It cannot be denied that a flat tummy is a marker of youth and a beautiful body. A leaner abdominal region makes you feel better and more confident. One of the most popular and effective ways to achieve a flat tummy is through a tummy tuck procedure.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that makes the tummy appear smooth and flat. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon removes excess skin in the area and tightens the underlying muscles, resulting in a flat stomach.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on the tummy tuck procedure.
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
The first step in a tummy tuck procedure is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and desired outcome. They will also examine your abdominal area and discuss the type of tummy tuck technique that may be appropriate for you.
Patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck need to be of reasonably good physical and mental health, have a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle. Having pre-existing medical conditions can increase the risk of complications during the procedure. The plastic surgeon can recommend lifestyle changes or other treatments to help improve the patient’s overall health before undergoing surgery.
Step 2: The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Once you are under anesthesia, the plastic surgeon will make an incision along the pubic area and around the belly button. They can either repair the diastasis rectus or muscle separation alone or combine it with an abdominal dermo lipectomy, which removes the fat and excess skin in the abdomen. Some plastic surgeons can do liposuction of the abdomen along with a tummy tuck to boost the results of the procedure. The belly button will be relocated and the stitches will be closed.
Step 3: Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means patients can return home on the same day as the surgery. Patients recover at different rates after an abdominoplasty. It can take anywhere from two to four weeks to return to work. You will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to reduce swelling and support your abdominal area as it heals. Initially, some soreness is to be expected, and you should focus on getting ample rest and doing light walks in your home, especially during the first week after the procedure.
After two weeks, the stitches will be removed, and at around the same time, the swelling and bruising will begin to come down. As for the scarring, it could take several months to a year for it to fade away. Follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions after surgery for a successful outcome and to prevent complications. You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
To maintain the results of a tummy tuck, you need to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and prevent weight gain.
Best Tummy Tuck Doctor in Atlanta, GA
Board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mackay understands the life-changing effects of abdominoplasty and is happy to provide this service for patients. Dr. Mackay is highly skilled and experienced in different techniques to achieve beautiful results from a tummy tuck and maintains a stellar reputation in Atlanta.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mackay, call our office today at (404) 777-9791 or use our online form to send your request. Our caring team is pleased to answer any questions and assist you with making an appointment.
