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Reduce loose skin, stretch marks, and excess fat with a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck procedure is the most popular surgical procedure performed by Dr. Ashruf, and is a favorite of patients who have been pregnant, people who have lost large amounts of weight, and anyone wanting a flatter, tighter stomach.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure that rejuvenates and slims the midsection to help people with various concerns achieve a more ideal body contour. On a very basic level, complete tummy tuck procedures remove excess skin and fat to slim the midsection and create a firm, flat, smooth appearance.
More extensively, a tummy tuck tightens abdominal muscles that may have separated or weakened due to previous weight loss or pregnancy and childbirth. These muscles, known to most people as the muscles that make up a “six-pack”, are two major abdominal muscle groups that people use every day to maintain balance, twist at the waist, and more basically, hold their internal organs in place. They are located and held together at the front of the abdomen, giving it flexibility and tightness. When weakened or separated, they allow internal organs to push forward, creating a bulge that can’t be corrected just with exercise.
Abdominal fat can be the hardest type of body fat to get rid of with diet and exercise. Many people simply tend to accumulate body fat around their midsection and stomach due to genetics. If you want to achieve a slim and flat torso, consider liposuction in addition to a tummy tuck by Dr. Ashruf.
Tummy Tuck Techniques We Use
Full Tummy Tuck
The full tummy tuck is recommended for those who have significant lax skin and loose abdominal muscles, whether from pregnancy, age, or weight loss.
For the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes one incision low on the abdomen, and another is made around the belly button. The belly button remains attached during the entire process, but the skin surrounding it will end up as part of the excised skin. The muscles are then tightened, and the skin is pulled taut and sutured. A new opening is made for the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck is a great technique for men and women who only require little assistance in lower abdomen contouring. A “mini” tummy tuck incision is made low on the abdomen near the pubic line, and lower belly muscles are tightened while excess skin is removed.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is a technique similar to the full tummy tuck, but for those who need to address the hips and flanks area in addition to their midsection. The lower abdominal incision is longer, so Dr. Ashruf can remove more lax skin and fatty tissue as well as tighten the muscles.
High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck
The high lateral tension tummy tuck is a good technique for women who are looking for that “hourglass” shape. The procedure is performed in the same way as a full tummy tuck, but abdominal muscles are tightened both horizontally and vertically. By doing this, the abdominal wall is flat and the waist is cinched.
Anchor Incision (Fluer de Lis) Tummy Tuck
The anchor incision tummy tuck is reserved for men and women who have experienced a significant decrease in weight and need a large amount of skin removed as well as repair of rectus diastasis. The incision resembles an upside-down “T”, where in addition to the lower abdominal incision, an incision is made vertically in the middle of the abdomen. The height of this incision depends on the amount of skin excision needed for your individual case.
If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Salman Ashruf will address all of your questions and concerns, and review your medical history during your initial consultation. He will perform an exam to determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for your specific case. Dr. Ashruf will then take photographs and discuss treatment options that will help you achieve your ideal abdominal contour. These could include treatments in addition to a tummy tuck, such as tumescent liposuction, body contouring, and lipo etching.
Preparation and recovery instructions are personalized for your individual case and will be provided at this time. Before and after photos of previous patients who received a similar treatment will also be provided; this is only meant for you to gain a general idea of results, as results vary for all patients. All questions are highly encouraged; we want you to be fully comfortable with your decision to undergo tummy tuck surgery.
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Do not smoke or take anti-inflammatory medications for at least 3 weeks before your surgery.
- Please pick up all prescribed medication before your surgery.
- Arrange for someone to take you home after your procedure. We highly recommend for this person to stay overnight with you at least for the first night’s recovery.
- Have bedsheets that can be disposed of in case of drainage after the surgery. You could also get a vinyl table cover to place over your bedding to protect it from drainage.
- Please inform our office if you begin feeling suddenly ill.
The Abdominoplasty Surgery
Dr. Salman Ashruf performs tummy tucks under general anesthesia. Mini tummy tucks may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. This means you will feel no pain during the procedure. The tummy tuck procedure often combines high-definition liposuction techniques with the tightening of the rectus muscle to optimize results. Once the rectus has been tightened, the belly button is then repositioned in relation to the new abdominal contours and proportion.
After a medically supervised recovery, you will be able to return home a few hours following the procedure. Many tummy tuck patients are able to return to work between ten and fourteen days after surgery and make a complete recovery in about four weeks.
Dr. Ashruf uses minimally invasive, high definition Brazilian techniques to minimize discomfort and achieve beautiful cosmetic surgery results! To learn more, call Cosmetic Plastic Surgery of Maryland or request a consultation online today.
Complementary Procedures
A tummy tuck creates a beautifully slim midsection on its own, but adding complementary procedures to your surgery session can enhance the results.
Liposuction
Liposuction is often paired with a tummy tuck for enhanced body contouring. Liposuction is a procedure specially designed to remove stubborn localized fat deposits from the body. A tummy tuck contours the abdomen, but does not address fat. Liposuction performed at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure will remove lax skin, tighten abdominal muscles, and remove fat deposits, making for a flatter, more defined midsection. Dr. Salman Ashruf performs this procedure routinely at his Medicare-accredited surgical facility.
SmartLipo
SmartLipo follows the same process as traditional liposuction, but uses an advanced technique to achieve fat removal. The fat is initially liquefied with laser energy for suction ease and added patient comfort. This treatment also initiates the production of collagen which generates skin tightening effects in the weeks after your procedure session.
Mommy Makeover
Women who have given birth can experience dramatic changes to their breasts and abdomen. In some cases, the body snaps back to its original contour, but for other mothers, the lower belly skin and abdominal muscles remain loose and stretched. A mommy makeover is not one procedure, but multiple that are geared towards enhancing the breasts and abdomen. This often involves some combination of breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, and/or SmartLipo. Each person experiences different changes, so the surgery is custom-tailored to enhance your specific concerns.
*Results May Vary
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After the procedure, a compression garment will be wrapped around the abdomen to help reduce swelling. This should not be removed until instructed by Dr. Ashruf. Drains may be placed for excess fluids that might have accumulated during surgery; special care instructions for these devices will be provided to you. Dr. Ashruf will also provide pain medication prescriptions for any discomfort you may experience. You have the option to recover in the Beauty Suites at the Marriott Hotel located next door to our surgical facility. You will be taken there by our surgical staff.
Patients can generally expect to go back to work in 1 – 2 weeks, depending on the case and type of work. Strenuous activities can be resumed after 5 – 6 weeks. The resulting scarring fades and diminishes with time, but it is often hidden regardless in clothing.
When you are recovering from the cosmetic procedure, please remember to walk somewhat bent at the waist. And when sleeping, have yourself propped up in an elevated position with your head and back raised. These habits relieve pressure and tension at the incision locations.
Please avoid aspirin and other blood-thinning medications until Dr. Ashruf instructs otherwise. Additional individualized instructions will be provided for optimal results.
Results can be long-lasting if you are dedicated to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle; this is not a substitute for losing weight. Pregnancies after your tummy tuck can reverse results, so please hold off on scheduling a consultation until you are done having children.
Tummy Tuck Cost
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck
Are tummy tucks dangerous?
Since there’s risk involved with every surgical procedure, you can expect the same from a tummy tuck. The best way to mitigate risk is by selecting a board certified plastic surgeon and ensuring you’re a good candidate for your procedure.
Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?
You can expect some discomfort and swelling after surgery, but this fades with time. You can also expect some visible scarring, and your plastic surgeon can discuss the best ways to diminish its appearance with certain treatments and care steps.
Can I walk after tummy tuck?
You may have some slight mobility after a tummy tuck, but it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to rest and avoid extensive activity. You should make sure to walk around the house a little to keep blood flow moving during the first few days of recovery, but keep your activity level to a minimum.
Can you get pregnant after tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck does not affect your ability to get pregnant, but getting pregnant after a tummy tuck can negatively affect your results. For this reason, you should be finished having children when considering a tummy tuck for best results.
Can you lose weight after tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck will not cause you to lose any significant weight. You’ll still be able to lose weight after a tummy tuck, but keep in mind this can negatively affect your results if you lose significant weight. You should be at or near your ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck for this reason.
Can you get a tummy tuck if youre obese?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are at or near their ideal weight and have healthy, stable habits in place. If you plan to lose more weight, you should consider postponing your tummy tuck for best results. The tummy tuck should not be considered a weight loss surgery.
Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?
Scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure. However, a tummy tuck scar can be concealed within most clothing and you’ll receive detailed instructions to follow for fading its appearance during your recovery.
Do you have to be skinny to get a tummy tuck?
Most tummy tuck patients are within their healthy weight range and simply want to remove stretched skin and tighten the underlying muscles. Being too underweight or overweight can mean you’re not an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck.
How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?
You should make sure to follow your pre-op instructions, including when to stop smoking, fast, and arrive for your procedure. You may even be given instructions on what to wear and how to prepare your home for your recovery process.
Do men get tummy tuck?
Yes, men can benefit from a tummy tuck as well as women. This procedure can remove excess skin on the abdominal area to help men meet their aesthetic goals.
Does a tummy tuck tighten muscles?
During a tummy tuck, the muscles can be tightened in the abdomen to help achieve a more toned, sleeker appearance.