If you desire an abdominal profile that’s smoother and firmer, and diet and exercise haven’t worked, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be the right procedure for you. At Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, PLLC, plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Polavarapu offers this procedure that helps tighten up loose tummy skin and firm up weakened abdominal muscles. If you’re in the Fort Worth area of Texas, call the office or book an appointment online to learn more about how a tummy tuck can enhance your physique. She also services the areas of Ridglea Hills, Clearfork, Tanglewood, Arlington Heights, Mira Vista, Fairmount, and so much more.
Even if you’re of normal weight, it’s possible to have an abdomen that has loose, sagging skin and separated muscles. A tummy tuck can help firm up the skin and repair the musculature to create a slimmer, flatter-looking belly.
A tummy tuck, which is also called abdominoplasty, cannot help you lose considerable weight. Most candidates for the surgery are already at a stable, healthy weight. A tummy tuck cannot remove stretch marks, but it can correct issues with your abdomen related to:
If you plan on losing weight in the future or getting pregnant, hold off on the surgery until you’ve achieved a healthy weight and have completed your family.
Before you’re approved for surgery, Dr. Polavarapu provides a comprehensive exam that evaluates your health, skin tone, and the type of fat in your abdominal region to ensure you’ll respond well to the surgery.
Smoking inhibits healing and overall tummy tuck results, so be sure to quit prior to your procedure.
If you’re not a good candidate for a tummy tuck, Dr. Polavarapu can offer alternatives, including a mini tummy tuck to address fat just below the navel, a tummy tuck in conjunction with liposuction, or liposuction only.
The entire tummy tuck procedure takes between two and five hours, depending on your particular case. You’re placed under general anesthesia for the procedure.
Dr. Polavarapu makes a long incision that spans from hip bone to hip bone, right above your pubic area. Another incision frees your navel from the surrounding tissue. She then tightens the vertical muscles of your abdomen by pulling them closer together and stitching them into place. Your abdominal skin is stretched down and any excess trimmed. She cuts a new hole for your navel and stitches it into place, then closes your incisions.
Recovery from a tummy tuck takes several weeks, or even months, for you to return to normal. The better shape you’re in prior to surgery, the easier your recovery will be. You may need to take anywhere from 2-4 weeks off from work to rest and recuperate.
During your recovery, Dr. Polavarapu recommends you perform some kind of gentle exercise, such as walking, to reduce the chance of blood clots and reduce swelling. You’ll have some scarring, which may seem to worsen during the first 3-6 months following surgery, but typically flattens out and lightens in color after 9-12 months.
*Individual results may vary
