Getting a tummy tuck can be a transformative experience that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence by removing excess skin and tightening your midsection. But how can you make sure your results are not just good, but great?
Here, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus weighs in on key factors that will influence your tummy tuck results and how you can maximize the procedure’s outcome.
Choose the right tummy tuck for you
There are several types of tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty), and your surgeon should thoroughly assess your unique anatomy and discuss your specific needs and goals to determine the most suitable type of tummy tuck to safely meet your expectations:
- A mini tummy tuck, also called a “limited scar tummy tuck” or “mini-abdominoplasty,” may be the best technique to achieve your goals if most loose skin is located solely below your belly button.
- A standard tummy tuck or traditional tummy tuck is the most common type and is best if you have more extensive concerns such as:
- Loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen
- Stretched abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- A herniated belly button
- An extended tummy tuck could be the right approach if you’re dealing with excess skin and fat around the abdomen, hips, and lower back.
- A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck provides more extensive body contouring with an additional vertical incision and may be ideal if you have undergone significant weight loss.
- A lower body lift addresses excess skin and fat from around your entire torso and is an effective body contouring option after dramatic weight loss.
Every aspect of the procedure should be personalized, from incision placement to the appearance of your new belly button, for results that go above and beyond.
Follow incision aftercare & recovery guidelines
Taking care of your incisions after surgery is critical to achieving minimal scar appearance. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your surgery plan, so your scars heal to be fine, near-invisible lines that don’t distract from your beautiful new contours. Although you’ll be healed from surgery after a few months, your scar journey will continue for some time—surgical scars may take up to two years to flatten and become less noticeable. Carefully following incision and scar care protocols will help reduce scar visibility and highlight your tummy tuck results.
A smooth recovery most often directly influences your tummy tuck results, and tummy tuck recovery is very manageable with the right plan in place. You’ll receive standard recovery guidelines that apply to all tummy tuck procedures, plus any additions or modifications that will be unique to your body and surgery plan. These will include:
- Arranging for sufficient help during the initial recovery period, whether it’s childcare, pet care, or help with household chores
- Creating a recovery-friendly space to keep medication, nutritious snacks, fluids, and other items at arm level to reduce strain on your healing muscles and tissues and to speed recovery
- Attending all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor progress and clear you to resume certain activities when your body is ready
Your surgeon should take time to ensure you understand how to care for your incisions at home and guide you in preparing a cozy recovery bubble—remember; they’re there to help you heal beautifully so your results are optimal!
Dr. Gallus is a female plastic surgeon San Diego patients trust to achieve safe, beautiful results. She offers plastic surgery consultations and shares her recovery calculator to help patients plan their procedures.
Add liposuction to your surgery plan
Your La Jolla plastic surgeon may recommend combining your tummy tuck with liposuction.
Liposuction can target and remove excess fat in the abdominal area to refine the results of your tummy tuck, create a toned, sculpted look, and even help your results appear more natural by sculpting pudgy areas that may distract from a tighter tummy.
Use recovery drains when necessary
Post-surgical drains may be used to prevent fluid buildup and promote healing for some San Diego and La Jolla plastic surgery patients. Many surgeons specializing in tummy tuck procedures often perform “drainless” tummy tucks; however, drains can play a crucial role in your recovery process and final results if your surgeon determines they’re needed.
It will vary from patient to patient, but drains are typically considered when large amounts of fat and tissue are removed to achieve your tummy tuck goals. This leaves areas or “dead space” that may be filled with fluid as your body heals, forming a fluid-filled pocket underneath your skin called a seroma.
Most seromas are no cause for alarm, but they can slow healing, cause discomfort, get infected, or strain your sutures if they form close to the incision site. Rest assured that if your surgery plan requires drains, your surgeon will ensure you and your caregiver feel confident about drain care procedures so your recovery is smooth sailing and you love your results.
Consider complementary surgical procedures
Pairing a tummy tuck with other procedures can lead to more comprehensive and satisfying results. This combination is often called a mommy makeover and can include any additional procedure you want to balance out your proportions and achieve a full-body transformation. You have near-limitless options at our San Diego plastic surgery practice, but many tummy tuck patients add complementary procedures such as:
Treating multiple areas at once can create harmonious, natural-looking results as each part of your body experiences the same level of enhancement.
Choose an expert for your tummy tuck surgery
The skill of your surgeon is paramount to your safety and the level of improvement that a customized tummy tuck can achieve. Look for a surgeon certified by the The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)—surgeons can become board-certified in several specialties, so you must insist your surgeon has the right qualifications to provide superior results. ABPS certification indicates that your surgeon has undergone extensive training in plastic surgery procedures and has demonstrated the highest level of patient care and outstanding procedure outcomes.
You will also want a surgeon who showcases their expert approach and eye for aesthetics in their tummy tuck Before & After gallery. This will give you a clear idea of their capabilities and the results you can expect.
Are you considering a tummy tuck? Dr. Gallus is here for you!
With the right procedure, a diligent aftercare routine, and an experienced surgeon guiding you, you can elevate your tummy tuck results from good to great. Schedule a consultation with ABPS-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus to design a tummy tuck procedure plan to restore your shape and rediscover your confidence. Call Restore SD Plastic Surgery at (858) 224-2281 or fill out our online form.
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