There are few cosmetic surgeries quite as exciting as the tummy tuck. Whether a patient is looking to restore their shape after pregnancy or get rid of excess skin following weight loss, a tummy tuck can mean a newfound ability to wear more revealing clothing and participate in physical activities comfortably. With the capacity to completely recontour the midsection, a tummy tuck can be truly life-changing for both men and women. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgery have successfully helped countless patients in Austin, TX achieve the bodies of their dreams through a tummy tuck procedure.
Though its name may sound fairly casual, the tummy tuck is actually a major surgery and should be taken very seriously. Understandably, one of the most common questions that comes up during a tummy tuck consultation at Austin Plastic Surgery is what to expect in the postoperative period. To help better prepare for a tummy tuck recovery, it is important to first have a basic understanding of the procedure itself.
What is a tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, is an invasive surgical procedure designed primarily to remove excess skin from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles if they have separated, resulting in a smoother, flatter, more taut midsection. In many cases, the surgeon will combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to remove stubborn pockets of fat and further enhance a patient’s results. For women, the tummy tuck is often performed as part of a larger mommy makeover, which may include additional procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift. A tummy tuck can be extremely beneficial for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight but have excess sagging skin remaining, as well as women who have experienced the com