Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss
Losing weight to improve your quality of life is a wonderful accomplishment. Drastic weight loss, however, can lead to excess sagging skin in the abdominal area. This loose skin can be a source of discomfort or embarrassment for many individuals.
At New Image Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Steve Wiener can perform a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) to eliminate excess skin and sculpt the abdomen, giving patients a more toned, youthful-looking midsection. Below, our team discusses tummy tuck after weight loss so patients can know what to expect during surgery and after the procedure.
When is a Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss Recommended?
After losing weight, it is sometimes possible to reclaim a more toned, trim body through a healthier lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, some individuals still have excess skin that must be concealed under clothing. An abdominoplasty can resolve this issue.
There are many reasons why patients undergo tummy tuck surgery after weight loss. A tummy tuck may be right for you if:
- You experienced dramatic or sudden weight loss
- You lost weight through bariatric surgery
- You have stretched skin due to past pregnancies
Benefits of Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss
There are obvious advantages of tummy tuck surgery after weight loss. For example, eliminating excess skin and sculpting the underlying abdominal muscles gives patients a tighter, trimmer, more contoured abdomen. This helps patients feel better about their appearance after weight loss.
In addition, there are other benefits to tummy tuck that go beyond aesthetics.
A tummy tuck after weight loss can help make exercise easier. Hanging, sagging skin can make everyday physical activities more challenging, even something as simple as walking. Going to the gym can be uncomfortable as well, because the folds of excess skin are heavy. In some cases, these folds can even develop infections.
Given all of these advantages, a tummy tuck can help people maintain a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.
About the Tummy Tuck Procedure
During a tummy tuck procedure at our Scottsdale practice, Dr. Wiener creates a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone. The length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin that will be removed. If needed, a second surgical incision may be created around the navel.
After accessing the underlying structures of the abdomen, the abdominal muscles are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is smoothed out and stretched for a contoured appearance. When that work is completed, the incisions are closed with sutures.
Healing from a tummy tuck takes about six weeks. The day of your surgery, you will be provided with detailed postoperative instructions, which should be followed closely for a comfortable, successful recovery.
Combining Procedures for Optimal Results
Drastic weight loss can lead to loose skin in other areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, breasts, and buttocks. Dr. Wiener offers a number of body contouring procedures to enhance your figure, such as:
- Breast lift
- Arm lift
- Thigh lift
- Butt lift
Liposuction can also be used to remove stubborn pockets of fat that persist after losing weight.
Contact Us for More Information
If you have lost a significant amount of weight and have sagging skin, a tummy tuck could be an excellent solution for you. To learn more, contact or practice online or call our Scottsdale office at (480) 596-6886.
