As more men and women learn about the benefits of tummy tuck surgery, the procedure is becoming one of the most popular body contouring options. If you’re interested in improving your midsection, you may have questions about what a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can do for you.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong will take the time to answer any concerns you might have so you can feel positive about moving forward with your tummy tuck. Some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions are listed below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck have loose skin around their abdomen, as well as loose abdominal muscles or excess fatty deposits. Most frequently, abdominoplasty patients are women who have been pregnant, but the procedure can also benefit men or women who have lost a significant amount of weight that left them with baggy skin and an unflattering midsection. A consultation with Dr. Truong will help you better understand the results you can expect to see from a tummy tuck and whether you might be a good candidate.
Can a tummy tuck help reduce my stomach fat?
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and patients should reach their goal weight prior to undergoing surgery. However, if you have subcutaneous fat around your abdomen that persists despite your best weight loss efforts, Dr. Truong can include liposuction in your abdominoplasty procedure to better contour the midsection.
Do I need a full abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck?
Dr. Truong offers customized abdominoplasty options to best meet your individual needs. If your skin laxity is primarily focused in the lower abdomen, bellow the belly button, and any abdominal separation is minimal, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, which uses a less aggressive approach to address only the lower abdomen. On the other hand, if you have skin laxity throughout your upper and lower abdomen or more pronounced abdominal separation, a full tummy tuck might be the best option for you.
How long does the surgery take?
Because a tummy tuck is such a personalized procedure, the exact duration of your surgery depends on the approach that Dr. Truong uses for you. In some patients whose needs are minimal, a tummy tuck can take less than an hour. For others, the procedure can last 4 hours or more. The best way to gain a better understanding of how long your particular abdominoplasty will last is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Truong so that he can assess your needs.
What can I expect during recovery?
While everyone’s recovery experience is different and your recovery will vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty you get, you can expect to feel some soreness around the site of your incision accompanied by some degree of discomfort in the abdominal area. You should take time away from work and other responsibilities to rest for at least 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Truong may also give you a compression garment to wear, which can help speed up the tummy tuck recovery process by promoting blood flow and reducing swelling. You can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications, or ask Dr. Truong for a prescription should you need something stronger.
Will I have scars?
As with all surgeries, the scarring from an abdominoplasty will occur. However, Dr. Truong takes special care to place the scar below your bikini line, meaning your scar shouldn’t be visible even if you’re only wearing a bathing suit. Typically, a full tummy tuck scar will stretch from one hip to the other, although a mini tummy tuck scar will be slightly shorter.
How long will I have to wait before seeing my final results?
Your tummy tuck results will be noticeable immediately after your surgery, although you can expect swelling and bruising to obscure your final outcome. While post-operative swelling should decrease significantly over the first several weeks, your final results may not be apparent until 6 months after surgery.