A tummy tuck, also referred to as an abdominoplasty, is a popular plastic surgery procedure to tighten overly stretched abdominal muscles and skin to achieve a flatter, smoother appearance of your abdomen.

Regardless of the cause of your stretched abdominal muscles, including weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, or the like, abdomens sometimes fail to return to their original shape. Once they are stretched beyond their capacity to return to normal, abdominal tissues do not always respond to exercise and diet and need some extra help that a plastic surgeon can facilitate.

What a Tummy Tuck Can Accomplish

A tummy tuck provides a very effective and immediate solution for slimming down those stubborn abdominal areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck has the potential to dramatically tighten your abdominal muscles and remove sagging, accumulated fatty tissue and excess skin. In addition, a tummy tuck will not only firm and flatten the abdominal region, but will make your waist smaller as well.

The degree of improvement from a tummy tuck varies significantly from person to person and depends on the magnitude of the abdominoplasty surgery. Other factors that contribute to a particular cosmetic surgical outcome depend on your skin tone, your body build, and your individual healing process.

Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedures

Several different surgical techniques are available for tummy tuck surgery. Consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate technique for your particular situation. Most tummy tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia and are initiated with an incision across your lower abdomen just above your pubic area.

Typically, a tummy tuck generally takes about two to five hours to complete and depends on the extent of the procedure (whether a full tummy tuck or a partial tummy tuck), your desired outcome and your pre-operative health condition.

Many tummy tuck procedures are performed in a hospital setting; however, some are done in an office surgical suite, with patients being able to return to work after two weeks or so and the capability of returning to all regular activities within a couple of months.

Several important factors should be considered when determining whether or not you are a candidate for abdominoplasty. When seeking the services of a plastic surgeon to perform a tummy tuck procedure on you, make sure you consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to evaluate your specific situation.

Dr. David Horvath, a plastic surgeon in Doylestown, performs a number of cosmetic surgery procedures including abdominoplasty. Schedule a consultation today for a tummy tuck in Abington with Horvath Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center.