Tummy Tuck Q&A

If you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck, it’s normal to have a ton of questions about the procedure and what you can expect afterwards. Even with the plethora of information available on the Internet, every patient will have some unique, personal concerns that aren’t addressed on typical FAQ web pages. Below, our cosmetic surgeons address some of the not-so-common questions patients have when considering a tummy tuck.

If you have additional questions about tummy tucks that aren’t answered here, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

• I’ve heard of some patients including liposuction as part of their tummy tuck. How is this type of procedure different than a normal tummy tuck?

  The Avelar tummy tuck is a modern approach that avoids disturbing the underlying blood vessels the way traditional abdominoplasty surgery does. By not interrupting blood flow to the treatment area, I can safely incorporate liposuction into the same procedure to create more beautiful, sculpted results than a tummy tuck alone can deliver. This technique offers many added benefits including less swelling and bruising, a smaller scar and the absence of the postoperative drains that are required with a traditional tummy tuck. Because it’s less invasive and gentler on the body overall, the Avelar tummy tuck can be performed on an outpatient basis and means a shorter, more comfortable recovery period.

• My pregnancy really did a number on my stomach, and I’d really like to have a tummy tuck to get my pre-baby waistline back. If I want to have more kids in the future, should I wait or can I have a tummy tuck now?

  A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that should in no way affect your ability to have healthy pregnancies in the future. However, I generally advise women to put off their tummy tuck until they’re finished having babies for aesthetic reasons. Women who get pregnant after a tummy tuck may find their stomachs bounce back to how they looked after surgery, but subsequent pregnancies can sometimes stretch the skin, separate the abdominal muscles and “undo” the results of the prior tummy tuck. To be sure you’ll love your results in the long run without the need for a revision surgery, it’s best to wait until your childbearing years are behind you.

• I’m bothered by the flabby skin on my stomach, but, as a man, I’m embarrassed by the idea of having a tummy tuck because it seems like it’s a “woman’s” surgery. What kind of results can men expect from a tummy tuck and will anyone know I had it done?

  Tummy tucks are very popular among women, particularly because they correct some of the effects pregnancy has on a woman’s body. However, women don’t have an exclusive claim on wanting to firm and flatten their abdomens. Whether it’s because of substantial weight loss, age or loss of skin elasticity, men can be great candidates for a tummy tuck.

  For male and female patients alike, a tummy tuck removes excess skin, corrects any laxity or separation in the abdominal wall and slims and firms the waistline. Men deserve to feel confident about their midsections rather than embarrassed about considering a tummy tuck. If you’re a man who can’t seem to get the leaner, more-athletic looking stomach you’d like despite efforts to diet and exercise, come in for a consultation to see if a tummy tuck is right for you.

• I’m a busy working mom with a jam-packed schedule. If I decide to have a tummy tuck, how much downtime can I expect to have and is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?

  It’s understandable and common for patients to have difficulty carving out downtime in their busy schedules. However, if you decide to move forward with a tummy tuck, it’s imperative that you dedicate the proper time to resting and recovery after surgery, not only for your safety but also to ensure you get the results you’re hoping for. Every patient is different and recovery times will vary based on health, anatomy and the tummy tuck method chosen. Although you may feel anxious to get up and get moving again after surgery, pushing yourself too hard too soon can actually slow healing and extend your recovery period. Follow your postoperative orders and take it easy to allow your body to heal fully and properly.