Millions of Americans are unhappy about the way their abdominal area looks. They might have excess fat and skin tissue because they are struggling with their weight, due to the natural aging process, or because they had children. At Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO, we perform the tummy tuck on patients who would like to achieve a flat stomach. This surgery, also called abdominoplasty, provides excellent results that last for decades.

Is the Tummy Tuck Permanent? 

Abdominoplasty is a type of surgery that addresses cosmetic issues related to the stomach. There are several versions. During a mini abdominoplasty, we remove tissues from the lower part of the abdomen, below the belly button. A full abdominoplasty involves the removal of fat and skin tissue from the lower and upper stomach. We might also change the location of the belly button and reshape the abdominal muscles.

Both treatments provide patients with long-lasting results. People who take good care of their bodies and maintain healthy habits after surgery can expect their results to last for a decade or more. However, it’s important to remember that cosmetic surgery only works well on patients who are ready to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Those who gain a lot of weight after abdominoplasty might need to return to the clinic for another operation.

How to Keep the Results Fresh 

To experience the best results possible, patients have to take good care of their bodies in the months and years after their abdominoplasty. Those who have already lost a lot of weight are at an advantage because they have a good understanding of what a healthy lifestyle looks like. They might have built up positive habits during their weight loss journey.

Those who have cosmetic issues related to pregnancy or the aging process might have to work with a personal trainer, dietitian, or nutritionist to learn more about healthy eating and exercise. After recovering from abdominoplasty, we recommend that patients do at least three hours of moderate exercise per week, so they can maintain their slim, attractive shape in the long run.

How Does the Treatment Work? 

Reach out to us if you’re ready to achieve a flat stomach. We’ll invite you to an initial consultation, during which we discuss your cosmetic concerns, health history, habits, and goals. This appointment allows us to assess whether you’re a good candidate for abdominoplasty. If we believe that you’re eligible, we’ll ask you to have some lab tests done, so we can confirm that you’re in good health. 

Once we know you don’t have any health issues that could make cosmetic surgery dangerous, we can book your abdominoplasty at the clinic. This treatment is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. You don’t have to stay at the clinic overnight. We’ll either administer an epidural or general anesthetic, so you don’t feel any pain during the surgery. 

Preparation 

We’ll give you information about how to properly prepare for your abdominoplasty. It’s important that you stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking blood-thinning drugs and supplements at least a week before your treatment. That way, you’ll experience a smoother, faster recovery, and you won’t have to worry about side effects. Eat plenty of nutritious foods and stay active during the preparation phase because your body needs to be in good shape.

Speak to your employer, friends, and family members about your upcoming operation. Make sure you have several people to lean on during the recovery phase. Check that you have comfortable clothing, food and beverages, pillows, and prescription medication at your house, so you don’t have to worry about buying these items in the days after your operation. The night before the abdominoplasty, get as much sleep as possible.

The Operation 

Arrive at the clinic in good time, so we can get started on schedule. Wear loose clothing, and make sure your treatment area is clean and free from cosmetics or lotions. Abdominoplasty typically takes two to three hours, but it depends on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. Mini abdominoplasties sometimes only take an hour or two.

During the surgery, your treatment site is numbed. You don’t feel any pain, and you might not be conscious. We make an incision and remove the excess fat and skin tissue. We might also reshape your muscles to give you the desired appearance. Then, we close the incisions and transfer you to an observation room. You can go home a few hours later. However, we can transfer you to Swedish Hospital if you prefer to stay overnight for observation.

Aftercare 

The recovery process is different for each patient. It often takes people five to six weeks to regain their full energy after a tummy tuck, but they only need to stay at home for a week or two. After that, they can slowly start moving around their neighborhood and increasing their exercise levels. People who have office jobs can begin working again after two weeks, but those with physically taxing jobs have to take more time off.

Try to walk for a few minutes each day after your surgery, but don’t overdo it. Rest whenever you feel tired, and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a month. Drink plenty of fluids, and stick to a healthy diet. Unless your stomach is upset, you can eat regular foods. Take all your medications exactly as prescribed, and let us know if you have any side effects.

Can I Take Part?

Most people who are in good general health can take part in abdominoplasty. However, we have to thoroughly evaluate all our patients’ health histories to make sure they are good candidates. People who are overweight or have serious medical issues aren’t eligible because the treatment might not be successful or effective for them. We also can’t operate on women who might want to have more children in the future.

You’ve Lost a Lot of Weight 

Losing weight is one of the best ways of becoming healthier and improving the quality of your life. By achieving a healthy weight, you reduce your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. You also boost your confidence and increase your ability to participate in physical activities.

Unfortunately, weight loss is extremely difficult, and many people don’t see the desired results. Patients who have worked hard to achieve their target weight but are struggling with loose skin cells or stubborn pockets of fat in the abdominal area are great candidates for abdominoplasty. With this surgery, they can finally achieve the ideal body shape they’ve worked so hard for.  

You’re Experiencing Changes Related to the Aging Process

The body’s tissues become looser and more prone to sagging over time. Sometimes, patients come to the clinic because they have developed skin folds due to age, not weight. They are almost always eligible for an abdominoplasty, especially if they lead a healthy lifestyle and are willing to take good care of their bodies after the surgery.

You’ve Had Children 

Women often experience major changes to the shape of their bodies after they have children. That’s why the Mommy Makeover is one of our most popular options. It consists of several cosmetic surgeries and is designed to get women back into shape after childbirth. Aside from abdominoplasty, the Mommy Makeover might include a breast lift, breast augmentation, and a range of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments.

Women only become eligible for abdominoplasty and other Mommy Makeover treatments once they’re sure they don’t want to have any more children. If a patient has another baby after surgery, the results might disappear, so they have to have another operation.

You’re in Good Health 

You can’t take part in abdominoplasty if you’re suffering from a major medical condition or your doctor has let you know that plastic surgery is unsafe for you. You also aren’t a good candidate if you have a blood clotting disorder, problems with wound healing, or severe allergies. Before allowing you to take part, we’ll discuss your health history with your primary physician to make sure this surgery is appropriate for you.

Achieve a Flat Stomach with Abdominoplasty 

The tummy tuck is a great treatment for people who have lost a lot of weight and are now struggling with excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area. The results can remain in place for a decade or more, especially if the patient takes good care of their body and doesn’t gain any weight. Get in touch with us at Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO to find out more about abdominoplasty or to book your initial appointment.