Here’s What You Should Know Before Having Tummy Tuck

Have you tried dieting and exercise and been frustrated about your inability to attain a toned abdomen? You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ashkan Ghavami likes to educate his patients so that they have a comprehensive understanding of what happens before, during, and after their surgery. Read on to learn some of the most pertinent details about tummy tuck. 

Tummy Tuck’s Main Objective Is to Remove Loose Skin

Some people who are unfamiliar with plastic surgery often picture tummy tuck as some sort of weight loss surgery, but that is incorrect. In fact, this surgery only removes a limited amount of fat cells, with the primary focus being on stretched skin surrounding the abdomen. Many adults develop a “pooch” of extra skin after having a baby or losing weight. Tummy tuck is the most effective solution for ensuring that skin fits more snuggly over the midsection to re-achieve appealing contours.

Patients who are concerned with excess fat are better candidates for liposuction, or perhaps a combination of both surgeries.

Tummy Tuck Results Can Last a Lifetime

Not all plastic surgery procedures offer indefinite results, but tummy tuck results are typically long lasting. The trick to enjoying your new contours for as long as possible is to maintain a steady, healthy weight. That means not gaining or losing a significant amount of weight and, for women, not becoming pregnant. Dr. Ghavami recommends that patients be done having children and at their goal weight so that they will only want/need to have this surgery once.

Tummy Tuck Produces a Long Scar

All forms of surgery utilize one or more incisions, but tummy tuck requires a long, horizontal incision below the abdomen. Dr. Ghavami’s strong technique helps the incision to fade significantly with time, but you must accept that the scar will not disappear completely. However, because your incision is just above your bikini line, it is easily hidden by most types of underwear and bathing suits. That means you can still show off your newly toned tummy without any obvious signs of plastic surgery.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Is Significant

Tummy tuck is a substantial surgery, and Dr. Ghavami likes to set patients’ expectations accordingly. You will probably need about two weeks of rest and limited physical activity before you can return to work; even longer if your job is not sedentary. Because of the position of your incision, you should avoid strenuous exercise for almost two months (although walking remains a good way to boost blood circulation). While most of Dr. Ghavami’s patients agree that the recovery is worth the results it produces, you should be sure you have the vacation time/flexibility for this extended downtime.

Ask Questions and Receive Expert Answers

For an even more thorough understanding of tummy tuck before making a final decision about surgery, schedule a consultation with one of Beverly Hills’ top surgeons. Please call (310) 275-1959 today.