Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen to achieve a slimmer, firmer and smoother abdominal profile. Here are the important facts about Tummy Tuck surgery, such as its benefits, ideal candidates, recovery and much more.
A Tummy Tuck is designed to enhance the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and by restoring weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
This procedure creates a more toned and firm abdominal profile.
Tummy Tucks can be beneficial for patients who have undergone liposuction, or have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck can make a person feel more confident and comfortable in their own body.
The option to undergo a Tummy Tuck is something that you can discuss with Dr. William Rahal during your initial in-office or virtual consultation.
The best candidates for a Tummy Tuck procedure are those who fully understand all aspects of the surgery and have realistic expectations. It is important to be in good health with no underlying heart, lung, or neurological conditions. Typical candidates are individuals who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, which cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone.
The Tummy Tuck has become an incredibly popular procedure in modern plastic surgery. Research in recent years has shown that it has been the third-most performed plastic surgery procedure behind just liposuction and breast augmentations. In 2021 alone, approximately 243,000 Tummy Tucks were performed, and that number continues to grow.
The primary benefits of this procedure include:
A tummy tuck can also be part of a larger body contouring strategy. Thanks to its ability to tighten the abdomen and remove excess skin, Tummy Tuck surgery allows patients to reclaim their bodies in a beautiful and natural-looking way.
A full Tummy Tuck involves a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the belly button. Excess skin is removed, and the abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. The belly button is repositioned for a natural appearance.
Dr. Rahal understands that preparing for your Tummy Tuck procedure can be intimidating. But, it’s also very exciting! Dr. Rahal is there for you every step of the way. During your initial consultation, Dr. Rahal will perform a physical exam and review your medical history to ensure you are an ideal candidate.
You will also have 3D images taken of your body with the VECTRA XT 3D Imaging System so that you can see hyper-real 3D images of what you will look like following your recovery. This will help you and Dr. Rahal set goals, expectations and plans for your surgery.
Prior to surgery, you will have a conversation with a member of Dr. Rahal’s medical team, and they will instruct you on next steps. You will have access to one of his medical assistants for any questions that you may have before and after your surgery. The approach is personalized to your health and procedure.
In the first 24 hours following your surgery, patients have the choice to stay at Prestige Surgery Aftercare in Beverly Hills. During this time, the medical team will keep you under close observation to ensure that your recovery is going exactly as planned.
Overall recovery time varies from patient to patient. Pain and discomfort are expected during the first few weeks post-surgery. Patients should avoid:
Sleeping may be uncomfortable at first, as you will be instructed not to lie on your stomach in the early stages of your recovery. It is recommended to sleep on your back with support from body pillows until fully healed. If you have also received a Brazilian Butt Lift as part of your procedure, you will be instructed on how to lie on your back while also avoiding putting direct pressure on your recovering buttocks.
Patients may need to take off work for up to two weeks to recover. Others may be able to return to work within a week. This timeline all depends on how physically demanding a patient’s job is as well as their healing progress. Patients will be prescribed medication to ensure that their recovery is as smooth and painless as possible.
For more information on tummy tuck surgery, call us today at (424) 512-1902 to schedule a consultation with Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck specialist Dr. William Rahal.
