Tummy Tuck Questions

Hartford, Greenwich, Waterbury, and Glastonbury, Connecticut

What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can reduce hanging abdominal skin, slack abdominal muscles, and excess fat in the belly.

Is a tummy tuck right for me?
A tummy tuck may be a good procedure for you if you:

Have a bulging or hanging tummy
Have tried to reduce your tummy with diet and exercise
Have slack abdominal muscles
Have loose or hanging abdominal skin
Are at or near your ideal weight
Are in good general health

In addition, an ideal candidate is a non-smoker. You will be asked to quit smoking, or at least stop smoking during the presurgical and postsurgical periods.

Is a tummy tuck or liposuction better for me?
A tummy tuck is better for people with excess hanging skin and slack abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck candidates may also have significant abdominal fat. Liposuction is best for people with relatively good muscle and skin tone but with surplus abdominal fat. SmartLipo is a good procedure for people who have abdominal fat, but have some skin laxity.

The best way to determine what procedure is best for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Foster today. He will talk about your goals and conduct an examination to determine the procedure most likely to give you the results you desire.

Are there procedures for hanging skin in other areas?
Yes. In addition to a tummy tuck, Dr. Foster performs many body contouring procedures, including:

Breast Lift
Thigh Lift
Buttock Lift
Arm lift
Body lift

What is the tummy tuck procedure like?
The tummy tuck procedure is typically performed as an outpatient surgery. Normally, it is performed under general anesthesia, but for less complicated procedures a combination of local anesthesia and sedation may be used.

First, an incision is made below the bikini line. For full tummy tucks, a second incision is made around the navel. Excess fat is removed. Abdominal muscles are tightened. The skin is pulled tighter and excess skin is removed. Then the incision is closed.

The procedure may take one to six hours depending on the amount of tightening required.

What is recovery from a tummy tuck like?
In most cases, you will be able to return home after your procedure. There will be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You will be given a prescription to control discomfort and will wear an abdominal binder to support the operated area and encourage healing. You may have limited movement for several hours or days after the surgery.

You are encouraged to begin low-impact exercise as soon as possible after surgery, but it may be a few months before you can return to a strenuous exercise routine. You should count on taking at least a week off from work.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
With a good healthy diet and exercise routine, the results of your tummy tuck should be permanent.

To learn more about tummy tuck and whether it is right for you, please call or email us today for a consultation with Dr. Foster.

Disclaimer: Stanley J. Foster Plastic Surgery offers tummy tuck surgery to patients in the Hartford, CT area.
The information on this website regarding abdominoplasty is not intended to be medical advice.
For more information about our tummy tucks,
please contact Dr. Stanley J. Foster Plastic Surgery, to schedule your consultation. We serve plastic surgery patients in Hartford, Greenwich, Waterbury, and Glastonbury, Connecticut.

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