Tummy Tuck
A flat, firm torso is a desirable trait for many people; but sometimes even dieting and exercising can't eliminate additional fat or excess skin around the midsection. Additionally, toning the abdomen can be especially hard for women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth since the muscles become severely stretched. In these instances, a tummy tuck in Ann Arbor or Jackson, Michigan can be used to help restore the abdominal contour. The stomach muscles can even be tightened to create a more toned appearance.
If you would like to learn more about a tummy tuck procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Pramit Malhotra, request a complimentary consultation or call our Jackson office at (517) 789-9800 or our Ann Arbor office at (734) 913-5100. Dr. Malhotra is committed to "beauty revealed," seeing his patients for who they are and who they can be.
Meet Dr. Malhotra
Dr. Malhotra is board certified in plastic surgery and otolaryngology, and performs both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Benefits
For our Ann Arbor and Jackson, Michigan patients, a tummy tuck may significantly increase self-image and self-confidence. Some of the benefits of this procedure can include:
- Realign the stomach muscles
- Remove excessive fat and skin around the abdomen
- Create a new umbilicus (belly button)
Insider Tips
- Talk to your surgeon about liposuction on the edges of the incision. This area commonly is full after a standard tummy tuck and can protrude after surgery.
- Have your surgeon discuss how low your incision will be. If you want to wear low rise jeans or swimwear this can be very important.
- Ask your surgeon how he/she prevents blood clots from forming in your legs during and following surgery.
- Look closely at the surgeon's before and after pictures. The belly button incision should be hidden inside and often is not.
- Discuss a "Mommy Makeover" with your surgeon. The combination of a breast procedure, like breast augmentation in Michigan, with a tummy tuck has a multiplier effect in providing an hourglass shape to your body.
Candidates
A tummy tuck in Michigan may be an option for women and men who have tried dieting and exercise, but still cannot get rid of the fat around the abdomen. It is important that patients have realistic goals and expectations for this procedure.
General Procedure
The procedure begins with an incision made just above the pubic bone area. The incision should be placed as low as possible across the lower abdomen. The skin is stretched and pulled down, and excess skin is removed. The abdominal muscles are then sutured and tightened to re-align the muscles that have spread apart.
We specialize in lateral tension abdominoplasty at our Michigan practice. This technique does a bit more than a traditional tummy tuck because it:
- Shapes the waist by bringing the extra skin down and in to accentuate the waistline.
- Builds a new belly button with parachute sutures to hide this scar inside the umbilicus.
- Minimizes the length of your incision by adding liposuction for Michigan patients on the edges of the skin.
- Places the incision low, where possible, so all types of jeans and bathing suits can be worn.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A large group of our patients have excess skin and some muscle looseness only below their belly button. These patients are often very fit but cannot lose the bulge in the lower part of their abdomen. This bulge typically will not recede because there has been a permanent stretch in the abdominal muscles below that can only be restored surgically. These patients are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck which provides the following:
- Smaller and lower incision
- Leaves the belly button intact
- Allows for muscle tightening below the umbilicus
Recovery Process
Patients needing a full tummy tuck should plan to take 10 to 14 days off of work. Mini tummy tuck patients can take less time off.
