Tummy Tuck

The appearance of your abdomen is often considered a mark of desirability and fitness. If it’s firm and toned, you’re viewed as being in shape, but if you have sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles, then your body may not adequately reflect your lifestyle.

Although important, diet and exercise may not always be able to give you the results you want, particularly if loose skin is part of the problem. To help restore the appearance of your abdomen, you might consider a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) as your next step.

At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, Dr. Andrews helps you achieve your cosmetic goals with a tummy tuck procedure customized just for you.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Correct?

If you’re exhibiting extra fat and skin around the abdominal region, then a tummy tuck will successfully remove it, as well as reposition weakened muscles that have separated secondary to pregnancy or from weight gain and loss to create a tight and firm stomach.

Having a toned tummy is something you may have always worked hard to attain, but factors such as genetics or childbirth might have caused you to struggle to achieve the results you are looking for. With a tummy tuck, you can finally achieve a slim profile that helps you look years younger.

Dr. Andrews can also perform the surgery as part of the “mommy makeover” procedure, which combines several procedures, often including breast enhancement, to address cosmetic and functional concerns after pregnancy.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

If you’re curious about your candidacy for tummy tuck surgery, it’s best if you come in for a consultation with Dr. Andrews. Together, you can discuss your aesthetic concerns and the ways in which a tummy tuck can enhance your appearance and lifestyle.

Dr. Andrews will examine your abdomen and assess the extent of your skin laxity and stretch marks if present. Many patients desire a tummy tuck after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or due to natural aging or heredity. After evaluating the quality of your skin and reviewing your medical history, Dr. Andrews will design a custom treatment plan to specifically re-contour your abdomen.

Even with a tummy tuck, it’s important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who are at a stable weight, especially if significant weight loss has been achieved, as well as women who are finished having children.

Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

You will have your tummy tuck surgery under general anesthesia. Typically, the procedure begins with an incision around the belly button and along the pubic hairline. The length of your incision will vary, depending on the amount of excess skin in the area, but every incision is designed to give Dr. Andrews access to the underlying abdominal muscles.

Dr. Andrews will reposition the muscles to the midline and remove any excess fat in the hip and flank areas with liposuction. Once finished, he will re-drape the skin over the muscles and trim away any excess. Dr. Andrews will also create a new opening for your belly button if necessary, and close your incisions using sutures.

Life After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Dr. Andrews will wrap your abdomen in bandages to minimize swelling and may place drains under the skin to eliminate excess fluids that collects after tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Andrews will also provide you with aftercare instructions that detail how to care for your incisions and yourself while you recover.

You will need to walk hunched over for approximately 2 weeks, which is normal. As you continue to heal and your muscles become more stable, you will have no problem standing upright. During the first few weeks of your recovery, it’s essential that you refrain from rigorous activity.

Dr. Andrews will schedule follow-up appointments with you to check on progress, and you should be able to return to your daily routine within three to four weeks. You will be able to resume vigorous exercise after six weeks. As the swelling in your abdomen subsides, you will begin to notice a slimmer profile and find a renewed sense of self-confidence.

If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery and to determine whether the procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-800-6877 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews.

Proudly serving neighboring cities of Iowa City, Dubuque, Cedar Falls & Waterloo IA.