A flat and well-toned abdomen is what many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Also known as Abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A tummy tuck surgery is usually requested by anyone who has excess skin around the middle area, which can be caused by a number of reasons. One of the most common causes of loose skin is pregnancy as it stretches ones’ skin beyond its ability to regain its original shape, leaving the person with loose skin and stretch marks. Anyone who has lost a large amount of weight could also need abdominoplasty as they may be left with excess skin that no amount of exercise will shed. A tummy tuck is apt for any healthy person seeking an effective reduction in loose abdominal skin. At Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck centers, surgeons work with patients in order to customize the procedure so as to produce the desired body contour. If, for example, the fat deposits are limited to the area below the naval, a less complex procedure called a mini-tummy tuck could suffice. Tummy tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so patients sleep through the entire operation. Most commonly, surgeons at Tummy Tuck Beverly Hills centers make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, slightly above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the naval from the surrounding tissue. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them closer together and stitched into their new position. This provides a firmer, flatter abdomen wall and reduces the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the naval, which is then stitched into place. Finally, the incisions are stitched and dressings are applied. A complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours while a mini-abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Tummy tuck surgeries are safe. Most people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Choosing tummy tuck surgery results in a change of outward appearance. Subsequent to a tummy tuck, patients just feel better about their appearance and that shows outwardly through increased confidence. They are happier to wear more revealing clothing and do not always turn off the lights in the bedroom!
