If you are unhappy with the appearance of your midsection, a tummy tuck is one of the best options available. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you should know that you’re not alone. Available data shows roughly 130,000 tummy tucks are performed in the U.S. each year, making it the sixth-most-common cosmetic surgery. It might surprise you to learn that there are a variety of benefits to the tummy tuck and it may be the best fit for your goals. Here’s what to know about it and how Dr. Jeffery Sweat can help you reach your body goals.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a full tummy tuck (or traditional tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that significantly improves the overall shape and appearance of the abdomen. The process begins with Dr. Sweat making an incision across the lower abdomen and then a second smaller incision around the belly button. The next step includes separating the skin from the abdominal wall before realigning the abdominal muscles and removing excess fat and skin. From there, Dr. Sweat will create a new hole for the belly button before pulling down the remaining skin and stitching it back in place.

The tummy tuck has a variety of benefits including getting rid of sagging skin and stubborn fat, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles when they become stretched from weight fluctuations or pregnancy. A tummy tuck is easily combined with liposuction for additional body contouring in areas like the hips, flanks, or thighs. Some women opt to combine the tummy tuck with breast procedures like breast augmentation for a personalized mommy makeover. Whatever your goals, Dr. Sweat can help you determine the right surgical approach to the tummy tuck.

What to Expect While Recovering From a Tummy Tuck

Before undergoing your tummy tuck, you should know the road to recovery is the most important part of your procedure. It’s normal to have mild discomfort and soreness, but Dr. Sweat will give you prescription medications and aftercare instructions to manage it. You should plan to rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 1-2 weeks and should wear your compression garment as much as possible to reduce swelling and the chance of complications. On average, it will take about six weeks to completely recover from a tummy tuck. At this point, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your midsection’s definition and overall figure.

Schedule a Consultation

The tummy tuck can be well worth the investment in your confidence. To learn more about tummy tucks and whether it’s right for you, consider scheduling a consultation with J. Sweat Plastic Surgery today. You can get in touch with our Sacramento, CA office by calling or filling out our online contact form.