Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, removes fatty tissue and extra skin via excision and liposuction techniques. Hormonal changes, weight changes, and pregnancy can alter the appearance of the abdomen, resulting in displeasing skin looseness. These factors can also cause the body to collect fat deposits in and around the midsection. Extra skin and stubborn fat that resist even the most dedicated diet and exercise regimens can become frustrating. Tummy tuck surgery restores the midsection and produces optimal results by sculpting and tightening the abdominal area. Dr. Matt Goldschmidt performs tummy tuck surgery in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, delivering dramatic and personalized body contouring results to his patients.
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are in good overall health and have realistic expectations of the procedure. Patients are advised to quit using tobacco products six weeks before and after their scheduled surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Tummy tuck surgery may benefit patients who can relate to any of the following conditions:
- Loose abdominal skin
- Core muscle weakness
- Localized pockets of fat around the midsection
Are you considering a tummy tuck? Contact Dr. Matt Goldschmidt today by calling 216.350.3175.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Tummy tuck surgery is a customizable procedure that can address several cosmetic abdominal concerns. Dr. Goldschmidt offers both full and mini tummy tuck surgeries. He can also combine either technique with liposuction, depending on a patient’s needs and goals.
- Full Tummy Tuck
- A full tummy tuck requires an incision from hip to hip along the pubic area
- A secondary incision is usually placed around the navel
- Excess abdominal tissue is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened
- Rectus muscles often repaired using this technique
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- A mini tummy tuck requires a shorter incision than the full version
- Less skin is removed during this procedure
- Addresses cosmetic concerns that lie below the belly button
- Liposuction
- Liposuction provides additional body contouring effects
- Can target stubborn fat in the hips, flanks, and abdomen
- Both tumescent and ultrasonic techniques are offered
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery requires the use of general anesthesia. This outpatient procedure can last between one and three hours, depending on the extent of correction a patient needs and which surgical techniques are used. During your initial consultation, Dr. Goldschmidt will develop a unique surgical plan that reflects your cosmetic desires and needs.
How Long Is Recovery?
You may experience moderate pain during the first few days after surgery. Patients can manage discomfort with the medication Dr. Goldschmidt prescribes. During your first week of recovery, you must wear an abdominal binder around your waist at all times and remain in a bent position. You must then wear the binder as much as possible for the following three to four weeks. Within the first week or so, Dr. Goldschmidt will remove any drains inserted during the procedure. Most patients can resume working after two weeks, as long as their job is not physically demanding. Before your procedure, you will receive thorough aftercare instructions that will include a timeline of your postoperative limits.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
The outcome of the procedure will continue to improve as the scars heal, the body adjusts to its new form, and the side effects go away. Dr. Goldschmidt places the incisions in discreet locations easily covered with clothing. The incision used for a mini tummy tuck is shorter than that of a full tuck, but both are created along the bikini line. Any scars that develop tend to fade over time. Your results are considered permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, do not gain significant weight, and do not become pregnant after the procedure.
Are There Potential Complications After a Tummy Tuck?
Patients rarely experience difficulties following their procedure. However, all surgeries come with risks. Some of the possible complications Dr. Goldschmidt will discuss with you during your consultation include:
- Bleeding
- Prolonged swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
- Changes in sensation at the treatment site
Major issues following tummy tuck surgery are rare in healthy patients and those who follow the instructions Dr. Goldschmidt will provide after surgery. However, even with perfect circumstances, problems can arise. Normally, these are not major and easily treated. To avoid complications, it is important to provide Dr. Goldschmidt with your full medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diastasis recti, and how can a tummy tuck repair it?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the abdominal muscles. This occurs most often during pregnancy; however, it is also possible in both men and women who gain significant weight. The abdominal muscles are divided into two sections that are meant to remain side-by-side, usually a finger width apart.
When the uterus expands, the two sides of the abdominal (rectus) muscle can separate, and, once they do, they do not come back together on their own. This separation results in a lower abdominal pooch that is resistant to any form of diet and exercise. A tummy tuck surgically corrects diastasis recti by repositioning the two sides of the muscle. This is known as muscle plication.
Are there non-cosmetic reasons to consider the procedure?
Most patients consider tummy tuck surgery for aesthetic reasons to address skin, fat, or muscle laxity; however, it can also provide medical benefits. Tummy tuck surgery may correct ventral hernias, improve posture, relieve lower back pain that resulted from the stomach’s excess, and lessen instances of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Even patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery for medical reasons can enjoy the cosmetic benefits of the procedure. Therefore, it is a much more versatile procedure than many first believe.
When can I work out after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is an invasive procedure that cuts through skin, fat, and muscle to manipulate the core muscles. Because of this, the recovery period is longer than many other forms of plastic surgery. Patients can and should begin walking within a day of their surgery. Patients should avoid more strenuous activities like jogging, running, and lifting weights for at least six weeks, and abdominal-heavy exercises like sit-ups and yoga avoided for even longer.
Consult with Dr. Goldschmidt before returning to any exercise program. Starting physical activity too soon can result in the incision separating and an extended recovery period.
Should I combine my tummy tuck surgery with another surgical procedure?
Tummy tuck surgery can be performed alone or in combination with another body contouring or breast enhancement procedure. You can combine a tummy tuck with:
- Belly button surgery
- Breast augmentation (with implants)
- Breast lift surgery
- Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery (BBL)
- Mommy Makeover surgery
Combining surgeries is safe for most healthy patients. However, not all patients will be good candidates for a combination procedure. If interested in undergoing such a procedure, discuss this with Dr. Goldschmidt at your consultation.
Can I have children after the surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery does not impact your ability to get pregnant or have a successful pregnancy. We recommend waiting for a tummy tuck until after you have had your children for purely aesthetic reasons. Pregnancy places significant strain on the abdomen that may result in loose skin, weakened muscles, and excess fat. A tummy tuck will address all of those post-pregnancy concerns.
Future pregnancies after a tummy tuck can reverse the results or lead to the need for revision surgery. Thus, unless ongoing a tummy tuck for medical reasons, it is best to wait until you have finished growing your family.
Will abdominal liposuction give me the same results as a tummy tuck?
Liposuction on the abdomen can remove pockets of fat on the lower and upper abdomen. While this procedure can provide significant fat reduction results, it cannot tighten loose skin, which is common in men and women considering abdominal skin removal surgery. If you have loose skin or muscles, liposuction alone will not provide the results you hope to achieve.
For more information about Tummy Tuck in Cleveland, OH or to schedule your Tummy Tuck in Cleveland, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 350-3175.