Pregnancy and significant weight loss can significantly impact the appearance of the abdomen.

There is frequently stretched skin and muscles that will not improve despite exercise.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the surgical process by which the separated abdominal muscles can be repaired, excess skin can be removed, and regional fat can be reduced, resulting in a firmer, flatter, more youthful, and more beautiful midsection contour. Quite a bit more than merely excising skin and fat, an abdominoplasty is an exceptionally sculptural, artistic endeavor that requires a combination of deep understanding of the anatomy and aesthetic vision to achieve the most gorgeous results.
With a tummy tuck performed by Dr. Chad Wu, you can achieve a firm, toned, and narrow waistline that is attractive and more youthful, achieve a flat stomach, and regain your shape.

YOU MAY BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK IF YOU:

  • Are in overall good health
  • Have excess stomach skin due to weight changes
  • Have excess stomach skin due to pregnancy
  • Have stretched-out abdominal skin due to aging or heredity
  • Have bad posture and back problems caused by weak stomach muscles and excess stomach fat

BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK

  • A flat abdomen, the tightening of loose skin and abdominal contouring
  • A boost in confidence and satisfaction with your new appearance
  • Abdominal tone that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise due to weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy
  • Better posture as poor posture can be linked to weak abdominal muscles
  • The reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence, which is the problem of uncontrollable leakage caused by exercising, sneezing, coughing and laughing
  • The correction of a Ventral Hernia, which happens when the intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through the abdominal muscles forming a pocket or sack

Solutions

Tighten your abdomen

Tummy Tuck surgery is a very popular procedure among women and men alike, in which excess fat and skin of the stomach area is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The muscles are sewn together operating as an internal girdle.

This surgical procedure can help restore a smoother and firmer midsection by removing excess fat and skin. It can also restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Stretched abdominal skin

Skin laxity in the abdomen can result from aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the skin of the abdomen and removes excess skin so that the abdominal contour is smoother and flatter.

Excess tummy fat

Excess abdominal fat that resists diet and exercise is common in many adults and may accumulate due to weight changes, pregnancy, aging, and heredity. During tummy tuck surgery, some areas of excess fat on the abdomen and hips can be treated with liposuction to eliminate fat bulges and flatten the abdomen.

Weakened abdominal muscles

Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) after major weight loss or pregnancy may cause the stomach to look perpetually pregnant. Tummy tuck surgery tightens the abdominal wall to improve core muscle engagement for better abdominal tone.

The Procedure

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Tell your surgeon what medications you are taking.
  • Tell the surgeon if you have varicose veins.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies.
  • Tell your surgeon if you have ever had phlebitis.
  • Inform your surgeon if you smoke.
  • Do not take anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Wash with a disinfectant soap.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • Do not wear jewelry.

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as the tummy tuck, is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between one and three hours. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin, resoulate the distended muscles and pull the skin down from the belly. The horizontal scar will be on the bikini line.

The duration of convalescence in a clinic depends on the extent of the operation. Plan two weeks of rest at home to prevent the accumulation of fluids under the skin. You can take the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon during this period. Until the stitches are removed, you will have to sleep on your back, knees bent.

You will need to wear a girdle for about a month to help reattach the muscles to the skin and reduce swelling. You will be able to return to your physical activities two to four weeks after the operation.

  • No alcohol
  • No tobacco
  • No intense physical activity

SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Wound dehiscence
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Infection
  • Cutaneous necrosis
  • Fatty necrosis
  • Phlebitis
  • Bleeding
  • Seroma

LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Painful scar
  • Deformity of the umbilicus (navel)
  • Persistent numbness of the abdomen
  • Poor scarring
  • Edema (swelling)

FAQ

How Is This Procedure Performed?

Complete abdominoplasty is performed for those requiring maximum correction. During a complete tummy tuck, our plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen at the level of the pubic hair.

Does a Tummy Tuck improve stretch marks?

While this depends on the location of the stretch marks, generally the procedure does improve them. In particular, if the stretch marks are located in the area that is to be removed.

Do results last?

As long as patients remain at a stable weight, results will last. Results are only affected by pregnancy, excessive weight loss or natural aging, of which the latter generally does not affect the skin so much where it reverts to its pre-surgery condition.

Where are the Tummy Tuck scars located?

Tummy Tuck incisions vary by technique, which should be discussed with your surgeon prior to surgery. A typical scar would be located above the public hairline and easily covered by a bikini.

How painful is a Tummy Tuck?

Since this operation includes the reparation of muscles, it can be painful. Pain management options should be discussed with your surgeon and a plan set in place.

How do I know if I need a Tummy Tuck or Lipo?

Your doctor will make the appropriate recommendation for either procedure. A Tummy Tuck is favored when there is an excess of loose abdominal skin in addition to fat deposits.

Is there an age limit for a Tummy Tuck?

While there is no age requirement, this procedure is typically performed on individuals suffering from excess skin and fat who have reached their ideal weight after excessive weight loss and women who have given birth and plan on not having any more kids.

When can I return to my normal routine?

You should avoid intensive activities for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Apart from that, most patients return to their regular routine two weeks after their surgery.