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What is a Tummy Tuck?
Many people have tissue laxity or a skin envelope that hangs over the waistline after pregnancy or weight loss. These life events can leave loose, wrinkled skin on the abdomen, often above and below the belly button. It may be like an “apron” of tissue that hangs over your waistline. Troublesome and difficult-to-treat stretch marks may be present, often below the belly button. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that can address all these concerns and more. Tummy tuck surgery allows Dr. Sweat to remove excess skin and fat, strengthen the abdominal area, and address separated abdominal muscles.
At J. Sweat Plastic Surgery, we offer two different types of tummy tucks: a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck, or traditional tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen while a traditional tummy tuck focuses on the entire abdomen.
Who is a Candidate?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck include healthy people who have undergone significant weight loss and are struggling with excess fat and skin, as well as weakened abdominal muscles.
Women who have had their abdominal wall muscles stretched and separated by pregnancy often complain of an abdomen that bulges and may even be asked if they are currently pregnant based on the prominence of their belly. The tummy tuck procedure can be used to tighten the muscles of the belly wall as well as remove excess skin. That said, you should ideally be finished having children; while a pregnancy can be carried successfully to term after a tummy tuck, the results of the surgery will likely be undone by the pregnancy and further surgery may be necessary to regain previous results.
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the timing of a tummy tuck. Patients can benefit from this surgery even into their 70’s if they’re active and have good health. In general, younger patients should have either stabilized/finished their weight loss journey or finished having children. Postoperative mobility will be an important part of the recovery process so patients need to be in fit ambulatory condition.

Jeffery A.Sweat, M.D.
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The Procedure
Tummy tucks can occasionally be combined with other surgeries of the abdomen, such as a hysterectomy, but most commonly are done either alone or in combination with other body contouring surgeries like breast augmentation or liposuction. Breast surgery done in combination with a tummy tuck is often referred to as a “mommy makeover”. Tummy tuck surgery is done under a general anesthetic and, depending on other surgeries to be done at the same time, can take as little as two hours (or upwards of six hours in combination with other procedures).
Benefits
of Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck comes with many benefits, and Dr. Sweat will discuss them at length during a private consultation.
The Results
Although you can return home the same day as surgery, it’s important to be up and moving after surgery as quickly as possible (even on the day of surgery) to avoid developing blood clots in your legs. A compression garment is used for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery – even upwards of six weeks, if tolerated. This helps decrease postoperative swelling and fluid accumulation and can help reduce tummy tuck scars. A drainage tube most commonly exits through the pubic area and is present for 1-2 weeks after surgery (occasionally longer). Most patients will take 1-2 weeks off surgery and a 6-week tummy tuck recovery period is necessary before beginning strenuous exercises or maneuvers that will place tension on the incisions. You’ll require help around the house for 4-6 weeks since you’ll be unable to lift/push/pull more than about 5-10 pounds.
If you’re able to maintain postoperative weight control, the results will be permanent. The incision should be low and hidden in your waist or panty line, easily hidden within a bathing suit or underwear. The scar can be somewhat thick or prominent due to tension placed on the incision for maximal postoperative contour, but scar treatment systems such as Embrace or Biocorneum can help the scar to fade maximally with time. Occasionally, scars are injected with steroids to help calm thickness or redness, sometimes along with laser treatments or microneedling to help the scar remodel. While the abdomen will relax slightly with time, it should not regain the preoperative laxity and skin excess. You may experience tightness that prevents standing completely upright for a few days or weeks after surgery. Although abdominoplasty is not indicated for back pain, tightening the core abdominal muscles may help to strengthen the core and support the back, resulting in partial relief of back pain.

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Contact J. Sweat Plastic Surgery today if you’re seeking more information about our services or want to schedule a consultation. Fill out the form, and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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