Tummy Tuck in Tennessee
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure. This surgery is designed to get rid of extra skin and help you show off your natural shape. But that’s just one of this cosmetic surgical procedure's benefits.
Generally, the benefits of a tummy tuck include:● Simply put: you’ll be able to get rid of excess skin and make your tummy look firmer, stronger, and more fit.● Transforming your skin to look naturally toned and fit can help you feel younger and more confident.● The permanent removal of some stretch marks around your abdomen.● You can say goodbye to skin hanging down uncomfortably from your tummy.● Abdominal muscles can be given added support, giving your tummy extra structure and strength.● You'll have a more defined waist and overall hourglass figure● Simple daily tasks like exercise or choosing an outfit can become easier and more comfortable.
Who is a Tummy Tuck For?
On its own, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, you can think of a tummy tuck as a way to refine and contour your appearance once you’ve reached a stable or ideal weight. In general, a tummy tuck is a good fit if you:
Are bothered by hanging, folding, or uncomfortable excess skin in your mid-section.
Want to achieve a curvy or hourglass-shaped figure (generally, tummy tuck is not recommended for naturally “boxy” shaped bodies or outcomes).
Want your tummy to look naturally firmer and more fit than it currently does.
Are currently maintaining a pretty consistent weight.
Are not seeking a weight loss solution.
Are healthy enough for surgery.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure:It Starts with the Consultation
Every tummy tuck begins with a consultation between you and Dr. Endara or Dr. Fulks. Sure, that’s true with every plastic surgery procedure — but tummy tuck consultations are especially important. Typically, you can expect your initial tummy tuck consultation to take about one hour. You’ll talk about your desired outcome and compare that to what a tummy tuck realistically can and cannot do.
For the front and sides, a straightforward tummy tuck may be suitable. Some patients who have experienced more dramatic weight loss may have sagging skin and excess fat located around their lower back as well as their front. This would require a circumferential tummy tuck.
You’ll get to have extensive pre-op discussions and measurement-taking time with your surgeon. The idea is that you’ll be very comfortable with every aspect of your tummy tuck surgery before your consultation is over!
The Tummy Tuck Surgery
Making the Incision
The incision for your tummy tuck will be placed as low as possible along the abdomen. In most cases, the incision is placed below the bikini line. However, if the best possible results require the incision site to be higher than usual, your surgeon will make a t-junction incision in order to keep the scar as low on the tummy as possible. Another incision may be made around the back if a circumferential tummy tuck is performed.
During this process, we do everything possible to minimize blood loss with precisely made incisions. All of these steps help minimize pain, reduce the risk of infection, and control possible swelling.
Adding Structure to the Abdominal Muscles
It’s not just your skin that is transformed during your tummy tuck! Our surgeons transform the look — and function — of your abdominal muscles by giving them a little added structure.
This involves a two-layer approach. Multiple primary sutures are made to provide the abdominal muscles with added strength. Then, a second layer of suture is put in place to keep pressure off of the primary closure. This better ensures your sutures stay put, where they belong, no matter what physical activity you're doing.
We take care to limit lateral dissection upwards above the belly button in order to reduce the risk of blood-flow related complications. Additionally, you'll most likely receive liposuction of the sides and flanks in order to create the most beautiful hourglass shape possible.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Your recovery is an essential part of the tummy tuck process. Giving your body time and space to heal, as well as closely following your surgeon’s instructions, can help ensure your comfort without compromising your transformation.
Recovery is different for everyone but restrictions are always the same. There is no cardio exercise for first 3 weeks, no lifting heavier than 10lbs for 6 weeks. Cleared for full activity at 8 week.
In most cases, you should be back to most of your normal activities three months or so after your procedure (assuming there’s no pain and your surgeon gives you the go-ahead).
Tummy Tuck FAQ
What is the average cost of a tummy tuck?
The average cost of a tummy tuck is about $7000. The price depends on the type of tummy tuck (mini or full) as well as fees related to the following:● Surgeon● Anesthesia● Surgical facility● Medical staff
How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a safe procedure that is performed over a hundred thousand times every year in North America alone. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can achieve satisfying results without issue.
What does a tummy tuck do?
A tummy tuck can flatten and firm the mid-section by eliminating unwanted fat and loose skin, as well as create a more defined waist. It can also smooth away a bulge caused by separated abdominal muscles, an issue technically called diastasis recti.
The procedure gives patients a more proportionate body contour.How long is the recovery from a tummy tuck?
The recovery following a tummy tuck is usually 2-3 weeks off from work, depending on whether you had a full or mini tummy tuck. Physical activities will need to be limited for about 3 months to allow for incisions lines to heal properly.
How many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck?
It depends on how much tissue is removed and whether you undergo abdominal muscle repair. Some patients may find that they experience no change in their dress size, however their clothes will fit better.
Others may find that they drop several dress sizes, particularly for those patients who get a tummy tuck to resolve issues arising from dramatic weight loss.
How much weight do you lose with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck isn't a weight loss surgery. It is designed to eliminate loose skin and fat that can't be addressed with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The amount of weight you may lose with a tummy tuck is insignificant.
Can you gain belly fat after a tummy tuck?
While a tummy tuck does eliminate excess fat in the mid-section, the remaining fat cells can still expand so you can still gain weight. For this reason, you should follow a healthy lifestyle to better maintain your results and keep fat cells from increasing in size.
Is a tummy tuck worth it?
Our patients are consistently satisfied with the results of their tummy tuck. If they were to answer this question, the answer would be an overwhelming YES, a tummy tuck is worth it!
What is a hanging stomach called?
The portion of the stomach that hangs over your waist is called a pannus. To remove the pannus, a procedure known as a panniculectomy can be performed. However, this procedure does not target any area above the pannus.