Excellent tummy tuck results can help patients to achieve a range of body image goals. Abdominoplasty is a very versatile and customizable procedure that can be performed as a stand-alone cosmetic intervention, as part of a multi-procedural cosmetic intervention or even performed as part of a multi-procedural reconstructive option. Tummy tucks are incredibly popular, since they address many of the common age and lifestyle consequences suffered by men and women due to age, pregnancy, weight gain and a sedentary existence. Abdominoplasty techniques can be accomplished using a diversity of care practices, but are usually minimally invasive, well tolerated and incredibly effective in providing satisfying outcomes.
This essay explores the usual results of tummy tuck surgeries. We will examine what objectives can be achieved using abdominoplasty and how patients can improve their results with a bit of proactivity prior to their operation.
Possible Tummy Tuck Results
As mentioned in the opening section, tummy tuck can be used in different ways to achieve a variety of outcomes. Let’s look at each possible treatment path individually to provide a comprehensive view on all possible objectives:
As a stand alone cosmetic procedure, tummy tuck is used to reduce fat accumulation and the incidence of overly stretched out and damaged skin on the abdominal region. Typically, liposuction therapy is used to remove fatty tissue deposits and damaged skin is excised, using the belly button and public line as ideal places to hide scarring. In many procedures, the underlying muscles and fascia of the abdomen are also tightened to provide a truly prefect aesthetic to the tummy.
As part of a combined aesthetic procedure, tummy tucks can be paired with breast augmentation, breast lift or both, as well as other common aesthetic options, including buttock lift and general body sculpting. These multifaceted techniques are often marketed under the name “mommy makeover” since they help to resolve many issues that are commonly enacted by pregnancy and childbirth. In men, and in some women, alternative treatments might also be packaged with abdominoplasty, including abdominal etching for fitness athletes or even gastric surgery revisions for patients who have already lost weight through previous gastric operations, but require some type of revision due to stretching of the stomach or loosening of banding technologies.
For reconstructive purposes, tummy tuck can be combined with 100% or partially organic breast reconstruction. In this technique, called the TRAM procedure, the harvested tissue used to rebuild the lost or damaged breast is taken from excess abdominal fat and muscle. The patient will be able to enjoy a newly built breast using her own bodily tissue and also have the benefit of a tummy tuck all at once, for a combination of reparative and cosmetic synergy.
Positive and Negative Tummy Tuck Outcomes
Regardless of which type of procedure is utilized, tummy tucks are very effective at providing satisfying results. Most patients achieve excellent reduction in fatty tissue and stretched out or damage skin. Patients who elect to undergo additional abdominal fascia and muscle treatment usually attain even more satisfying outcomes, since the underlying infrastructure of the abdomen is also treated. Patients generally cite the technique as being very worthwhile. However, not every aspect of tummy tuck is positive, so we also find it important to list some of the downsides to help patients avoid negative connotations of treatment:
Some patients elect to undergo the least invasive and least financially costly methods of care, usually centering on liposuction more than other practices. This often does not provide adequate results for patients who truly require more invasive care in order to achieve their body image goals.
Some patients suffer general or specific surgical complications, such as infection, blood loss, nerve damage or even organ damage. These events are not very common, but can occur and should be carefully discussed with your doctor prior to surgery.
Some patients are treated surgically for weight problems, but are not managed well in terms of lifestyle counseling. These patients often return to bad eating and exercise habits postoperatively and find themselves right back in need of additional surgery within as little as a year’s time.
Optimizing Tummy Tuck Results
In order to improve your chances for positive long-term outcomes from abdominoplasty surgery, please consider the following crucial tips:
First, be sure to hire the best plastic surgeon, since their skills will be directly responsible for the quality of your results, as well as the safe keeping of your very life during the operation. Be certain that they specialize in tummy tucks and ask to see before and after photos including the degree of postoperative scarring that is expected to ensure that your choice of doctor is a good one.
Do everything possible to set yourself up for success prior to surgery. Get in the best shape you can and become entrenched in good eating and exercise habits to reduce as much fat as possible naturally, as well as decrease the chances of gaining any fat back after the invasive procedure.
Discuss postoperative skin care with your doctor to maximize the effectiveness of the results on your abdomen, as well as decrease the chances of scarring.
Most importantly, women should never consider undergoing tummy tuck if they are still considering having more children. It is best to wait until all children have been born before subjecting the body to such as dramatic aesthetic intervention. If additional pregnancies occur, the positive benefits of surgery will likely be lost once again.
