Body

What Is It Like To Get A Tummy Tuck?

Since diet and exercise alone are frequently insufficient to produce the desired results, many people who have changed their weight, given birth, or just developed a bit of a “spare tire” often think about corrective measures beyond these two options. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, can produce a more toned, smoother, and flatter midsection.

To improve the overall appearance of the stomach, a common cosmetic surgical procedure called a “tummy tuck” involves tightening the muscles beneath the skin and removing extra fat. According to the most recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), between 2005 and 2024, the annual number of stomach tucks performed in the US increased by 150%.

Tummy tucks are particularly well-liked as part of a “mommy makeover” package for women who have had one or more extremely difficult pregnancies and deliveries, as well as for men who have gradually developed noticeable bellies as a result of some excess fat and weak, permanently stretched-out muscles and skin tissue.

If a patient has significant skin laxity following significant weight loss, whether as a result of natural bodily causes, improvements in diet and exercise, or bariatric (weight loss assistance) surgery, a tummy tuck may also be appropriate to tone and recontour the midsection.

Because liposuction and tummy tucks address different issues, it’s critical that patients understand the differences between the two procedures. Significant fat deposits cannot be removed with a stomach tuck alone.

A common surgical procedure called liposuction involves using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to suction out excess fat deposits from a specific area of the body. The remaining fat deposits may then be carefully repositioned and reshaped to debulk and sculpt the area.

Liposuction can be done alone or in conjunction with other surgical procedures that involve the removal or transfer of fat of some kind (e.g., butt lifts, breast reductions, augmentations, etc.). It doesn’t deal with muscle or skin laxity. In the following cases, a surgeon might suggest liposuction, a stomach tuck, or both:

  • Liposuction might be sufficient if a patient only needs to reduce fat in the abdominal region and has little looseness in the skin or muscle tissues.
  • A stomach tuck by itself might be suitable if a patient has moderate to severe laxity in the muscles and skin of the abdomen, but only a small amount of fat needs to be lost.
  • The tummy tuck procedure may include liposuction if the patient wishes to address skin and muscle laxity and lose a significant amount of fat.

Surgeons can perform various types of stomach tuck procedures. The techniques used will be discussed during a consultation and will differ based on the concerns and desired outcomes of each patient.

A mini tummy tuck might be all that is needed to achieve favorable results for patients who only wish to address their lower abdomen (below their belly button). An incision just above the bikini line can be used to correct loose muscles, excess skin, and fat. Under general anesthesia, a mini tummy tuck is usually an outpatient procedure.

A standard or full tummy tuck addresses the skin, muscles, and fat of the entire abdominal region. The surgical incision across the pelvic bone should be below your underwear or bathing suit line. It’s possible to move the belly button and fix any stretch marks beneath the first one.

Patients usually have an extended tummy tuck to improve the skin, fat, and muscle in their lower abdomen and lower back (i.e., to address love handles). The incision is typically made just above one hip and extends to the opposite side, allowing it to be easily concealed beneath the line of underwear or a bathing suit.

To correct separated core muscles, some types of extended tummy tucks, like the REAL (Reconstructive Extended Abdominoplasty with Liposuction) tummy tuck that I perform, may require a full reconstruction of the abdominal wall.

Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has a lot of experience doing the procedures you want done, regardless of the procedure and medical practice you select.

Tummy Tuck In Dubai

Tummy tuck in Dubai are performed using modern techniques that ensure safety, minimal scarring, and results that appear natural. The city is home to board-certified plastic surgeons who have extensive training in body contouring and abdominoplasty procedures. Perfect Doctors Clinic prioritizes patient comfort, accuracy, and comprehensive aftercare to achieve optimal results. Patients can expect personalized consultations, cutting-edge facilities, and comprehensive treatment planning to match the surgery with their aesthetic goals. Whether a full or mini stomach tuck is required, the clinic offers excellent care tailored to the needs of each patient.

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Who Are The Best Candidates For A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a procedure that can help people who are healthy in other ways but want to get rid of extra skin and fat in their stomach. People who should get a tummy tuck are those who:

  • Want to look better by getting a smoother stomach
  • Have had more than one pregnancy and may find the procedure helpful for getting rid of extra skin and tightening their abdominal muscles
  • Have lost a lot of weight and now have loose skin hanging off their stomach but don’t want to get pregnant
  • Are not smokers or are smokers who want to quit for good; plan to keep their weight stable after treatment;
  • We anticipate that the procedure will proceed as smoothly as possible.

Who Should Not Consider A Tummy Tuck?

That being said, if you want to have kids, you might want to wait to get a tummy tuck. When you have surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. You might experience muscle separation if you become pregnant again.

Do you want to drop a lot of weight? Then you should also not get a tummy tuck. You shouldn’t get a tummy tuck until you’ve tried everything else. If you want to lose weight, you shouldn’t use it instead.

You should also think about how the scars will look after the surgery. Ask your doctor where the scar will go and how long it will be before the surgery.

How To Prepare For Tummy Tuck Surgery

Your doctor will tell you to stop smoking at least three weeks before and after surgery if you smoke. You need to do more than just smoke less. You need to quit smoking for good because it increases the risk of problems and slows down the healing process.

Before the surgery, don’t go on a strict diet. Eat full, well-balanced meals. You might get better faster if you eat well.

Inform your doctor about not only prescription drugs but also herbal medicines and other supplements. Your doctor may advise you to cease taking certain medications both before and after the surgery.

Get your house ready before the surgery. What you’ll need:

  • Packs of ice
  • Clothing that is loose, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off
  • Gasoline jelly
  • A showerhead that you can hold in your hand and a bathroom chair

Furthermore, someone will need to drive you home after the surgery. At least one person should stay with you the first night if you live alone. Plan ahead for that.

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Tummy Tuck Recovery

The area that was operated on will be stitched and bandaged, no matter if you are getting a partial or full tummy tuck. You may feel some pain, so talk to your doctor about what medicines you can take to ease it.

Follow your doctor’s post-op bandage care instructions. A strong elastic bandage that helps the wound heal properly will be used. Your surgeon will also show you how to sit or lie down in the most comfortable way to ease your pain.

For at least five weeks, you will have to do very little that is hard on your body. Some people may need to rest longer, up to 10 weeks, after tummy tucks that remove a lot of skin and fat. You can’t do anything too strenuous, like running or lifting heavy things. You might need to take up to a month off work after surgery to make sure you heal properly. What you should or shouldn’t do will be told to you by your doctor.

Returning to daily life

Most people are pleased with how they look after this procedure. But that might take some time. After surgery, you might not feel like yourself for a while.

Tummy tuck scars

As you heal from a tummy tuck, the cuts the surgeon made will leave scars on your skin. Many people get this type of tummy tuck, and the scars will be below the bikini line. But some tummy tucks require larger cuts, so scars may be above the waist.

Your doctor will explain how to care for your cuts as the scars form during your recovery from surgery. It is important to do what they say and keep the cuts safe while they heal. Sometimes, scars get lighter over time, usually around a year.

Tummy tuck belt

You may have seen ads for “tummy tuck belts” on TV or the Internet. If you wear these clothes that look like corsets for a few weeks, they claim to “miraculously slim” you down. There is no proof that tummy tuck belts will help you get rid of belly fat and extra skin, so don’t waste your money on them. 

Best Plastic Surgeon In Dubai For Tummy Tuck

Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for tummy tuck is available at Perfect Doctors Clinic, which performs abdominoplasty procedures and focuses on body contouring. Examine before-and-after pictures, read patient testimonials, and confirm that the clinic upholds the strictest safety and hygienic guidelines. Offering professional consultation, cutting-edge surgical technology, and extensive pre- and post-operative support, The Perfect Doctors Clinic is one of Dubai’s most respected choices. Knowledgeable specialists and patient-centered care ensure seamless, secure procedures and organic, long-lasting outcomes.