Tummy Tuck

A well-defined tummy is considered to be the visual embodiment of good health. Sometimes, despite our best efforts through weight reduction, diet and exercise, a flat, toned midsection is simply not achievable. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen because of hanging skin, a tummy tuck may be an excellent option to improve the appearance of your waistline by removing the loose skin and tightening the underlying muscles.

Many factors such as pregnancy, weight loss and the effects of aging and gravity can lead to unattractive stretch marks and loose skin that detract from one’s body shape. Endless sit-ups and abdominal crunches will not help the stretched skin retract back to its original state. These exercises will not correct the bulging due to the looseness and separation of the muscles of the abdomen. There are many products, creams and pills on the market today that claim to be able to do this. But the reality is that the one thing that will work is a tummy tuck procedure.

Good candidates for the tummy tuck procedure performed by Dr. DeLuca are:

• Women that have had children and have stretch marks
• People that are not candidates for liposuction
• People that have lost a lot of weight and are left with excess skin
• People that have fat deposits on the abdomen along with loose skin

Dr. Deluca performs two types of tummy tucks, full and mini. Most women will require a full tummy tuck. However, in people with minimal fat deposits and excess skin, Dr. DeLuca performs a mini-tummy tuck. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to better sculpt and tone the abdominal area. All stitches will be below the skin and dissolvable, sparing the patient the need to have them manually removed.

Body image can have a significant impact on a person’s well being. Following a tummy tuck, most patients will tell you that they fit better in their clothes and are tremendously more confident about their appearance.

RECOVERY TIME

Dr. DeLuca recommends allowing 10-14 days for recovery time. This recovery period, however, can be shorter for some patients who find that they are able to resume routine activities one week after the procedure. Drains are often placed to prevent the build-up of excess fluid and will be removed during an early postoperative visit.