When it comes to cosmetic surgery, one of the most common areas people want to improve is the tummy. It’s a problem area for both men and women. Women may choose to resolve issues with their midsection more often, but men are turning to plastic surgeons to enhance their physique as well. If you are having trouble with getting a flat abdomen, you have two types of cosmetic surgeries to consider. Liposuction and a tummy tuck can both help you to improve your figure. Sometimes, a tummy tuck is the best way to go if you want to see optimal results. Below is more information on why you should choose a tummy tuck instead of liposuction.
When Is It a Good Time to Consider Cosmetic Surgery to Contour Your Abdomen?
If you are trying to change the shape of your body in some way, cosmetic surgery should not be your first choice. You need to take a look at why you have a problem area. If you have bulges around your midsection, poor muscle tone, and flabby skin, you should see if an exercise routine combined with a healthy eating plan can make a difference for you. It may be as simple as eating fresh produce, dairy products that are low in fat, lean protein, and healthy fats. Watch your calories. Talk to your doctor about an ideal amount of calories for you as you work on trimming down your waistline. Get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day.
You can even kick up your fitness routine to a longer period of time to see if that improves your results. Focus on getting a combination of strength training and cardio exercises. Staying hydrated and getting enough quality sleep can also improve your figure for the better. If you have stuck with a program and brought your weight to where you want it without getting that toned tummy, turn to our plastic surgeon for advice.
Plastic Surgery Is Often Recommended after Extreme Weight Loss or Pregnancy
If you have lost a large amount of weight, it is a rewarding experience. Your hard work has paid off, helping you to reach a goal that will help you to be healthier. You may be down to the size you always wanted. However, you may still have deposits of fat and excess skin that leaves your abdomen looking less attractive than you would like. Loose skin is one of the biggest problems after extreme weight loss. When the skin is stretched during a period of weight gain for an extended time, it loses its elasticity. It may never snap back to the way it was before. A tummy tuck can remove this excess loose skin.
Women often struggle to get their pre-mommy figures again, especially when it comes to the abdomen. Carrying a baby puts a great deal of strain on a woman’s body. It causes the organs in the abdomen to shift, the muscles to relax in preparation for the birth of the baby, and the skin to expand. Weight gain is part of the process as well. After a baby has been born, excess weight and fluids are usually eliminated in a short amount of time. Getting the muscle tone back, tightening up the skin on the abdomen, and eliminating any stubborn deposits of fat may be harder. It’s especially challenging for women who have had more than one child.
Why Choose a Tummy Tuck over Liposuction?
Liposuction is a great alternative when you have deposits of fat around your waistline that haven’t responded to your diet or exercise plan. Our plastic surgeon will make a small incision to remove the fat through a hollow tube. It’s a quick procedure with a shorter recovery time. Unfortunately, it won’t help you if you have an issue with loose skin and your abdominal muscles need help as well. You’ll need to turn to a procedure that will take care of all of your issues that have made it hard for you to get your midsection in shape. A tummy tuck can give you a complete overhaul of your abdomen.
What’s the Difference with a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is going to focus on three issues that affect the contour of your abdomen. Liposuction is used to suction out that pesky fat that tends to accumulate around your midsection. If you have love handles, a pouch, or fat that has accumulated in your upper abdomen to create rolls, liposuction will address problems. Another component of a tummy tuck is the removal of excess skin. The final area of focus is your abdominal muscles. If they won’t firm up even though you have been targeting this area with specific exercises, a tummy tuck will help you to get better results.
What Are the Steps in a Tummy Tuck?
When you have a tummy tuck, our plastic surgeon will most likely choose general anesthesia during your procedure. Your surgery may last up to two hours. The first step of the procedure is the incision that runs from hip to hip. Our surgeon will perform the incision close to your pubic area. This will ensure that your scarring is discreet, and you’ll be able to hide it with undergarments or a bathing suit. Once your incision has been completed, our surgeon will remove loose skin that has making your midsection look flabby. Our surgeon will look for fat deposits that have been causing those unsightly bulges no one wants. Sutures will be used to improve your abdominal muscle tone. When your surgeon is done contouring your midsection, the skin from the upper portion of your abdomen will be drawn tight until it meets the lower portion. Your incision will be closed. At this point, you will be taken to the recovery room where staff members will closely monitor you for any complications. Our surgeon will give the final approval when you are allowed to go.
What Will Happen at Home after Your Tummy Tuck?
Expect an abdominal compression bandage or garment after a tummy tuck. It helps to bring down your swelling and protect your abdominal area. You will have drainage tubes that will stay in for a few days. They eliminate fluids and blood from your body. You’ll be given instructions to keep your incisions and the area around your drainage tubes clean. You’ll need to take medication, including an antibiotic and something to keep your blood from clotting. Our plastic surgeon will advise you about what you can do to relieve pain. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided while you are healing. Otherwise, you could slow down the process. You’ll need to limit your activity.
You don’t want to put any strain on your abdomen after a tummy tuck. You won’t be able to shower until the drainage tubes are gone. It’s important that you follow our plastic surgeon’s advice. Your main goal is to make your healing go as smoothly as possible. With proper care, you can avoid an injury or an infection. You won’t be able to drive for a few weeks following your procedure. You should plan on taking at least two weeks off from work. It will be a month to a month and a half before you can do any type of vigorous exercise. Walking is the best thing you can do until you are allowed to do something more strenuous.
It Will Take Time to Bounce Back after a Tummy Tuck
Don’t be surprised if you are tired for some time after your procedure. Listen to your body. If it tells you that you need to rest, sit down or take a nap. You may need to sleep in an inclined position to feel the most comfortable. Raising your knees with pillows can also help to relieve pressure. You’re going to have swelling. You will finally see the results of your procedure when all the swelling goes down about three months after your tummy tuck. Be patient with yourself when you are on your way to your new physique.
A Tummy Tuck Is Worth the Reward in the End
You might think a liposuction sounds so much easier, but you won’t see the same results. You’ll only get rid of the unwanted fat. If you want to transform your waistline, a tummy tuck is going to give you the best outcome. Once you have given your body a chance to heal, you’ll love your flat tummy. You’ll be able to buy new clothes or fit into those old favorites again. It will give you a boost in your self-esteem.
You Will Need to Do Your Part to Keep a Toned Tummy
If you are willing to go through a tummy tuck to shape your tummy, you need to be ready to go the distance. That means putting in the work to keep your abdomen in shape. Don’t slide into bad habits. If you gain weight, you could find yourself back where you started. If you are a mother, you should consider waiting for your tummy tuck until you are sure you are done having children.
Learn More about Choosing between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Our plastic surgeon is your ultimate guide when you are thinking about any type of cosmetic procedure. If you think your midsection needs help, make an appointment with San Diego tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus at Restore SD Plastic Surgery. She will examine your abdomen and discuss your options, and you’ll find out if a tummy tuck is the way to go. We will also talk to you about your health history and your current health to make sure there are no barriers to a successful procedure. If Dr. Gallus thinks it is right for you, get ready to say hello to your new and improved waistline. If you are interested in either procedure, feel free to contact our team in San Diego, CA today to schedule your consultation!
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