Tummy Tuck Surgery: The Gold Standard in Flat Abs

Get the Flat Abs You’ve Always Wanted with Tummy Tuck Surgery

Some of us had abs you could bounce a quarter off of when we were young – but age, pregnancy, weight gain, and even the hormonal changes of menopause or andropause have buried our abs under layers of fat and loose skin. And others of us, well, never really had the flat stomach we wanted – due to heredity or just carrying those extra pounds.

But, thanks to tummy tuck surgery – also known as abdominoplasty men and women can get rid of loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area. This transformative surgery can restore a flatter and firmer abdomen, improving body contours and enhancing self-confidence.

In this article, top board-certified Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali explains the various aspects of tummy tuck surgery, including the procedure itself, its benefits, the recovery period, and detailed insights into patient satisfaction based on RealSelf reviews.

How Tummy Tuck Surgery is Performed

Tummy tuck surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal region – and if necessary, the tightening of the underlying ab muscles.

The patient is typically administered general anesthesia – but intravenous sedation may be used for less extensive procedures. This ensures comfort, safety, and a painless experience throughout the surgery.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali carefully plans and makes an incision along the lower abdomen, typically extending from hip to hip. The length and shape of the incision will vary based on the extent of correction needed and the patient’s unique anatomy.

Through the incision, Dr. Ali removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. If the patient also has stretched or distended ab muscles, the underlying abdominal muscles are then tightened and repaired, addressing any muscle separation or weakness.

The remaining skin is re-draped over the newly contoured abdomen, and the incisions are carefully closed using sutures. In some cases, Dr. Ali may also reposition the belly button to ensure it is in the right place, to guarantee natural-looking results.

Surgical dressings or compression garments are applied to support healing, minimize swelling, and enhance the final results.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to improve their abdominal appearance and overall body contours.

Tummy tuck surgery effectively addresses loose skin, excess fat deposits, and stretched abdominal muscles. It results in a flatter and firmer abdominal contour, enhancing the overall appearance of the midsection.

The procedure allows for the repair of weakened or separated abdominal muscles, a common condition often caused by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Strengthening the core muscles can improve core strength and stability.

Patients often report satisfaction with the ability to comfortably wear a wider range of clothing styles, including fitted tops and swimwear, thanks to their improved abdominal contours.

And a tummy tuck can be more than just cosmetic. Loose, hanging skin and rolls of fat can be uncomfortable – causing pain, irritation, and even hygiene issues. A tummy tuck removes the hanging skin and fat so that patients can comfortably engage in the activities they love – without discomfort or chafing.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Period

Depending on the extent of the tummy tuck surgery, patients may go home the same or next day. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first few days.

The initial recovery period following tummy tuck surgery typically includes swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are for the first few weeks after the surgery. Prescribed pain medications help manage any discomfort during this time.

Patients are typically instructed to wear compression garments or abdominal binders to minimize swelling, provide support to the healing tissues, and enhance the contouring results.

Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to allow for proper healing. Patients are encouraged to engage in light activities and gradually resume normal daily routines under the guidance of their plastic surgery team’s aftercare instructions and follow-up visits.

Like any large incision, tummy tuck surgery results in visible scars, which typically fade and become less noticeable over time. Skilled Birmingham, MI plastic surgeon Dr. Ali uses his experience and artistic eye to conceal incisions as much as possible beneath the ‘bikini line’ and in less visible areas. Our plastic surgery team will also provide instructions on scar care techniques, such as keeping the incision sites clean and protected from excessive sun exposure.

Tummy Tuck Patient Satisfaction on RealSelf

The RealSelf website serves as a valuable platform for patients to share their experiences and provide reviews of various cosmetic procedures, including tummy tuck surgery. According to RealSelf, the overall satisfaction rate for tummy tuck surgery is an amazing 95% based on patient reviews!

Tummy Tuck Surgery vs Non-Surgical Fat Removal & Skin Tightening

For patients with less fat to lose, or skin that is more elastic, AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area also offers liposuction, as well as non-surgical CoolSculpting fat removal, and laser or radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening procedures such as ‘Profound’.

These are fantastic treatments with minimal to no downtime and can be ideal for patients within 20 lbs of their target body weight who do not have excess hanging skin and/or stretched muscles.

But tummy tuck surgery remains the “gold standard” for its advantages over these less invasive options.

Tummy tuck surgery is specifically designed to address excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, which cannot be effectively treated by non-surgical fat removal techniques. CoolSculpting primarily targets and eliminates fat cells, but it does not address sagging skin or muscle laxity. Tummy tuck surgery provides the added benefit of removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles, resulting in a more toned and sculpted appearance.

Tummy tuck surgery delivers more significant and long-lasting results compared to non-surgical fat removal or skin tightening procedures. While non-invasive treatments can provide modest fat reduction or temporary skin tightening effects, they may typically do not the same level of body contouring and transformation as tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat, tightens muscles, and reshapes the entire abdominal area, providing comprehensive and durable results.

Additionally, tummy tuck surgery is typically a single treatment that addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. In contrast, non-surgical fat removal or skin tightening procedures often require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Tummy tuck surgery can effectively address excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity in one operation, saving patients both time and effort.

Top Tummy Tuck Surgery | Troy, MI Area

If you’re finally ready to get the toned, trim, flat abs you want once and for all – without ineffective crash diets and endless exercising – schedule a consultation at AMAE Plastic Surgery in the Troy, MI area today.

Top Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men lose inches and get the toned, trim abs they have always wanted with tummy tuck surgery – as well as CoolSculpting, Liposuction, and laser & RF skin tightening. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, and he will take the time to help you decide which procedure is right for you!