(212) 287-7211
Each year, surgeons perform more than 117,000 tummy tucks in the United States. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a contoured, sleek abdomen and a stronger core by addressing six common imperfections.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin from your abdomen while tightening the abdominal wall muscles. It can be a good treatment option if you:
- Have lost a lot of weight
- Have gone through a pregnancy
- Have a healthy body mass index (BMI)
Tummy tucks are not weight loss solutions, and they are best suited if you are close to your ideal weight but struggle with excess skin and fat that exercise and diet alone cannot eliminate. Additionally, this procedure requires general anesthesia, meaning you must have optimal overall health. As a result, you will undergo a comprehensive physical examination and blood work to determine your candidacy for the surgery.
How a Tummy Tuck Helps
A tummy tuck can help boost self-confidence and provide you with a renewed sense of body positivity. In particular, a tummy tuck can assist in six crucial areas:
1. Removing Loose Abdominal Skin
If you have lost significant weight or experienced pregnancy, you may have excess skin in your abdomen. A tummy tuck procedure can help by surgically removing this extra skin, which may not be possible through conventional weight loss methods. The surgery addresses loose skin and stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal area, creating a leaner, more toned appearance.
2. Correcting Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is a common condition arising from separated abdominal muscles, primarily caused by pregnancy. This separation can create a noticeable bulge, making achieving a slimmer, toned stomach more challenging. However, a tummy tuck procedure offers a solution by allowing the surgeon to stitch the weakened or separated muscles back together. This repair reduces the bulging appearance, enhances core strength, and eliminates back pain caused by weakened muscles.
3. Repositioning Your Belly Button
After pregnancy or significant weight loss, the skin around your abdomen can become stretched and loose, causing your belly button to shift position. A tummy tuck procedure can address this issue by removing excess skin and repositioning the belly button to its original location. During the surgery, Dr. Gandolfi carefully repositions the navel to ensure that it harmoniously fits with the new contours of your abdomen.
4. Removing Stretch Marks
A tummy tuck procedure can eliminate stretch marks in the treated area by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin. While it is important to note that a tummy tuck can only address stretch marks within the treated area, the surgery can significantly improve the overall appearance of your midsection. Reducing or eliminating stretch marks can boost your self-confidence, making you feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. Additionally, the tightening of skin achieved through a tummy tuck can create a smoother, more toned abdominal area, leading to an aesthetically pleasing result.
5. Easing Back Discomfort
Weak abdominal muscles due to significant weight loss or pregnancy can lead to back discomfort. Weak muscles create a weak core, which can encourage a forward-leaning posture that puts uneven stress on your spine. Because your abdominal muscles work together with your back muscles when you bend or lift, you can be more at risk of injuring yourself if you have a weak core. A tummy tuck tightens your abdominal muscles to help strengthen them, which can help ease back discomfort.
Improve Your Abdomen with a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance the appearance of your abdomen while offering numerous health benefits. This surgery can help eliminate excess skin and stubborn fat deposits, tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and create a flat, toned stomach. A tummy tuck can also strengthen your core muscles, improving posture, alleviating back pain, and enhancing overall physical performance. If you are looking for a trusted and experienced surgeon to perform your tummy tuck procedure, consider Dr. Brad M Gandolfi, MD, FACS, based in NYC, NY. Dr. Gandolfi specializes in drainless tummy tucks, which can make the recovery process easier and reduce the chances of scarring. Learn more about drainless tummy tucks and why they may be a good option.
