A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss management tool. It’s not a substitute for an appropriate exercise program or healthy diet. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although they may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.
Good candidates for tummy tuck:
A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure. It is best performed on patients who are:
- Healthy individuals who don’t have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing - At a stable weight
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals in mind
- Bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large
The Surgery
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified M.D. anesthesiologist.
Step 2 – The Incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to removed excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the Incisions
Sutures close the incisions.
Step 4 – See the Results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.
Making the Wise Choice
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust. A doctor’s board certification is one of the best indicators of his or her training. Ask for certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only one of 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To be ABPS board-certified, a physician must meet these rigorous standards:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school
- Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training
- Pass comprehensive oral and written exam
Dr. Tim R. Love is a board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon based in Oklahoma City. For more information on tummy tucks in Oklahoma City, please contact us here.