There are many surgical and non-surgical procedures that can bring and restore balance to the face, breasts and body. What interests Dr. McGill most, is the balance that these procedures can also bring to the mind and spirit of her patients.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

“Tummy tuck” is the common name for abdominoplasty surgery. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region of your body, tightening and flattening the contour of that area. Abdominoplasty can also remove stretch marks around the navel and lower abdomen.
 
A tummy tuck procedure also addresses the inner structure of the lower abdominal region. During this procedure, the deeper core of the abdominal area is reconstructed and abdominal muscles are tightened. This aspect of the procedure improves your posture, strength and muscle tone and further contributes to reducing your waist size from within.

Why get a Tummy Tuck?

Pregnancy or rapid weight gain can create areas of baggy excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen, resulting in stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. In addition to creating a disproportionate body contour, this excess fat around the abdomen can result in stretch marks, loss of muscle tone and poor posture.

A tummy tuck eliminates this excess skin and fat and creates a firm, flat belly, significantly reducing the appearance of stretch marks, in addition to improving muscle tone and posture. This procedure helps both men and women gain a more balanced body contour. It can also be combined with liposuction to further remove stubborn excess fat tissue.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

A tummy tuck procedure starts with a horizontal incision right above the pubic region, along the lower abdominal crease. The length of this incision is determined by how much skin needs to be removed during the procedure, and if liposuction is to be added. The addition of liposuction to a tummy tuck reduces the length of the incision. The scar left by the incision is made in such a way as to fall below swimsuit lines, and its final position can be customized to your particular needs.
 
A second incision is made around the navel in order for loose skin in that area to be pulled down, further flattening the region. Excess skin and fat is removed, and abdominal muscles are reshaped internally, bringing them closer together for a tighter look and feel. If other problems such as a hernia are present, they can also be corrected during the abdominoplasty. The procedure typically takes about 2-3 hours.

What Happens After a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
 
After the abdominoplasty procedure, it is recommended to stay overnight. Recovery from a tummy tuck can range from one to a few months. The procedure will leave a permanent scar where the incision was made, but depending on the positioning it should be easily concealed, even by a swimsuit. Recovery time ranges from one to a few months. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it.

A moderate amount of swelling should be expected during the recovery process for the first few days. Pain medication will help make things more comfortable, as will certain types of exercises and breathing techniques that will promote circulation.

An abdominoplasty is a relatively major procedure and requires a significant allotment of time for recovery to take place. Exercise and energetic activities should be avoided for about 6 weeks following the procedure. It is common for numbness and bruising to occur for about 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
 
Overall, the healing process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year to ensure that swelling has fully subsided.

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