Many people find that a flat stomach just isn’t possible, no matter how hard they diet or exercise. A tummy tuck from board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood can provide the look you desire. Prioritizing patient safety and comfort, Sood Center helps patients see if a tummy tuck would be right for them.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin to give your stomach area a flatter, more toned appearance. It can also restore abdominal muscles that have become weakened or separated.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks are often chosen by people who have lost a significant amount of weight to help remove loose skin and effectively reduce the size of the stomach. A study performed by Swiss researchers also found that bariatric patients who had tummy tucks were more likely to keep their weight off than others were. Other benefits include the following:
- Can be safely combined with a number of other procedures, including hernia surgeries
- Enhances self-esteem
- Tightens the abdomen to present a more toned appearance
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A tummy tuck is usually performed in our office on an outpatient basis, unless other procedures are scheduled at the same time. In this instance, the procedure will likely take place in a hospital so the patient can remain there for observation overnight.
Patients in our office are typically given local anesthesia, while those in a hospital setting are usually administered general anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Sood will make a horizontal incision beginning just under the belly button and extending downward toward the pubic area. He will then lift the skin to access the abdominal muscles and make any needed repairs.
Skin from the upper abdominal area is pulled down and trimmed before being sewn together. This requires the belly button to be repositioned as well. Once the belly button is in place, the outer skin will be sewn together, and the wounds will be covered with gauze or other bandages.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Several preparations could be needed prior to your tummy tuck, including the following:
- Getting lab or other blood work
- Stopping certain medications
- Refraining from smoking
You may also need to avoid eating or drinking anything for up to twelve hours leading up to your surgery.
Recovery from a Tummy Tuck
Following surgery, your abdomen will be wrapped in elastic bandages or a compression garment to aid with healing. You should wear this bandage or garment for up to two weeks. Take care to keep incisions clean and dry to prevent infection from setting in. Check them regularly and report any unusual symptoms to Dr. Sood immediately.
You may experience bruising, swelling, or moderate discomfort immediately after this procedure. Taking a medication such as ibuprofen can help eliminate these symptoms. To avoid pulling stitches, refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting until after your follow-up exam.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Your cost, including payment options, will be discussed during your consultation. A few of the payment options we offer include the following:
- Cash
- Personal check
- Major credit card
- CareCredit® financing
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
If you are concerned about sagging skin on your abdomen, a tummy tuck can help you feel more confident. Before having this surgery, you should be at or near your target weight, as any additional weight loss could once against result in sagging skin. If you plan to become pregnant in the future, this could also render the results of your tummy tuck ineffective.
Why Choose Dr. Mohit Sood for a Tummy Tuck?
As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Mohit Sood is experienced at performing tummy tucks under a variety of conditions. His skilled hands will ensure your abdomen presents the tightened, toned appearance you desire.
What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
A tummy tuck consultation tends to be slightly more in depth than other plastic surgery consultations, particularly if you are having more than one procedure performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Sood may do the following:
- Check the skin elasticity of your abdominal area
- Discuss future weight loss goals to ensure this surgery will have long-lasting effects
- Take measurements of your abdominal area
- Discuss your health history and obtain a list of medications you are currently taking
Frequently Asked Questions
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When Can Patients See Tummy Tuck, Results?
Patients will not be able to see their final tummy tuck results for at least a few weeks when most swelling resolves. Immediately after the procedure in Dr. Sood’s offices, the belly will be wrapped in a compression garment to keep everything secure and lessen the swelling. However, as soon as these bandages are removed, patients will see a drastic difference in the contour of their abdomen. Results will continue to improve over time as swelling goes down and scars fade.
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How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?
Tummy tuck procedures are permanent as long as patients remain a healthy weight. Patients will need to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and drink plenty of water. These lifestyle habits promote healing and keep the body fit. Patients who start to gain weight may find their tummy tuck results gradually disappear.
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Does a Tummy Tuck Lead to Scarring?
While Dr. Sood will do everything he can to minimize scars, they are inevitable with a tummy tuck procedure. However, because Dr. Sood will only make incisions in less noticeable places, such as the underwear line, most patients won’t even see their scars. If patients do have more severe scarring, these marks often fade over time with a healthy diet and daily moisturizing.
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How Soon Can Patients Get Back to Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
Many patients are eager to exercise right after their tummy tuck so they can continue to improve their physique. However, patients will have to wait a couple of weeks before beginning any serious routine. Walking around the house is recommended the first few days after the surgery, but patients should not do any intense workouts until they are further along in the healing process. Patients should avoid heavy lifting for at least a month after the procedure. Dr. Sood will help guide each patient individually.
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Are There Any Risks Associated With Tummy Tucks?
Tummy tucks are an extremely safe procedure, and most of the risks associated with them are minor. It’s unlikely for any of Dr. Sood’s patients to experience side effects, but if they do, the symptoms include numbness, swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Some more severe side effects that can occur include blood clots in the lungs or legs, or an infection of the wound.
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How Is a Tummy Tuck Different From Liposuction?
Tummy tucks and liposuctions may seem similar, but they are completely different procedures. While both can involve the removal of fat from the abdomen, tummy tucks go a step further than liposuction by also removing excess skin in the area and tightening the abdominal muscles. Liposuction re-contours the given area, so patients need to have good skin elasticity and muscle tone for this procedure. Tummy tucks are a better option for those who have lost a lot of weight and, as a result, now have too much extra skin or patients who have had pregnancies resulting in abdominal muscle separation. Dr. Sood can perform both procedures individually or combine them to give great results to his patients.
If you’ve struggled unsuccessfully to tone and firm your abdomen, a tummy tuck could be needed to provide you with the results you’re after. Patients can contact Dr. Mohit Sood at (856) 403-9686 or at (609) 904-5390 to schedule a consultation.
