Tummy Tuck in Virginia
Slimming your waistline may be a struggle with just diet and exercise alone. Though some individuals may achieve fat loss and muscle definition this way, many others turn to surgical body sculpting for enhancements. A tummy tuck in Virginia is one option that eliminates excess fat and skin on the abdomen for a permanently slimmer look.
Additionally, the procedure repositions abdominal muscles that are weak or separated to increase muscle definition. The surgery is an ideal choice for those whose excess fat does not respond to diet and exercise, or women with abdominal changes after pregnancy. If you are ready to reshape your abdomen by removing sagging skin and excess fat, ask to speak with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Troy Pittman.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A tummy tuck is a surgery that gets rid of sagging skin and extra stomach fat while tightening and repositioning the abdominal muscles. Patients whose skin has stretched due to elasticity loss and weakened, separated abdominal muscles may significantly benefit from the surgery. What results is an abdomen that appears smoother, firmer, and more toned than what existed before.
There are two main types of tummy tuck procedures available for Virginia residents that provide different aesthetic and physical benefits. A complete abdominoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the entire abdomen and repairs all the abdominal muscles. A partial or mini-abdominoplasty targets fat and skin tissue solely below the belly button for removal.
In addition to slimming and strengthening the abdomen, the surgery repositions the belly button for a natural stomach appearance. However, a tummy tuck only targets unnecessary fat located between the skin and abdominal muscles. This procedure cannot eliminate fat stores located beneath the abdominal wall around the internal organs.
What to Expect After a Tummy Tuck
The main objective of an abdominoplasty is to contour the abdomen into a more appealing figure; however, several other benefits can result from the procedure, such as stretch mark removal. For women with C-section scars, combining tummy tuck incisions with the existing scars reduce the possibility of additional scarring.
A patient will have a dressing on their incision site for two full days afterward. Recovery after a tummy tuck in Virginia may last up to one month before returning to normal activities. Exercise and high-impact activities should be avoided for at least six weeks following the procedure but it ultimately depends on each patient’s healing process. One of our recovery room nurses can answer any questions you have regarding what to avoid and how to handle your incisions or any surgical drains. Once healed, it is vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to prevent future weight gain that reverses the surgical results.
Beyond physical improvements, many patients experience significant boosts in confidence and self-esteem after surgery, with higher confidence levels sometimes leading to improved socialization and professional opportunities.
Possible Risks and Complications of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is an invasive surgery, which poses some potential risks. Typical surgical complications include bruising, scarring, and swelling at incision sites. In rare cases, an infection could develop. These procedures also pose the risk of skin sensation changes due to repositioning the abdominal muscles during surgery that may affect nearby nerves.
Further, the surgery could potentially lead to more severe risks, including damage to abdominal fatty tissue, which requires additional surgery for correction. After surgery, fluid could build up underneath the skin, but syringe removal or drainage tubes resolve it. Dr. Pittman will discuss all of these possibilities with you prior to any procedure and inform you if you have any risk factors that might warrant caution.
Restore Your Waist and Stomach with a Tummy Tuck Surgery in Virginia
A toned, slim stomach and waistline are an aesthetic goal for many people, but not all can achieve it through exercise and diet. For those struggling with excess stomach fat and sagging skin, a tummy tuck in Virginia could be the right surgical option for improvement.
Though recovery from a tummy tuck takes several weeks, the procedure provides a number of physical and emotional benefits. If you are ready to achieve your ideal waist and stomach appearance, give us a call and set up a consultation with Dr. Troy Pittman to learn more.