Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Miami
Is a flabby tummy getting you down? If you are frustrated with attempts to flatten your stomach with diet and exercise, and yet you keep seeing loose skin hanging off your abdomen, then a tummy tuck surgery may be a good option for you. Many people suffer from self-consciousness of a soft tummy that is created as a result of the aging process, from childbirth or from significant weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess, loose skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a smoother, flatter — and more flattering! — stomach.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Onelio Garcia Jr. has performed over 30,000 plastic surgery procedures, helping thousands of men and women enhance their bodies and achieve a body shape that is both attractive and natural-looking.
Are You a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen, you may be wondering if you’d be considered a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Typically, a good candidate for this surgery is:
- Healthy overall (with no serious medical conditions)
- Within 30 pounds of their ideal weight
- Frustrated with loose skin on the stomach as a result of past pregnancy
- Unhappy with hanging abdominal skin caused by excessive weight fluctuations
- Embarrassed by stretched abdominal skin due to the aging
- Not planning to get pregnant in the future
What Can You Expect During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
The tummy tuck procedure takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the extensiveness of the procedure based on the needs of the individual patient. This outpatient procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort. The doctor will then make an incision low on the abdomen, at about the level of the pubic hairline, and a second incision in the navel. The abdominal skin will then be lifted and the doctor will remove any excess fat and skin from the upper and lower abdomen and tighten the loosened abdominal muscles before redraping the skin over the area. The belly button will be repositioned to a higher position on the abdomen, creating a more natural look for the newly contoured abdomen.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck patients will need to have someone drive them home after surgery and stay with them for the first 24 hours. They usually will have a suction drain placed in their abdomen during surgery. This drain will prevent fluid buildup by removing excess fluids from the abdomen. The drain will need to remain in place for several days before being removed by the doctor. The doctor will also prescribe pain medication to relieve any discomfort experienced by the patient during the recovery process. There will be swelling in the abdominal area, but this will subside usually after the first week.
Patients are usually able to return to light work and normal activities one week to 10 days post-surgery. Strenuous activity, including exercise, will have to be avoided for the first six to eight weeks. Smoking is also prohibited for the first two weeks, as it inhibits the healing process.
Dr. Garcia will schedule follow-up visits for the first few weeks, and then months, after surgery in order to check that the patient is healing properly. Results of a tummy tuck noticeable after only two weeks, after which patients will continue to notice a gradual improvement in the appearance and contour of their abdominal area. Full surgery results are noticeable after six months.
Do You Have More Tummy Tuck Questions?
Are you excited about having a leaner, more toned stomach that you can show off? If you have more questions about tummy tuck surgery, or simply want to see if it’s a viable surgery option to meet your specific needs, call Dr. Garcia at 305-224-8015 to schedule a personal consultation.
