Cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction can give you a flatter and firmer midsection, as long as you have realistic expectations! These procedures are not magic bullets that can give you the same midsection you had when you were 16, but they can give you a trimmer-looking abdomen.
If you decide on plastic surgery to improve your abdomen, it’s important to have clear goals about what you want to achieve and communicate those goals to your plastic surgeon. Let’s explore these procedures a little more, so you know what results to expect.
A Flatter Abdomen Through Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck eliminates sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits for those who are at a stable weight. This procedure can’t help with weight loss but can sculpt your midsection and shift hard-to-lose fat deposits. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have stubborn fat deposits and sagging skin due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process.
The procedure can take around 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After your tummy tuck, you will typically return home the same day but will need someone to assist you at home. You will start to see a flatter and more sculpted midsection within a couple of weeks, but your results will continue to improve for several months as residual swelling recedes.
Trimming Midsection Fat With Liposuction
Liposuction can reduce fat deposits in all areas of your body but especially in your abdomen. As with a tummy tuck, liposuction is not a weight loss treatment, but it can eliminate stubborn fat in your midsection. A good candidate for liposuction is someone who has firm, elastic skin that can shrink back to the body’s slimmer contours after the fat is removed.
Your liposuction procedure can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the area treated and desired results. You will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Wearing a compression garment for a few weeks after surgery helps prevent fluid buildup, and by 6 weeks post-op, you should be able to see most of your results.
Body Reshaping With Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover doesn’t exclusively focus on the abdomen, but it does usually include a tummy tuck (which we discussed earlier). A mommy makeover is customizable, so you can choose from a combination of a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and more.
Pregnancy and rapid weight gain and loss may cause your abdominal muscles to weaken and separate, causing a belly bulge that is challenging to get rid of. Post-pregnancy is an excellent time to consider improving those weakened abdominal muscles and sagging skin to flatten the abdominal area. A mommy makeover that includes a tummy tuck can specifically fix these issues.
Procedures such as tummy tuck and liposuction can give you the firm, flat midsection you have been dreaming about. But remember, you need to do your part by maintaining a stable weight and following a healthy lifestyle to maintain your results. Check out some of our before and after photos of patients who are thrilled with their tummy tuck results!
If you are ready for a flatter midsection, request a consultation or call us at (804) 267-6009 to schedule an appointment.