A flat tummy is something that many people want, but it can be incredibly difficult to achieve. Even if you’re loyal to a diet and exercise routine, factors beyond your control may be impacting the appearance of your midsection. Having children or losing a significant amount of weight can disrupt your contours, as can your age and genetics.
If you’re looking for an effective way to remove excess fat, tighten loose skin, and potentially restore weakened abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck could be the solution. This body contouring procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, is an excellent way for men and women to achieve a smoother and firmer abdominal area.
Dr. Stan Castor is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is passionate about helping others reach their aesthetic goals. Learn how a tummy tuck can help you feel confident in your appearance by scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Castor at (813) 971-2000. Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery and Laser Center proudly serves Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas of Florida.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people undergo a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and fat on their stomach. However, the powerful benefits of a skillfully performed abdominoplasty extend beyond just that.
A tummy tuck can offer many advantages, including:
- Removing excess fat from the abdominal region
- Removing and tightening sagging skin on the stomach
- Potentially eliminating some or all stretch marks on the belly
- Restoring weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- Smoothing a protruding abdomen that seems to stick out
- Helping clothing look and fit better
- Providing a permanent improvement to your figure
The majority of tummy tuck patients notice that their self-confidence and self-image improve after surgery. Finally achieving the look you desire is an empowering experience. Additionally, tummy tuck patients often feel more motivated to eat well and exercise after their procedure in order to maintain their results. What’s more, numerous studies have reported on the medical benefits of a tummy tuck.
For example, there is evidence that a tummy tuck can decrease back pain and poor posture caused by weak abdominal muscles.
Dr. Castor will discuss if these medical benefits are something that you may be able to expect from your surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
The ideal way to learn about your candidacy for a tummy tuck is to schedule an in-office consultation with Dr. Castor. This procedure is highly individualized. Dr. Castor will want to discuss your reasons for pursuing abdominoplasty, the results you hope to achieve, and your general health.
This initial visit is a great time to ask any questions that you may have about tummy tucks. By doing so, you can learn if abdominoplasty is the ideal way to address your concerns.
In general, you may be an ideal tummy tuck candidate if:
- You are in good overall health
- Your weight is stable
- You are dissatisfied with the appearance of your midsection
- You are a nonsmoker or are willing to quit before surgery and during recovery
- You have realistic expectations
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be at or near their ideal weight before undergoing this procedure.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Castor’s patients benefit from the use of his office surgical suite. Having your tummy tuck performed in this private environment allows you to avoid high hospital fees.
You have the added advantage of interacting exclusively with Dr. Castor’s trusted team of nurses and staff members. This modern space increases the safety, convenience, and timeliness of your surgery.
On the day of your tummy tuck, you can expect to undergo a completely individualized procedure. Dr. Castor will customize your abdominoplasty to align with your goals and physical characteristics. During your consultation, you’ll discuss the length and location of your incision, the degree of correction required, and your surgical timing.
The typical tummy tuck patient is back to work in two weeks and back to full activity and exercise within six weeks. During this recovery period, Dr. Castor will give you specific instructions to follow to ensure your safety as well as an optimal cosmetic outcome.
How Can I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck Procedure?
The sooner patients can prepare ahead of time for their tummy tuck procedure; the easier their surgery and recovery will go. Believe it or not, there are many ways you can prepare for your tummy tuck long before your scheduled appointment. These preparations can include:
- Consult your primary doctor. Prior to your procedure, it’s important to stop any medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, before your surgery and during your recovery. We recommend consulting with your doctor to see if you are eligible to stop medication for your tummy tuck.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can lead to a number of health issues, but when it comes to recovering from surgery, it’s best that your body is in optimal health. Try quitting smoking at least six weeks before your procedure.
- Implement a balanced diet. Although your tummy tuck will help you get rid of excess fat and skin, it’s essential that patients are able to maintain a stable weight so as not to prevent the alteration of your tummy tuck results due to sudden weight gain or weight loss. Getting used to eating balanced meals long before your recovery process begins can help make adjusting to this new diet easier.
- Establish a light but beneficial exercise routine. In the same way, eating healthy will help you maintain a stable weight, light exercise can help as well. By establishing a lightweight exercise routine before your surgery, it’ll feel like continuing a habit once you are able to move lighting in your recovery phase.
- Arrange for a support circle. Logistically, it’s important to have a friend or loved one help you to and from your tummy tuck appointment. However, establishing a great support system can be one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself. Recovery can sometimes be a slow, emotionally, and physically draining process. Be open to accepting help from your loved ones. They may even help you prepare your home for optimal comfort upon returning from your surgery to make your recovery easier.
What Is Recovery Like from the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
For most patients, a full recovery period from their tummy tuck procedure is about 6-8 weeks. Following your surgery, you should expect to have at least one-two weeks of recuperation to allow your body to rest from your procedure. Most patients will stay home from work unless you are able to work from home. Moms will need help taking care of their children for those 2 weeks. During this time, the treated area may be sore, red, swollen, and tender to the touch. However, these side effects are all normal signs of recovery and healing. You will wear a compression garment during this time and may experience numbness on the skin, which will disappear by the end of the second week.
Some patients may also experience fatigue and tiredness while recovering at first. However, by their second week, most patients are able to move around lightly. Implementing light walking and slowly getting back to your normal routine will help your body to adjust to your new weight. It’s important not to rush your recovery process and monitor your progress and health. Most patients are able to return back to work in 10 days to two weeks. Patients need to be careful with not lifting more than 10 pounds and also be careful with laughing, coughing and sneezing so that the abdominal muscle sutures are not disrupted. By their sixth week, many patients are pain-free and can enjoy the results from their tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Results
Your tummy tuck results are permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Weight gain can negatively impact the contour of your tummy.
When discussing results, it’s important to note that abdominoplasty creates a permanent scar. However, the mark can often be concealed below underwear or a swimsuit.
Additionally, there are scar-fading practices that you can adopt after surgery. Most patients agree that the scar is a small price to pay for the numerous tummy tuck benefits.
Tummy Tuck - Before & After
What People Say About Us!
"Dr. Stan Castors office in New Tampa is clean, professional and Inviting. I had a tummy tuck done by him a few years ago at the surgery center. I was very pleased and returned recently to have VASER Liposuction done under local anesthesia in Dr. Castors office. I felt that he was honest and didnt just sell me on procedures. He came up with a good surgical plan and weight loss plan for me which has helped me immensely. I feel Dr. Castor is a caring doctor with good bedside manner and easy to talk with. His office staff is great too and I will return again for future procedures when the time is right!*"
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Schedule Your Tampa Bay Tummy Tuck Consultation
Call (813) 971-2000 to discover how a tummy tuck can give you a flatter and firmer abdomen. At Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, we proudly serve Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas of Florida.
