Excess belly fat and loose skin are some of the main things that plenty of women feel insecure about, which often causes them to hide their figure under layers of clothing. These issues can easily make someone lose confidence when wearing their favorite bathing suit, for example. Sometimes even going to the gym cannot seem to improve the unsightliness of that area, despite you losing weight.

When your mid-section refuses to look toned, there are several ways for you to go around this. The recommended route is often the combination of a tummy tuck and Lipo360 in one procedure, which can significantly improve the aesthetic of your waistline. In this blog, you will learn more about this treatment so that you are fully prepared.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that aims to reduce excess skin along with fat from your abdominal area. It also works to repair separated muscles in the area, which can be caused by several things, one being pregnancy. With a tummy tuck, you can shape your abdominal area to achieve a much smoother physique. 

Tummy tucks are recommended for women and men who have gone through extensive weight loss but are struggling with unwanted excess skin. For this surgery, patients should be in good health and near their ideal weight. If you are planning to lose even more weight after the procedure, you may render it inefficient, as you will later have more loose skin to deal with.

Why Combine It With Lipo360?

Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction have always gone hand in hand. Tummy tuck surgery can remove both excess skin and fat, but sometimes you need a little bit of help with liposuction to fully remove all the unwanted fat in the area to reveal a smooth, symmetrical shape.

This is where Lipo360 comes into the picture. Lipo360 is a more extensive liposuction procedure that removes fat not only from the front area but also from the back. This way, patients can address concerns like love handles and lower back fat, leading to a more appealing waistline. Treatments are customized based on the results that you want to achieve.

Recovery and Results – What to Expect

Both Lipo360 and tummy tuck surgery have the potential to offer natural looks and dramatic results. That being said, we are still talking about a surgical procedure, which is why you can expect some downtime along with certain side effects. To get the best results, you need to learn how to take better care of your body.

Since you will be combining two treatments into one, you can expect a slightly longer recovery time than if you underwent the procedures separately. The average recovery time for liposuction is six to 12 weeks, whereas tummy tuck surgery can take about six weeks to heal. The bigger the surface covered, the more the recovery takes. However, most patients are typically up and walking in about two weeks.

Don’t be concerned if you see swelling and bruising in the area, as this is your body’s natural response to healing and the effects will take up to three months to subside. You should take it easy within the first month or two and plan for a longer recovery time if you have a physically demanding job so that you know your body is 100 percent ready. 

The Bottom Line

Combining a tummy tuck with Lipo360 is a great option to bring your abdominal area under control and give you more confidence in yourself. Just be mindful of the side effects and recovery time. Call Iconic Plastic Surgery and set up an appointment!

For more information about tummy tuck surgery and Lipo360, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza will offer you all the information that you need. Alternatively, you can also fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch with you as quickly as possible.

Certain actions or life events may leave you with a tummy shape that you are not very happy about. For instance, significant weight loss or pregnancy can leave you with a lot of loose skin, which never seems to bounce back. You keep diets, and you exercise, but the skin keeps bouncing alongside you.

A total of 207,262 tummy tucks were done in 2022 in the United States, putting the procedure just under breast augmentation in terms of popularity. Being as informed and prepared as possible can help you get the best results and have the speediest of recoveries. In this blog, you will find out more about the tummy tuck and the things you should know before undergoing surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin is removed from your tummy, restoring its contour. During this procedure, excess fat is also eliminated while the separated abdominal muscles are repaired. The surgery offers a tightening effect on your tummy, reducing sagging skin.

There are various reasons why excess skin and torn or weakened abdominal muscles can appear. A common cause is pregnancy, which makes your skin stretch to great amounts to accommodate the baby. Dramatic weight loss that happens too fast can also lead to sagging skin on your stomach, as the tissue cannot keep up with the fat loss. 

Who Should Get a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks can be potentially life-changing procedures for many people, but not everyone should go in for this type of surgery. To be a candidate, you need to have excess skin on your tummy area as a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss. If the excess skin did not respond to diet or exercise, then you may also be considered a good tummy tuck candidate. 

Additionally, ideal candidates should be near their ideal weight to achieve desired results. Tummy tuck surgery is not a solution for weight loss, as it mainly deals with excess skin. While liposuction is often used during a tummy tuck, fluctuating weight may cause your results to be compromised in the long run. If you are on a weight loss journey, you may want to schedule the tummy tuck once you’ve reached your goal weight. 

Things to Do Before a Tummy Tuck

There are several things to keep in mind before a tummy tuck. Here are some do’s and don’ts you should follow before undergoing the procedure: 

• DO Create a Support System: After the tummy tuck, you will likely have an extensive recovery to go through, so enlist a few friends or family members to help you.

• DON’T Smoke: Smoking can lead to poor healing, so it is recommended that you stop at least two weeks before the procedure.

• DO Follow a Healthy Diet: A protein-rich diet can help your recovery process, which is why you should start it one month before the procedure and continue for a couple of weeks after, if not forever!

• DON’T Follow Crash Diets: Crash diets can lead to loose skin, which is why you should consider maintaining a stable weight before undergoing the procedure.

Each patient is different; scheduling a consultation with Dr. D’Souza beforehand can be very helpful and informative for any surgery or treatment you decide to undergo. He can tell you all the preparatory steps that you need to take before you undergo the surgery. For instance, if you are taking any kind of medicine that might compromise the results, Dr. D’Souza might recommend you stop them. 

Better Body Contour With Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck is a great procedure for restoring the contour of your body. It can reduce excess skin and offer your entire abdominal area a lift, making you more confident in your own skin. Call Iconic Plastic Surgery right now and schedule a tummy tuck with Dr. D’Souza.
 
 
For more information about tummy tuck surgery, you can contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza would be more than happy to provide you with all the information that you need. Alternatively, you can use our contact form to get in touch with us, and we will help set up a virtual consultation.

As a woman, you may sometimes wonder what your body would look like this way or that way or without this here or that there. Your body can look so many ways, and none of them are right or wrong. But there are also a lot of questions about whether certain surgeries are right for you or not, and tummy tuck surgery may be one of them.

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is designed to remove unwanted, excess fat and skin from the abdomen. It also repairs the abdominal muscles under the skin that sometimes get stretched out during pregnancy. There are many reasons why people choose to undergo abdominoplasty; however, weight fluctuations and pregnancy are the most common reasons.

The Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts about two hours. Incision locations will be discussed in detail with Dr. D’Souza and are typically made in between the hips at the bikini line. Once the incisions are made, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Once the surgery is complete, the incisions will be closed, and drains will be placed.

The Recovery Period

Most people require two to four weeks of recovery time before being able to return to normal activities. Full post-operative restrictions will be discussed prior to your surgery, but walking is highly encouraged after surgery to keep the blood circulating.

Am I a Candidate?

You are a tummy tuck candidate if you have realistic expectations, are in good health, and have excess skin and separated abdominal muscles. This procedure is not recommended if you are a smoker or are expecting to have children in the future.

Combination Procedures

Tummy tuck surgery can be one piece of a Mommy Makeover procedure. Many women who know they are finished having children choose to undergo Tummy tuck surgery as part of their Mommy Makeover. Breast lift, liposuction, and labiaplasty are other procedures that some women consider when planning their Mommy Makeover.

If you have questions about labiaplasty or any other services offered at Iconic Plastic Surgery, please contact us today by calling 760-637-5288 or filling out our online contact form.

Undergoing tummy tuck surgery can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence and overall quality of life. This body contouring procedure restores the abdominal area to a firmer and smoother aesthetic by simultaneously addressing loose abdominal skin, fat deposits, and weak rectus muscles. To ensure you obtain the desired results and enjoy the most comfortable experience possible, you should expect to follow specific aftercare instructions for a minimum of four to six weeks. Some of the recommended practices as well as what should be avoided during your tummy tuck recovery are listed below.

Do…

Get plenty of rest: Resting helps you recover faster and gives your body the chance to heal the treated areas. However, taking short, slow walks as soon as possible will help promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing blood clots.

Arrange for a friend or relative to help you during at least the first week of recovery: You will need to take it easy during the initial stage of your recovery, especially if you have small children. It is recommended to have someone stay with you for the first week after surgery to help prepare meals and perform other household tasks.

Consume a healthy diet: After surgery, patients are prone to constipation. Eating foods rich in fiber and protein as well as staying hydrated can prevent constipation. Healthy foods can also give the body the nutrients it needs to heal properly.

Don’t…

Use any tobacco products: Smoking or chewing tobacco can impede the healing process and lead to other complications. Patients are also advised to avoid the use of electronic cigarettes to ensure they have a safe recovery.

Sunbathe: Once the swelling has subsided, you may be tempted to show off your new silhouette at the pool or beach. However, exposing your scars to direct sunlight can cause them to darken and become more noticeable. If your incisions have not healed completely, unprotected sun exposure can interfere with the healing process.

Rush into strenuous physical activity: Tummy tuck surgery can take a toll on your body, so easing into exercise and other activities is crucial for your safety and comfort. Avoid rushing into your usual fitness routine per your doctor’s recommendations.

Drink alcohol: Like tobacco, alcohol can decrease blood flow and lead to postoperative problems and poor healing. Additionally, alcohol should not be mixed with most pain medications, which will likely be prescribed to you after your tummy tuck.

Specific Directions for Your Recovery

Taking care of yourself during the initial stage of recovery allows the treated areas to heal properly. Because your surgeon will have reviewed your medical history and the details of your procedure before your scheduled surgery, you must follow all of your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Because every tummy tuck is tailored to the patient, all patients receive aftercare directions that reflect their unique procedure and needs.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and the recovery process, please schedule a consultation by calling our Carlsbad plastic surgery office at 760-637-5288 today!