what is a Tummy Tuck?
For adults, sagging skin and unwanted fat in the abdominal area can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have made every effort to reduce the issue. Skin laxity is commonly caused by pregnancy, weight loss, and aging, all of which are reasons why someone may not be able to regain a tighter and slimmer tummy on their own. To address this concern that plagues many, an abdominoplasty can be performed to reshape the stomach area and tighten the muscles. This popular cosmetic enhancement surgery is known to produce attractive results for many patients with a range of unique concerns. Board-certified plastic surgeon Roderick M. Urbaniak, M.D. offers abdominoplasty that is personalized to every patient's individual needs. This sought-out procedure at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery allows both women and men the chance to have a toned, smaller abdomen and restored confidence. If you live in or around the greater Clearwater, FL area, learn more about how a tummy tuck can remove your excess skin and fat as well as tighten your ab muscles by scheduling a consultation at our plastic surgery practice.
what are the TYPES OF TUMMY TUCKS?
Endoscopic Tummy Tuck
The endoscopic tummy tuck is designed for patients who require muscle tightening but do not need excess skin removal. A small, hidden incision is made inside the belly button and in the hair-bearing area of the pubic region. With the use of tiny cameras and special surgical equipment, the muscles are tightened. This technique improves the profile and flattens the stomach. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak often performs liposuction along with the endoscopic tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients that have minimal excess abdominal skin and/or few stretch marks located below the belly button. The mini tummy tuck procedure addresses a smaller area of concern, so the final scar will be smaller than that of a traditional or full tummy tuck surgery. The belly button is also left intact without any scars present in that area. Muscle tightening and liposuction can still be performed as needed with this method.
Full Tummy Tuck
The most common tummy tuck procedure is a full abdominoplasty, also called a traditional abdominoplasty. The majority of patients requesting abdominal contouring are best served with a full tummy tuck. This technique removes all of the excess skin and soft tissue laxity. From there, the skin is tightened and the abdominal muscles are flattened. This tones the abdominal wall, improves the size of the belly button, and enhances the entire contour and profile of the abdomen. Liposuction is often performed as well to remove pockets of fat. Our Clearwater, FL patients report being extremely satisfied with the results they achieve from this procedure, noting waist size decreases on average of 2 – 4 sizes.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
The reverse tummy tuck is a unique procedure designed to help remove abdominal skin and soft-tissue laxity that is primarily located above the belly button. While the majority of the patients who seek out tummy tuck surgery have excess abdominal skin below the belly button, a smaller number of patients have the opposite problem: The reverse tummy tuck removes excess soft tissue located above the belly button, placing the final scar at the level of the breast fold. Muscle tightening, liposuction, as well as various breast procedures such as breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction can be performed in conjunction with the reverse tummy tuck. The final scar will be hidden in the breast fold.
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What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Loose skin around the midsection can make it difficult to feel comfortable in your own body. An abdominoplasty provides a toned appearance that is not always possible through diet and exercise alone. Patients prefer working with our team because of the exceptional results our board-certified surgeon produces. Additional benefits include:
- Improved contours in the abdominal area
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Reduced appearance of stretch marks and scars
- Restored waistline definition
- Elimination of excess skin or fat pockets
am i a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty can be successful for both women and men. If you cannot lose or reduce sagging skin and unwanted fat in the stomach, this cosmetic surgery can help by giving you a tighter and slimmer look. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak suggests patients considering this procedure to be at a stable weight prior to their surgery. Abdominoplasty is not intended to help you lose weight: Its purpose is to surgically correct loose skin, while liposuction is implemented during surgery to reduce stubborn fat pockets. If your abdomen has healthy skin tautness but you are still unhappy with the appearance of your midsection due to excess fat, you may be more suited for liposuction. Women considering this treatment should be past pregnancy to ensure their surgical outcomes are not affected.
how is a tummy tuck done?
Body contouring of the abdomen is performed with general anesthesia. There are numerous techniques to consider when this surgery is performed by Dr. Roderick Urbaniak. The technique used for your customized procedure will depend on the patient's specific goals. For starters, the incision shape and size is chosen based on the amount of excess skin you possess. Some patients with a large amount of hanging skin may require a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck places the incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic region. Other patients with minimal skin looseness may be better suited for a mini tummy tuck. These individuals still benefit from skin tightening but will have a smaller scar. Additionally, the reverse and endoscopic methods are also options depending on your own unique needs.
how long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
Following this procedure, you will be monitored and released wearing a compression garment to decrease swelling. The extent of your recovery period will depend on how extensive your procedure was. Walking upright will be hard to accomplish at first, so you should be sure to rest for a few days. Resuming normal momentum will become easier once the tightness subsides and your incision begins to heal. Most patients can resume everyday activities after around two weeks. You will be able to resume exercise later on, either after several weeks or when you are cleared by Dr. Roderick Urbaniak. The midsection will feel tight and uncomfortable, but you will look and feel normal again after your healing period has concluded. You will also look slimmer and have newfound self-confidence, which is invaluable.
tummy tuck faq
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will develop your unique procedure plan based on your specific needs and goals before discussing costs. He will be better able to estimate your costs when your tummy tuck technique has been selected. You will also have anesthesia and facility fees as a part of your costs. Our attentive team help to make your tummy tuck easy to afford. We accept many payment methods and can help you find low-interest financing.
What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are four tummy tuck techniques performed by Dr. Urbaniak: full, mini, reverse, and endoscopic. During your consultation, he will ask about your needs and goals before examining your stomach. From there, he can better decide which method will give you the best results. A full tummy tuck is good if you want to correct issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is good if you only have issues below your belly button, like a "pooch." A reverse tummy tuck addresses loose skin that resides above the belly button, which is less common, while an endoscopic tummy tuck tightens the ab muscles and provides some fat removal.
What will my scars look like?
Surgical incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which type you are getting. For all tummy tucks, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak makes the smallest incisions possible to limit scarring. He also creates incisions in less visible areas (like in the pubic region or belly button) so they can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear. After your surgery, it's important to follow your scar care instructions so your stitches heal flat and blend into your natural skin.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter your results. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak recommends patients to be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before they consider having a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, a second surgery can be performed to refresh your results.
Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
A lot of patients add another cosmetic surgery with a tummy tuck to give them more dramatic improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Roderick Urbaniak, it's important to talk to him about your concerns so a unique treatment plan can be developed that accurately matches your goals. You may combine a tummy tuck with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for a custom body contouring. If you are trying to improve your body after pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.
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tighten and tone your Tummy
Many events can lead to a stretched-out tummy that creates hanging folds of skin, such as pregnancy, aging, and weight loss. We know this can be almost impossible to correct on your own, which is why abdominoplasty is a great way to address these physical issues. If you are embarrassed by the hanging skin on your abdomen, no matter how minimal or severe, skin tightening surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roderick Urbaniak can allow you to achieve the look you want. Please contact Urbaniak Plastic Surgery in Largo or Clearwater, FL to learn more about this ever-popular procedure.