What is a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery designed to tighten and contour the abdominal area. During a tummy tuck procedure, sagging skin is surgically removed and fat pockets are eliminated, while connective tissues and weakened muscles are tightened with permanent sutures. The result is a firm, toned, shapely waistline.

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What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

There are many benefits of a tummy tuck for patients who want to achieve a more sculpted, flat and toned abdominal area. Benefits include the following:

  • A slimmer, more flattering waistline
  • A flatter, tighter abdominal contour
  • Surgically tightened muscles
  • Achieves abdominal support to help improve posture and alleviate back pain
  • May remove up to 10 pounds of excess skin
  • Eliminates stretch marks on the lower abdomen
  • Helps to reduce urinary incontinence
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Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

People with sagging skin or a protruding tummy who want a more sculpted, tight abdominal contour may be candidates for a tummy tuck. Patients who meet the following requirements may be ideal candidates for a tummy tuck in Charlottesville:

  • Are in good physical health 
  • Do not smoke
  • Stomach muscles are weakened or separated 
  • Have loose, sagging abdominal skin 
  • Have stubborn fat pockets in the abdomen
  • Are at or near their ideal weight and feel they can maintain it
  • Have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a tummy tuck 

What to expect during a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery begins with general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision across the lower abdomen at the level of the pubic hair. This incision is easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit. Your surgeon will remove excess fat and skin to shape and tone the area. Weakened muscles will be sewn together and tightened with permanent sutures. 

The skin is then pulled down and firmly secured to create a tight, shapely contour. The navel is repositioned and the incision is closed.

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Recovery after a tummy tuck

You will be able to return home with a family member or friend after your tummy tuck. You will have a dressing around your abdomen to protect your incision and help to minimize swelling during your healing process. You’ll wear your bandage for about two weeks. 

Expect two weeks of downtime after your tummy tuck procedure. Rest and relax, but take short walks with assistance to promote healthy blood circulation. Bruising will fade in two or three weeks, but swelling will fade more slowly, with the last of it fully subsiding after three to six months. Wait for about six weeks and get clearance from your surgeon before you exercise or lift anything heavier than five pounds. 

Burton M. Sundin, MD

Reps B. Sundin, MD

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Why choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for a tummy tuck?

At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, your surgery is performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons, either Dr. Burton Sundin or Dr. Reps Sundin. Your surgeons are dedicated and highly experienced, with 30 years of combined experience between them. At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, you are in the caring, professional hands of true authorities in the aesthetic field. To learn more about your abdominoplasty in the  Charlottesville area with us, please call today for a consultation. 

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FAQ 

How long after my tummy tuck will I see results?

Does your waist get smaller after a tummy tuck?

Does a tummy tuck get rid of a FUPA?

What other procedures go well with a tummy tuck?

Where will my scar be after my tummy tuck?

Does a tummy tuck get rid of excess fat?

How long after my tummy tuck will I see results?

You will see your initial results immediately. However, until the swelling fades, you will not be able to see your final results. These will be fully apparent in two to five months.

Does your waist get smaller after a tummy tuck?

Your waist will be sculpted either subtly or by a number of inches. This depends on the type of tummy tuck you have.

Does a tummy tuck get rid of a FUPA?

If you have a FUPA (Fat Upper Public Area), this is addressed with a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin and fat to create a flat, smooth upper pubic area.

What other procedures go well with a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is commonly combined with liposuction or breast augmentation to sculpt and rejuvenates the feminine figure into an attractive hourglass shape.

Where will my scar be after my tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck scar is a thin, horizontal line just above the pubic area at the lower abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone.

Does a tummy tuck get rid of excess fat?

While it is not a weight loss procedure, a tummy tuck can remove approximately four pounds of excess skin and fat. When combined with liposuction, the amount of fat removed is greater.

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