John Trupiano, MD

The tummy tuck remains among the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed each year. That’s because it’s the single most effective way to achieve a slimmer, flatter, more defined stomach.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat from your stomach. It also helps you regain support in the abdominal muscles along the abdominal wall that can become weak from age or separation.

For many people, no matter how much exercise or dieting they do, they can’t achieve a flat and toned midsection. Even if you’re thin, you can have a “pooch” in the front that sticks out, is loose, or sags. This is normal, and there are common causes of this type of protrusion including:

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Childbirth
  • Previous surgery
  • Weight loss and gain

Tummy tuck surgery is the best way to get rid of a protruding stomach if you’re bothered by it. It’s also a common part of mommy makeover surgeries and can easily be combined with procedures like liposuction or breast augmentation.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

A tummy tuck should not be considered a weight loss procedure. It’s a good option if you’re bothered by the appearance of your stomach because of loose skin, stretched, weakened, or separated abdominal muscles, and stubborn excess fat. To be considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you should:

  • Be at a healthy and stable weight
  • Have no medical issues that would interfere with healing
  • Have no plans to become pregnant
  • Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations

It’s common to get a tummy tuck after you’ve lost a significant amount of weight. If this is the case, it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your new body and maintain your weight for at least six months. If you’re undergoing a mommy makeover procedure, you should be fully recovered from childbirth and not have a plan for future pregnancies before scheduling your procedure.

Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck can be performed using general anesthesia or sedation, depending on what you decide with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Trupiano during your consultation. Once you’re ready, Dr. Trupiano will make an incision that runs from your hip, down to the pubic hairline, and up to your opposite hip. The exact shape of the incision depends on how much excess skin is in this area. The flap of skin is pulled back and underlying muscles are repaired. For some, another incision around the belly button is made to remove the skin from the upper belly area.

Next, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down and any excess skin at the bottom is trimmed away. Then, the bottom of the flap is sutured together with the adjoining skin. An opening for the belly button is made, and the navel is then popped through and sutured to hold it in place. Finally, your incisions will be closed, and you’ll be made ready to go home to begin the healing process.

TESTIMONIAL

The staff is very helpful and polite from the beginning… I’ve been to other places before finally choosing Dr. Trupiano, I made the best choice. I love my results!! I have 360 lipo and a tummy tuck. Every day I fall more in love with my results.

I had a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation in October of 2020 and it was the best decision I ever made and I could not have picked a better surgeon!

Doctor Trupiano did a great job on my tummy tuck, my results are getting better every month.

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Tummy Tuck Results and Recovery

You should expect to take 1-2 weeks away from work and normal activities in order to rest. It’s normal to experience swelling and discomfort during this time, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to follow, including instructions on sleeping positions, incision care, and managing drains. You’ll be fitted with a specialized compression garment and should wear it as much as possible for the first several weeks. You’ll begin to see your results emerge within 3-6 months. With the right lifestyle, you can enjoy your tummy tuck results for years to come.

Schedule a Consultation

What is the best tummy tuck near me? At Trupiano Plastic Surgery, in Troy, MI we look forward to providing top-quality care and results that you will love. The tummy tuck is the most effective way to achieve a flatter, more toned stomach. To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Trupiano at our Troy, MI office. Contact us by calling or filling out our online contact form to get started.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?

Stomach cramps after a tummy tuck are common but these will resolve. A tummy tuck does not cause any long-term stomach issues.

Can you get pregnant after tummy tuck?

You can get pregnant after a tummy tuck but it is recommended you wait until you are done having children since future pregnancies will reverse the results of your tummy tuck.

Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?

A scar does form after the tummy tuck procedure but it's typically very thin and can usually be hidden below your underwear.

How long do tummy tucks last?

The results of a tummy tuck can last for years if not decades. How long they last typically depends on the natural aging process, any fluctuations in your weight you experience, and how well you stick to a healthy lifestyle.

What are the side effects of a tummy tuck?

Some of the side effects that may come with a tummy tuck include bruising, redness, swelling, and scarring.

When can I start working out after tummy tuck?

When you can start working out differs for each patient but generally, it's recommended you wait approximately 6 weeks before you start working out. And you should start off slowly to build up your strength.

Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck?

A good candidate for a tummy tuck is anyone who is at a stable weight, has realistic expectations, is a nonsmoker, and has issues with the appearance of their abdomen. Those with separated abdominal muscles are also good candidates for the procedure as well.

Why would you need a tummy tuck?

There are numerous reasons why people have tummy tucks including everything from wanting to tighten the skin in the abdominal area to strengthening the muscles in the area to removing some excess fat.

Will a tummy tuck make my stomach flat?

Results will vary for each patient, but generally, the tummy tuck procedure does make the stomach area flatter.

What is included in a tummy tuck in Birmingham, MI?

A full abdominoplasty will remove the excess skin from your abdomen and tighten all underlying abdominal muscles. A partial abdominoplasty will remove excess skin and tighten the lower abdominal muscles.

Can I drive myself home from my tummy tuck in Troy, MI?

You must have a caregiver drive you home from surgery and take care of you for the evening.

How many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck performed in Grosse Pointe, MI?

Patients may lose two to three pant sizes after their tummy tuck procedure. This varies based on each patient and how much excess skin they have removed.

What is the ideal weight I should be at before my tummy tuck in Troy, MI?

It is best to be relatively close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before your tummy tuck. You should be within 15 pounds of your goal weight.

Does insurance ever cover a tummy tuck in Troy, MI?

Insurance companies rarely cover tummy tuck procedures since they are generally elective and not medically required.

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