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Tummy Tuck 101: Everything You Need to Know About A Tummy Tuck in Northern VA

By: Austin-Weston

1/8/2019

A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure requested by both men and women throughout Northern Virginia who are struggling with stubborn fat and loose skin in their lower abdomen. If you’re tired of constantly “sucking it in” or find yourself feeling self-conscious because of loose skin due to weight loss, aging, or pregnancy, it may be time to look into a tummy tuck procedure. The highly-skilled plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston in Reston, VA, perform hundreds of these procedures per year and patients are raving about their newly toned and tighter midsections.

Tummy Tuck Questions in Reston

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdomen, along with the tightening of muscles along the abdominal wall. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. A horizontal incision is made just below the belly button and can either be several inches in length or expand from hip to hip depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed. The extra skin and fat are removed and the incision is closed with adhesive tape or sutures. Tummy tucks are typically performed in our Northern Virginia outpatient surgical facility and you can expect to leave the same day. Typically, tummy tucks can range anywhere from 2-4 hours. The procedure can run longer depending on the amount of fat and excess skin that needs to be removed.

What are the benefits?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed to create a tighter, smoother, more toned abdomen. In addition to simply feeling better about your appearance, you’ll also love the way you look. Clothes shopping, especially jeans and bathing suits, will be easier and bring a new level of excitement because of your new shape. Your stomach will look flatter and firmer and will appear healthy compared to before. Because of the way the incisions are placed, most signs of your procedure can be hidden beneath undergarments and your bathing suit. In some cases, liposuction is used during the procedure, which assists with slimming the flanks. So in addition to a tighter tummy, you can also say goodbye to the muffin top that kept you from wearing your favorite pair of jeans.

Am I a good candidate?

Northern Virginia men and women undergo tummy tucks for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include the removal of loose skin due to dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, genetics, or aging. Many women choose to have tummy tucks after pregnancy due to loose skin and excess fat, along with weakened abdominal muscles due to childbirth. Patients considering a tummy tuck should be at a healthy weight and have the right mindset with proper expectations. It is not a procedure to help lose weight. Whatever the reason, and more often than not, patients have tried to alter their diet and increase their physical activity only for their abdomens to still be a frustration. For some men and women, no matter how clean you eat or how many ab moves you do at the gym, the only way to remove wrinkled, excess skin is through some form of cosmetic intervention. Tummy tuck surgery in our Northern Virginia cosmetic surgery center is a surefire way to get the flat stomach you desire.

What is recovery like?

As with any cosmetic surgery, some bruising and swelling in the abdominal area will occur for the first few days. Patients are sent home after their surgery to recover and we encourage patients to slowly begin standing upright and walking around within the first few days. While most patients can resume normal schedule within 1 - 2 weeks, you should not lift heavy items or perform any strenuous workouts for at least 6 weeks following the procedure to ensure optimal healing and recovery. You can expect to enjoy the final results from your procedure in about 3 - 4 months.

What do I ask during the consultation?

It’s important to do your research and search for a reputable plastic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck procedure. Ask important questions during your consultation to get a feel for the surgeon. It’s a good idea to inquire whether or not they’re board certified, how long they’ve been practicing, and how often they perform tummy tuck procedures. It is also important to take a look at their before and after photos to make sure you’re pleased with their work. The consultation is the best time to discuss your desired results and make sure you and your surgeon are both on the same page.

Finally, don’t forget to read patient reviews, which can also be very eye-opening. You can perform simple Google searches to find personal reviews from patients and read about their experience.

How do I learn more?

If you would like to learn more about this procedure then please give our staff at The Center of Cosmetic Surgery a call in order to schedule a consultation. You’ll be able to meet with one of our highly-skilled surgeons to discuss a tummy tuck in greater detail and learn which technique would allow you to achieve your best results. Your surgeon will also review your medical history and determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

If you want a slimmer, more flattering figure the time is now. A tummy tuck will remove any trace of excess fat and skin and your new flat and fabulous tummy will provide an instant confidence boost. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your surgical goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to see for yourself why so many patients in Northern Virginia have chosen Austin-Weston for their tummy tuck procedures.

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