Tummy Tuck

A heavy drooping midsection may be unresponsive to simple lifestyle changes. A larger abdomen can limit your clothing options and make things like day trips to the beach embarrassing and uncomfortable. For people who have tried other methods and found that nothing works, a tummy tuck may be the next logical step in achieving your ideal body.

Tummy tucks are an invasive and complex surgery. The decision to have a tummy tuck is not one to be approached lightly. During your free tummy tuck consultation with one of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of this surgery, and help make sure you are choosing the option that is best suited to your individual needs.

What a Tummy Tuck Can Do

A tummy tuck produces results that are unequalled by any other plastic surgery procedure. For men and women who have the operation, it is like a second chance at having the figure you had when you were young, before you gained weight or had children. A tummy tuck can:

• Provide a trim, youthful tummy
• Redefine your waist
• Remove or reduce stretch marks
• Tighten slack abdominal muscles
• Remove excess skin
• Remove excess fat

Many patients end up with a figure better than they ever had before. The degree to which you can achieve these results depends on your anatomy. During your consultation we will help you understand the realistic expectations for your procedure.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, your tummy tuck procedure is completed in our AAAASF-certified surgical center. Our plastic surgeons use anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during your procedure. Once you have been made comfortable, an incision is made in your abdomen. Through this incision, fat and skin is removed. Your abdominal muscles are also tightened as necessary.  Once unnecessary fat and tissue has been removed, your skin will be firmed and tightened over your abdominal wall and excess skin will be removed. Your incision will then be sutured and surgical dressing will be applied.

Depending on the amount of fat needing to be removed, this process can take several hours. During this time, our experienced staff will monitor your vital signs to ensure you are kept safe and comfortable. The amount of time you can expect to spend in surgery will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.

Recovery from a Tummy Tuck

Recovery from your tummy tuck will rely on your body’s ability to heal. For most patients a period of 10 to 14 days and up to four weeks of rest will be required before they are able to return to work. Swelling and pain are common during this period. Swelling can be reduced with surgical drains placed after your surgery and the use of compression garments supplied by our office. Pain can be managed with the use of prescription pain medication from our doctors.

Mild exercise like walking should begin soon after surgery. This will help speed recovery, minimize the risk for blood clots, and minimize swelling. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks. Special attention needs to be paid to your body to ensure you are not overexerting yourself.

Full recovery from a tummy tuck can take up to four or five months. During and after this period, taking care to eat healthy food and get plenty of exercise will help the results of your tummy tuck last much longer.

While this procedure is complex and recovery can be long, it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce unsightly abdominal fat and restore your body’s natural, beautiful form. During your free tummy tuck consultation, our doctors will review your medical history and fully assess your body to ensure the process is right for you.

Why Southeastern Plastic Surgery

For a complicated surgical procedure like an abdominoplasty, you should work with a board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill, experience, and training to perform your procedure safely and give you the best results possible. At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, both our surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons, offering world-class care based on their high level of training. Our surgeons have years of experience giving great tummy tuck results to men and women in the Charlotte area and across North Carolina. You can see examples of their work in our Before and after gallery.

Though we offer world-class care, we also provide a friendly, home-town environment. From your free consultation to your final follow-up, you will work with the same surgeon and we will always have time for your questions or concerns.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck in or around Charlotte, North Carolina, please contact the knowledgeable staff at Southeastern Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation.