How Flat Will My Tummy be After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Women and men considering a tummy tuck often desire to achieve the same goal: to have a flat stomach. Whether you are experiencing loose skin on your belly due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or fluctuating hormones with age, if you can't get the results you want with exercise and diet alone, a tummy tuck could be the right solution. However, there are some limitations to what this procedure can do that you should know before you schedule a tummy tuck procedure. If you have additional questions on what to expect, schedule an in-person or online consultation with Beverly Hills, CA board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi.

What is tummy tuck surgery?

For women and men, excess fat and loose skin on the belly area can be challenging to get rid of despite a person's best efforts with diet and exercise. Pregnancy, age, or significant weight loss are the primary reasons adults need to get rid of excess skin on their belly. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat while repairing loose underlying abdominal muscles. Individuals in Beverly Hills, CA choose this popular body contouring procedure to achieve a more toned, fit-looking profile to achieve the look they always wanted.

Tighten loose tummy skin with abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery removes excess, loose skin on the belly and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdomen. Dr. Hakimi may need to incorporate liposuction to further contour and remove unwanted subcutaneous fat. Almost immediately following surgery, results can be obscured by bruising and swelling, but symptoms will begin to subside in 3 – 4 weeks. You will be able to stand tall and start appreciating your slimmer profile in about 4 – 6 weeks. A common question often asked during consultations is, "Will my stomach be flat after tummy tuck surgery?"

Can you flatten your tummy with this cosmetic procedure?

While Beverly Hills, CA patients can achieve a smoother, tighter-looking stomach with tummy tuck surgery, not every patient will have a flat abdomen. Even though loose skin and subcutaneous fat are removed, abdominoplasty cannot remove excess visceral fat that remains intact behind tightened abdominal muscles. Visceral fat surrounds your organs and can only be reduced by diet and exercise. The best way to reach your aesthetic goal of having a flatter stomach is to be at your ideal body weight before considering tummy tuck surgery. It is a cosmetic procedure that can get rid of excess skin on the belly and provide excellent results, but it won't necessarily offer a six-pack look. Once you are fully recovered, Dr. Hakimi can discuss additional body contouring options, like nonsurgical skin tightening treatments to put the finishing touches on your desired look.

Patients need to be in a pattern of maintaining a healthy diet and consistently exercising to keep their weight consistent before and after surgery. Ongoing weight fluctuations after tummy tuck surgery could alter your results. If you are considering a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, CA, we invite you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi. Dr. Hakimi's expert surgical experience and advice can help you make an informed decision and provide the results you deserve. Contact one of our dedicated team members to schedule an online or in-person consultation today.