Is it time for a tummy tuck?

Summer is the time for bathing suits and cute summer outfits – but this summer, you might have started noticing that maybe those summer outfits don’t fit like they did last year and your stomach doesn’t look as flat as it used to in your bathing suit. That extra bit of pooch can come as a very unwelcome shock, and it is notoriously difficult to get rid of. You may be wondering – is it time for a tummy tuck?

What happens during a tummy tuck?

• A tummy tuck (also known as “abdominoplasty”) is surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. There are different types of tummy tucks – your doctor can help you decide which one is right for you:
• The full tummy tuck. This is a good option for patients who have lost a lot of weight. A long incision is made across the lower abdomen and a second incision is made around the belly button. The belly button is repositioned and the skin and muscles are tightened.
• The mini tummy tuck. This is known as a “mini” tummy tuck because the belly button is not repositioned, the scar is shorter, and the recovery time is quicker than it is with a full tummy tuck.
• Endoscopic-assisted tummy tuck. This procedure uses smaller incisions (and therefore there is minimal scarring) and is a good option for those who still have fairly tight abdominal skin.

Who should get a tummy tuck?

Patients considering a tummy tuck should understand that it is not a substitute for weight loss, and they should also have realistic expectations about what the outcome will be. You should be in good overall health, and you should know that after the surgery you will have to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain your tummy tuck results, with exercise and a healthy diet.

That extra bit of fat around the waist can be very difficult to get rid of – but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it! Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a tummy tuck consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!