The people considering tummy tuck surgery in the Scottsdale area feel self-conscious about the excess abdominal skin that often remains after losing a significant amount of weight. Some of the patients have made lifestyle changes to help them lose weight, while others are women who have had children and want to regain their pre-baby bodies.
Even if they exercise regularly and consume a nutritious diet, the excess skin won’t shrink back to fit their bodies’ new contours. A tummy tuck creates a flatter stomach and, when combined with liposuction, contours the entire midsection. Once men and women who undergo a tummy tuck see their transformative results, they are usually motivated to maintain their new, slimmer shape and will dedicate themselves to pursuing their fitness goals.
Exercise can be difficult with excess skin. In this blog post, I’ll briefly describe how a tummy tuck is performed and explain why it can be difficult to exercise with excess tissue.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A full tummy tuck involves making a horizontal incision that stretches from one hip to the other just above the pubic area. A second incision is made around the belly button, which is repositioned as part of the procedure. After making the incision, I carefully lift the excess skin to get access to abdominal muscles that often need to be repaired for patients who have had children. Liposuction removes pockets of fat and ensures even, smooth results. Once the excess skin is removed, I meticulously close the incision and place 1 or more surgical drains that will remain in for several days to avoid fluid accumulation below the skin.
Other tummy tuck techniques include a mini tummy tuck and a circumferential tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is appropriate for patients whose concerns are limited to below the belly button. Circumferential tummy tucks are often called extended abdominoplasties and are usually performed for patients after significant weight loss.
Excess Tissue and Exercise
Trying to perform strenuous workouts after weight loss can be both physically and mentally uncomfortable. Excess tissue can trap sweat and grime and rub against other skin, which can lead to infection. Many people also feel self-conscious about exercising at a gym after significant weight loss. It’s frustrating because, despite putting in the work, you likely still feel like you want to conceal your body.
For tummy tuck patients, the incisions are well worth the confidence gained in wearing clothes or exercise gear that shows off their newly toned bodies. That sense of self-assuredness often translates into other areas of your life, too. You can see for yourself how a tummy tuck can transform your body by looking at before-and-after photos featuring some of my actual patients.
If you’ve been looking for a plastic surgeon to perform tummy tuck surgery in Gilbert or the Phoenix area, you can contact our office using the online form to request a consultation. Or give us a call at (480) 466-7355 (Gilbert) to schedule an appointment.
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