Removal of Unwanted Flab
Tummy tuck treats stubborn belly fat that does not respond to diet or exercise. As long as you are in good shape and at (or near) your target weight, tummy tuck is an excellent solution to flatten and firm the abdomen into a more appealing shape.
One caveat to consider: tummy tuck removes some, not all, of the fat cells. Some fat must be left behind to ensure a smooth-looking contour. If you were to gain weight after tummy tuck, the remaining fat cells could enlarge, affecting the appearance of your stomach. All the more reason to maintain your weight after surgery!
Removal of Excess Skin Folds
Tummy tuck is the only way to remove saggy or hanging folds of excess skin left over from pregnancy or significant weight loss. Dr. Coscia carefully removes the excess skin and re-drapes the remaining skin more smoothly over the abdomen. He may also move the skin around the belly button to bring it higher on the abdomen for a more attractive look.
Muscle Tightening
In addition to removing fat and skin, tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles that can stretch out and separate during pregnancy or weight fluctuation. Tightening these muscles and stitching them together in a corset-like fashion narrows the waist and eliminates bulging. Keep in mind that should you become pregnant or gain weight after surgery, the muscles can stretch out again.
Does Tummy Tuck Improve the Appearance of Stretch Marks?
It may, depending on whether the stretch marks are on the abdominal skin removed during surgery. If the stretch marks extend outside of this area, tummy tuck will not have any effect on their appearance.
What About Cellulite?
It is common to attribute cellulite to an abundance of excess fat. But cellulite is actually more complex than that — the dimpling is due to fat bulging through fibrous bands under the skin. Simply removing excess fat and skin won’t have a positive effect on cellulite; in fact, it may make cellulite appear worse.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck
To discuss your cosmetic surgery goals with our talented plastic surgeon, Dr. Rudy Coscia, please request a consultation by calling or emailing us today.
