Tummy Tuck

What is a Tummy Tuck?

There are many factors that can take a toll on the appearance of the abdominal region, including weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and genetics. An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to tighten abdominal muscles and skin to help achieve a flatter stomach. Plastic Surgery Associate’s unique approach to your abdominoplasty procedure is geared to achieve a beautiful abdominal contour. The abdominoplasty is the most common procedure for flattening the stomach and abdomen, and it addresses the problem for both women and men.

A tummy tuck can help to correct the following:

• Excess skin and fat on the abdomen
• Separated or weakened abdominal muscles

Who can Benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

Both men and women who are bothered by excess skin and tissue on their abdomen can often benefit from a tummy tuck. Ideal candidates will be physically healthy and at a stable weight and will have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure. To learn more about this procedure and if it is right for you and your aesthetic goals, contact our Grand Rapids office today to schedule a consultation appointment.

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The Procedure

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in our fully accredited facility. General anesthesia is administered by a physician anesthesiologist to maximize your safety and comfort during and after the procedure.

Overall, there are 3 main types of tummy tuck techniques, including a complete tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, and a circumferential tummy tuck.

Complete Tummy Tuck

The complete tummy tuck, also known as a classic tummy tuck, removes excess skin from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The resulting scar can be hidden below the bikini line. Along with the tummy tuck, your surgeon may recommend liposuction to remove excess fat deposits creating a more desirable body contour.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses on removing loose skin on the lower belly and is the least extensive of the three tummy tuck techniques. A single incision is created through which excess skin is removed and loose muscles tightened.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

A circumferential tummy tuck, also called an extended tummy tuck, involves a longer incision than a complete tummy tuck, and removes excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen, as well as the flanks. The abdominal muscles are also tightened. This technique is often used for patients who have a significant amount of sagging skin following weight loss or multiple pregnancies.

The time of the surgery will vary based on which procedure is recommended for you. Our surgeons can advise you on the choices that are best for you.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

The biggest benefit of a tummy tuck procedure is a slimmer, trimmer abdomen. By getting rid of excess skin and fat, you can more easily fit into your favorite outfits and not have to worry about what your stomach looks like. Additionally, the tummy tuck can tighten muscles when they become separated after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This additional support can give you better core strength and even reduce back pain and incontinence.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

Preparing for your surgical procedure is key. You’ll meet with our team for a pre-surgical appointment, where you’ll be given instructions. It’s important to avoid blood-thinning medications, smoking, certain herbal supplements, and more. You’ll also be given steps like avoiding food and water the night before surgery. During the time before your surgery, make sure to maintain a stable weight as much as possible.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Which is Right for You?

Tummy tuck and liposuction can both address the lower abdomen but in different ways. A typical tummy tuck surgery excises stretched, excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. It removes excess fat but does so using surgical excision. Liposuction can also remove excess fat, but it can’t address loose skin and stretched muscles. Our plastic surgeons can help you determine the best choice for your goals – or even recommend a combination procedure.

Combining Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures

Liposuction is often added to a tummy tuck to contour the surrounding areas like the hips, thighs, and love handles. This creates a more defined, contoured figure. However, the tummy tuck can also be combined with a lower body lift, thigh lift, or even breast lift (this combination is sometimes called a mommy makeover). This gives you many different options for customizing your cosmetic surgery package.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery Timeline

Tummy tuck recovery typically lasts for 1-2 weeks, with an additional 2-3 weeks of limiting your activity level. Most swelling and bruising will subside within the first two weeks, along with most discomfort. During this time, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and take light walks around the house to prevent blood clots. Within 6-8 weeks, you should begin to see the final results of your cosmetic procedure, with a slimmer stomach and a more noticeable figure. It can take up to a year for tummy tuck scars to settle into their final appearance, and our team will give you tips on how to ensure they fade completely.

Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck Results

Living an active and healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining your tummy tuck results. This means eating a varied diet and getting regular movement throughout your day in order to prevent weight fluctuations. Pregnancy can negatively affect your results, so we recommend being satisfied with your family before undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy Tuck for Men: What to Expect

A tummy tuck for men is the same as a tummy tuck for women. However, our board-certified plastic surgeons will work with you to achieve the result you want, using their keen understanding of masculine aesthetics. They’ll also give you a detailed recovery timeline if you work a more physical job, as you may need additional time off.

Tummy Tuck Testimonial

Patient's Story

“The entire process was wonderful. The staff and Dr. Renucci truly care about their patients. I had a tummy tuck, liposuction to my flanks and a breast lift. I am beyond pleased with my outcome. Dr. Renucci is the only person I would consider for these procedures. This was 100% worth it.”

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State of the art Surgical Facility

Our operating facility is conveniently located on the sixth floor of the Exhibitor’s Building adjacent to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our surgical facility is accredited by the AAAHC, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This association is committed to improving quality care provided to patients by reviewing standards, performance, and safety of our facility.

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Contact Us Today

Contact Plastic Surgery Associates today to schedule your tummy tuck consultation! This is your first step toward treatment, during which you can have a conversation with one of our surgeons to discuss your unique aesthetic goals.

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