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Patients who want to get rid of the loose skin and excess fat on their tummies can turn to a tummy tuck. This procedure can help them get the flatter, tighter stomachs that they are looking for. Patients can learn more about what a tummy tuck in Memphis involves by reaching out to Williams Surgical Arts and Esthetics.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
HOW DOES A TUMMY TUCK WORK?
Skin becomes less elastic over time. Sagging skin on the abdomen may be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, the aging process, childbirth, and rapid weight loss. Additionally, excess stubborn fat forms as the years go on, and the abdominal wall muscles begin to sag.
The idea behind a tummy tuck is simple. The tummy tuck gets rid of excess skin and fat while tightening and rejoining the abdominal muscles. The remaining skin will be tightened, giving more definition to the target area.
At Williams Surgical Arts and Esthetics, we combine the traditional tummy tuck with VASER LIPO 360. This state-of-the-art liposuction technique allows for impressive contouring during the procedure. Ultrasound energy is used to dislodge the stubborn fat cells, resulting in greatly reduced trauma to the surrounding tissues. This makes recovery more comfortable and reduces bruising.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A TUMMY TUCK?
The effects of pregnancy, weight fluctuations and the normal aging process can all contribute to the appearance of excess skin and fat on the abdomen. A tummy tuck is ideal for patients who are unable to minimize this excess tissue with proper diet and exercise.
You may be a potential candidate if:
- You are at or near an ideal weight for your height
- You have no plans for future pregnancies
- You have a moderate amount of excess skin and fat
- You possess good physical and psychological health
Through tummy tuck surgery and the use of VASER LIPO 360, you can achieve a flatter, more contoured abdomen. Other body contouring procedures such as liposuction may be performed in conjunction with your tummy tuck to create an overall slimmer body profile.
A tummy tuck may not be right for everyone. The best way to find out if you are an ideal candidate is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR SURGERY
This 3-4 hour procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your surgeon’s recommendation. Following sedation, a horizontal incision will be made on your lower abdomen. The skin will then be gently separated from the underlying tissue so that excess skin, fat and tissue can be removed or reshaped. A second incision can also be made around the navel so that excess tissue can be removed from the upper abdomen.
Excess skin will be removed using scalpel excision, and excess fat will be removed with VASER LIPO 360. Following the removal of excess skin, fat and tissue, the stretched out stomach muscles are repaired and tightened with suturing. The remaining skin will then be re-draped over the abdominal wall. Incisions will be closed with stitches, skin adhesives or clips. Temporary drains may be placed at incision sites to collect excess fluid buildup. Your abdomen will also be wrapped in gauze and an elastic compression bandage to minimize excessive swelling and bruising.
AFTER YOUR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
Following surgery, you will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area for several days. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions. Oral pain medication will also be made available to help manage discomfort. You should be up and walking within a few days of surgery, but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for several weeks.
Recovery times vary, but most patients are able to resume work and other normal activities within two weeks. It may take several weeks before the final results of your tummy tuck are visible, as swelling and bruising gradually subside. It may take several months before incision lines begin to fade and flatten.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
All surgical procedures, including a tummy tuck, present a degree of risk and uncertainty. During the consultation process, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss all of these risks with you in depth. Some risks include adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, slow healing, excessive scarring or undesirable cosmetic outcome.
HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK COST?
The cost of a tummy tuck is determined using several factors. The price of abdominoplasty surgery varies based on factors like the exact techniques utilized, anesthesia fees, and total surgical time.
IF YOU’RE READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Contact us to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck in Memphis,TN. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to review photos and discuss details such as the cost and expected recovery time.
BEFORE & AFTERS
