Seven Facts About Getting a Tummy Tuck
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It can often be difficult to maintain a strict diet and exercise plan only to notice a distinct lack of results. You've put in the work, so why does your body still look essentially the same? For some, it can feel almost impossible to rid themselves of unwanted weight in their midsection.
Dr. Michael Hakimi is a board-certified plastic surgeon, who is highly experienced in performing tummy tucks for men and women of various ages. Dr. Hakimi's office in Beverly Hills, CA is run by a friendly and passionate group of individuals that are entirely dedicated to providing a first-class experience for all of our patients. If you're considering abdominoplasty, here are seven facts you should know.
1. Abdominoplasty focuses solely on the stomach
As the name implies, a tummy tuck – or abdominoplasty – can only be performed on the stomach. No other areas of the body will have any fat deposits removed or be affected in any way. Patients seeking removal of fat throughout the body should consider other procedures, such as liposuction. The primary functions of abdominoplasty are to:
- Restore weakened muscles in the stomach
- Reposition the belly button
- Trim fat
- Construct a tighter midsection
2. Different patients may have different amounts of fat and/or skin removed
Each patient's body is different, which makes each procedure unique as there are various amounts of fat and skin in and around the stomach. Not only this, but the location of the fat can be in completely different locations. For instance, some patients may have fat found throughout their stomach and require an extended tummy tuck. On the other hand, others may only have excess fat and/or skin in the lower stomach, making them an ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck.
3. Tummy tucks require a notable amount of recovery
As an invasive procedure, a tummy tuck will cause some pain, fatigue, bruising, and swelling that will prevent you from being able to go about your normal life for a few weeks. Depending on their job, most patients are able to return to work within 1 – 2 weeks of the procedure. However, heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided entirely for at least six weeks in order to allow the stomach to heal properly.
4. The cost of a tummy tuck can vary
Due to the variations in patient body type, fat content, excess skin, etc., there is no flat price for a tummy tuck. During your consultation in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Hakimi will assess your body and goals before giving you an in-depth review of the entire process, as well as the associated cost.
5. Patients must be at a stable weight before undergoing a tummy tuck
While the results of an abdominoplasty are meant to be permanent, they can be jeopardized by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, we recommend that all patients undergoing a tummy tuck are within 10 – 15 pounds of their target weight.
6. A tummy tuck will leave a long-term scar
In order to perform the procedure, an incision will be made that stretches horizontally from one hip to the other. While Dr. Hakimi will place the incision in an area that is easy to hide when wearing clothing, underwear, and bathing suits, it will still exist. The scar will slowly fade over time, but its appearance is something to be aware of before undergoing the operation.
7. It can take up to a year to completely heal from a tummy tuck
The visible benefits of abdominoplasty are not immediately noticeable following the procedure. In fact, lingering swelling may be found in the area for six months afterward. However, as time passes, the body will heal naturally and the swelling and bruising will subside. Most patients feel like their usual selves again after only a few months, but the visible benefits can often take up to a year until they can be entirely seen.
Loving your body is a crucial component of self-happiness. Dr. Hakimi's office is proud to serve patients all over Southern California, including Newport Beach and Beverly Hills. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Hakimi today to discuss the benefits of a tummy tuck.