21 Jun A Tummy Tuck Often Includes Multiple Surgeries in One
When is a tummy tuck not “just” a tummy tuck? Most of the time! The majority of full tummy tucks actually include multiple procedures and even very different but complementary surgeries in one appointment. At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, we specialize in tummy tucks that give you phenomenal results that help you achieve the taut, flat stomach you want. There’s only so much diet and exercise can do to get a flatter tummy, and these tactics oftentimes fail to address sagging skin. If you’ve been struggling to get a flat stomach, there’s a good chance healthy eating and being active won’t get you where you want to be—but a tummy tuck can.
Most people think of a tummy tuck as a surgery that removes excess skin, and that’s a big part of it. Tummy tucks trim away excess skin, which requires an incision on the lower part of the abdomen. These incisions can be quite long, often spanning from hip bone to hip bone, but they are always kept below the belt line so your underwear or swimsuit covers it. Plus, incisions are typically quite thin and heal similar to your skin color. The exact length of the incision will vary somewhat depending on skin laxity and sagging location. Women who have had a C-section might be able to “use” their old scar as their tummy tuck scar, too (this will depend on many factors, but you can find out more during your consultation).
Liposuction and Tummy Tucks
Liposuction isn’t automatically included in a tummy tuck but it is a very common addition. Liposuction is the immediate and permanent removal of unwanted fat. This is the only means of getting rid of fat right away and for good. It is a fantastic option for those who want to tone and sculpt their body. We can’t “spot reduce” with diet and exercise, and these methods only shrink fat cells anyway—they don’t remove them. It is very common to have stubborn pockets of fat on the stomach, and a tummy tuck is a great time to tackle everything that’s causing a non-flat stomach.
Pockets of fat and sagging skin are the two primary causes of a stomach that isn’t as flat as you’d like it to be. By adding liposuction to a tummy tuck, you can improve your results. Additionally, a low amount of fat on the stomach can help you show off abdominal muscles. After all, you need both strong muscles and very little fat in this area if your goal is to achieve a six- or eight-pack. Liposuction and a tummy tuck can help get you there.
Meet Your New Bellybutton
A full tummy tuck will often require your surgeon to “create” a new bellybutton for you. This is because skin can be stretched during a tummy tuck in a way that will distort your original bellybutton. Of course, we no longer need a bellybutton after we are born, but it’s a critical part of our overall aesthetic. Dr. Parson gives patients a bellybutton that looks natural and complements your new, flat stomach.
There is also a mini tummy tuck, which is a less invasive version of a full tummy tuck. Few patients are good candidates for this procedure because it only addresses skin laxity below the bellybutton. However, if a mini tuck is the right procedure for you, then you might not need the creation of a new bellybutton.
A Strong Stomach
Finally, it’s important to know that a tummy tuck is more than a surface-level surgery. A full tummy tuck also involves the strengthening of the abdominal muscles. This part of a tummy tuck is actually identical to the medical surgery to correct diastasis recti. The abdominal muscle facet of the surgery is part of what makes it a more invasive procedure, but you will also experience a stronger and more supportive core post-healing.
If you’ve been thinking about a tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation. We are entering summer months and recovery will take some time, but initial swelling subsides relatively quickly and you’ll still be able to show off your new swimsuit form by the end of summer. Connect with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today by calling the office or completing the online contact form.