stomach tuck removes extra skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and enhances body contours. The cost of a tummy tuck scurgery can vary depending on location, surgeon expertise, and procedure complexity. Understanding these distinctions is critical for establishing realistic expectations. Furthermore, knowing what to expect from each option will help you make an informed decision.
Tummy Tuck And Its Types
A tummy tuck is a surgical method to remove excess skin and fat. It also tightens abdominal muscles. It is also known as abdominoplasty. Addition is a transformative procedure to fat a smoother and firmer tummy profile. It targets the stubborn fat deposits and excess skin that are not responsive to any type of diet and exercise.
There are the following types of tummy tucks:
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Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck targets the whole abdomen. It is also called a traditional tummy tuck procedure. It is suitable for patients with less severe skin looseness and muscle separation. This surgery involves the removal of sagging skin and excess fat from the abdomen. A full tummy tuck is a much more invasive procedure than other types. It involves a longer recovery period
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Mini Tummy Tuck
A Mini Tummy tuck surgical procedure is a less invasive surgery procedure. This procedure exclusively targets the area of lower abdomen only below the naval. This procedure is beneficial for people with sagging skin in the lower abdomen area, specifically below the belly button. However, it does not reposition the navel or make significant changes to the upper abdomen.
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Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A circumferential tummy tuck procedure is performed to remove and reshape the loose drooping skin from the abdomen, lower back, waist, and hip region. It is a safe procedure. It is more comprehensive than a traditional tummy tuck.
Procedure
All types of tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia. These procedures usually take 2-5 hours. During the tummy tuck procedure, a cut is made. Then, the cosmetic surgeon separates the skin from the underlying tissues just below the belly button. The remaining skin is pulled back and stitched. After this surgery, most patients stay in hospital for a few nights. It takes 4-6 weeks to recover, and you must refrain from exercise and heavy work. As it takes 6 weeks to heal completely, then you see your tummy tuck results.
Risks And Complications
As all surgeries carry risks and complications. Most surgeries in tummy tuck are successful, but there are risks, including:
- You have pain and bruising, which will go away over time.
- You may feel discomfort in the standing position, which will get better with time.
- There will be visible scarring in the first 6 weeks, which will fade slowly.
- You can also feel numbness and swelling.
Candidate For Tummy Tuck
Ideal candidates for tummy tuck are the people that have lost weight and are close to your ideal weight. Your skin becomes saggy after weight loss, or you have been pregnant and lost weight. Tummy tuck is for body contouring. This procedure will help you to achieve your desired figure by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues.
Benefits Of Tummy Tuck
It is beneficial for people with loose and sagging skin due to weight loss and aging.
And post-pregnancy reasons. A tummy tuck is for body contouring, and it is a good option for people who are in good health. Tummy tuck surgery also has medical benefits as follows:
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Reduce Back Pain
After pregnancy and weight loss, your back becomes painful. This is because the muscles become separated and strained. Tummy tuck will help you in reducing back pain. It will align and tighten the underlying tissues, which will help you with poor posture and back pain.
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Increase Your Strength
Abdominal muscle weakness can make you uncomfortable during exercise and other physical activities. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the tissues and helps you improve your strength and stability. After the tummy tuck, you can live an active lifestyle.
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Ventral Hernia
Ventral hernia occurs when the tissues of the intestine and abdomen break and form a pocket or a sack. Hernia is caused by various reasons: weakness of the abdominal muscles or C-section. A tummy tuck can also help you reduce the strain on the stomach muscles. It will tighten the abdominal tissues as well as help you correct ventral hernia.
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Boost Confidence
Everyone desires to get a flatter stomach and a contoured body. People after tummy tuck feel more confident and comfortable in wearing tight clothes. As, tummy tuck is for body contouring.
Tummy Tuck For Weight Loss
Tummy tuck surgery or an abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery. If you live a healthier life prior to a tummy tuck, then you can achieve your desired results. Surgeons perform tummy tuck procedures to remove excess skin and also fat from the abdominal region. Moreover, many people think that a tummy tuck is a weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgical procedures include gastric bypass and gastric sleeve bypass, which help you to lose weight. But the tummy tuck is a type of surgery that removes excess skin after you have lost weight. So, you cannot rely on tummy tuck for weight loss. You need to consult a professional and skilled surgeon.
Tummy Tuck For Body Contouring
Loose abdomen skin is a common condition. There are many causes of this, such as:
- Aging
- Inheritance
- Pregnancy
- Post weight loss
The loose abdomen region remains persistent even after a proper diet and exercise. It is very unfortunate that this sagging skin remains, and no diet and exercise will give you a flatter stomach. In addition, a tummy tuck is a type of surgery performed to restore a smoother and firmer abdomen. A tummy tuck is performed for body contouring rather than weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery results can last longer if patients maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Doctors will help you and guide you to choose a tummy tuck for your desired results.
Conclusion
The tummy tuck surgery procedure gives you a smoother and firmer abdomen. Considering tummy tuck is a significant decision that needs proper consideration. It is important to have realistic expectations as it is not a weight loss substitute. A tummy tuck is more viable for body contouring. You must be in good overall health before getting a tummy tuck. Therefore, consulting with our specialised team at Cosmeticoplasty will help you to choose whether a tummy tuck is a right choice for you. Our experienced doctor’s team will provide you with comprehensive guidance and support and ensure you choose the best option for yourself.