When you lose a substantial amount of weight, your skin may not shrink with you. As you get older and as you gain multiple pounds, your skin loses elasticity and the ability to retract following weight loss or pregnancy. Women and men are often frustrated with their appearance due to the sagging skin that’s in the way of showing the results of your hard work. A tummy tuck is an excellent way to eliminate that excess skin tissue and provide a smooth, slender abdomen.
The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the fifth most popular plastic surgery in the country. More than 130,000 tummy tucks were performed in 2018, but before you go “under the knife,” it’s crucial to understand the tummy tuck process and what it can accomplish for your figure. It’s also essential to do your homework and choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
At Luxe Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of body contouring procedures designed to help you achieve your ideal figure. You have multiple tummy tuck options with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Malik Kutty. The full abdominoplasty addresses loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles in the upper and lower abdomen, while the mini-tummy tuck focuses solely on the lower abdomen below the belly button.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
A full tummy tuck with Dr. Kutty takes around two to three hours and is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home afterward. The procedure involves an incision along the lower abdomen, which is placed low enough to be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. If you’ve had a c-section, Dr. Kutty will place the incision there and remove the c-section scar tissue underneath to create a smooth and soft area.
Our plastic surgeon removes the excess skin tissue and repositions and tightens the underlying muscles. Pregnancy and weight gain stretch the abdominal wall and can separate muscles. The tummy tuck restores and strengthens the abdominal muscles for a flat contour. Stretch marks in the area with loose skin can also be eliminated with the abdominoplasty.
The mini tummy tuck is a shorter procedure as it focuses on the lower abdomen beneath the belly button. The incision is in the same location as the full abdominoplasty, and minimal loose skin and stretch marks are removed. Dr. Kutty may suggest adding liposuction to your tummy tuck to contour the hips and further transform your body shape. The Mommy Makeover is another option that combines tummy tuck, lipo, and breast surgery.
Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
You will need a friend or family member to drive you home following your tummy tuck due to the anesthesia side effects, and it’s best for them to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours. You will have a compression garment around your abdomen to help ease swelling and promote healing, which is worn for 10-14 days. During that time, you will need to limit your activities and avoid lifting objects weighing more than five to ten pounds for several weeks. Dr. Kutty will evaluate your recovery during your follow up appointments and tell you when it’s okay to resume your regular routine and exercise regimen.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck in Sugar Land
Candidates for a tummy tuck should be in good overall health and within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight.
If you’re interested in the full or mini abdominoplasty, contact Dr. Kutty at Luxe Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land today at (281) 313-0551 to schedule your consultation. Our board-certified plastic surgeon serves patients in the surrounding areas of Houston, Texas, including Katy and Sugar Land.
