What is a tummy tuck, and what can it do for you? If you’re unsatisfied with the appearance of your stomach, chances are good that you’ve considered having a tummy tuck more than once, but not known where to turn for guidance. If that’s the case, you’re in luck—We’ve collected the five most commonly asked questions about tummy tucks below and provided a short, comprehensible answer for each:

1. Does a tummy tuck remove fat?

During a tummy tuck, the surgeon will remove some subcutaneous fat, along with cutting away excess skin and tightening loose muscle tissue. A tummy tuck is not, however, intended to be a weight loss surgery; its primary purpose is to remove loose, sagging skin and correct problems that exercise alone cannot fix (such as separation of the abdominal muscles, which commonly occurs during pregnancy). A tummy tuck is therefore ideal for those who have had multiple pregnancies or lost a great deal of weight.

2. At what age should I have this surgery?

 

There is no recommended age for tummy tuck surgery. You should, however, wait until you’re done having children or losing weight to have this operation; this will prevent the need for additional surgeries later in life.

3. If I have loose skin on my abdomen, do I need to have surgery to get rid of it?

Yes. Unfortunately, there is no exercise that can effectively tighten loose skin. The only way to get rid of sagging skin and muscles that have been damaged by pregnancy or obesity is surgery.

4. Can a tummy tuck get rid of my stretch marks?

Yes, having a tummy tuck can significantly reduce the visibility of abdominal stretch marks. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen (which tend to be the most prominent) will usually be removed along with your excess skin. Furthermore, any smaller stretch marks you have on your upper abdomen will be smoothed and tightened, making them less obvious.

5. How long will it take to heal after I have a tummy tuck performed?

Because tummy tuck surgery requires a lengthy incision and dramatically repositions the patient’s abdominal tissue, about a month of total recovery time is needed. You should plan for complete bed rest during the first two weeks, then another two weeks of doing only very light tasks (like sedentary work). After this, your surgeon will assess your progress and let you know whether or not you can resume your normal activities.

If you have any further questions about tummy tuck surgery, feel free to get in touch with the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to address your concerns.