Striving for a flatter, more toned abdomen can often feel like an uphill battle, leaving many to wonder if their goals are attainable. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman offers hope through abdominoplasty. But what is abdominoplasty, and how does it help to achieve a flatter stomach and toned appearance for our patients in Alexandria? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the underlying muscles for a smoother, firmer appearance.
There are two main types of tummy tucks: complete and partial. A complete abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen, while a partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, is less invasive, focusing on the area below the belly button. The choice between these procedures depends on your specific needs and the extent of correction desired.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
It’s essential to differentiate abdominoplasty from liposuction, another procedure to remove unwanted fat. While both aim to improve body contour, abdominoplasty goes a step further than only eliminating excess fat. It also removes loose skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Dr. Desman will help you pick the most suitable procedure, ensuring your goals are met with the most appropriate and effective approach.
Abdominoplasty: The Process Explained
Tummy tucks offer an incredible solution for anyone—yes, including men!—who hasn’t achieved their desired abdominal shape through diet and exercise alone. However, though many can benefit from abdominoplasty, it’s not for everybody.
Ideal complete or mini tummy tuck candidates include those near their target body weight but are still troubled by saggy, loose skin or a protruding abdomen that persists despite a healthy lifestyle. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight changes, like people seeking to restore their pre-baby body shape or who have undergone extreme weight loss.
The Consultation
At Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we support body positivity and love helping patients have a body that makes them feel confident and attractive. Above all else, though, we prioritize your health, safety, and long-term satisfaction. This commitment to you is why we always start each process with a thorough consultation.
During the first visit, Dr. Desman discusses your aesthetic goals, evaluates your abdominal area, and recommends the best course of action. You will also get a chance to ask all your questions, including “How much does a tummy tuck cost?” so you can make a well-informed decision on your next step. If you are considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck or other procedure, Dr. Desman will create a personalized treatment program just for you.
The Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to guarantee your comfort throughout the process.
For a complete abdominoplasty, an incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to reposition the belly button. Dr. Desman then tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin for a firmer abdomen and narrower waistline, and creates a new naval.
In partial abdominoplasty, the incision is smaller, and the focus is on tightening the muscles and removing excess skin below the belly button. There is no need to reposition the navel.
In most instances, a tummy tuck surgery will take three to four hours; however, a more complex case could take longer. To plan your surgery transportation, ask our team for an estimate of surgery duration to get an idea of how long your procedure will take.
The surgery is also very safe; the American Society of Plastic Surgeons cites that abdominoplasty has a 96.9% success rate, so you and your family can feel at ease before, during, and after your procedure!
The Benefits
The excellence of abdominoplasty extends far beyond the surface, offering marked improvements in both appearance and quality of life! A few examples of tummy tuck benefits include:
- Enhanced Body Contour: Abdominoplasty creates a smoother, firmer abdominal profile, aligning more closely with an individual’s body weight and proportion.
- Improved Comfort and Mobility: By removing excess abdominal skin, patients often find new ease in physical activities and a reduction in skin irritation or infections that can occur under skin folds.
- Boosted Self-Confidence: A more desirable physique can significantly improve self-esteem, encouraging a more active and engaged lifestyle.
- Clothing Fit and Fashion Choices: Many patients experience a broader range of clothing options that fit comfortably and flatteringly, free from the constraints of hiding or accommodating excess abdominal skin. They feel as if they can finally “dress to impress.”
Recovery & Results
Recovery from abdominoplasty is a critical phase. Initially, patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which gradually subsides over the weeks.
Just like how Dr. Eric Desman creates a personalized treatment plan for you, he will also create a tailored recovery plan to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process. Following Dr. Desman’s post-operative care instructions, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities, is essential for optimal healing.
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting. With a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the positive effects of abdominoplasty can be enjoyed for years to come, marking a significant milestone in the patient’s journey towards their ideal body image.
Note: The surgery will leave a scar, but fortunately, most clothing—including underwear and swimwear—can hide the tummy tuck scar.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation With The Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery!
Enhancing your physical appearance is a step towards embracing confidence and well-being. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to guiding you through this transformative experience with expertise and compassion. Your path to a more confident you starts here. Schedule your initial consultation for one of our incredible procedures today!