What is a Tummy Tuck?

It’s frustrating when you do everything right—healthy eating, working out, targeting problem areas with specific exercises—and you still can’t achieve the flat stomach these efforts should yield. If everything you’ve done fails you, Dr. S. Alexander Earle at Pure Plastic Surgery can help with a tummy tuck.

HOW DOES A TUMMY TUCK WORK?

Men and women alike have a multitude of reasons for having a tummy tuck, including stubborn fat that just won’t budge, abdominal muscles that have separated and weakened, and excess skin. Weakened connective tissues are usually the cause of abdominal muscle separation, which can happen with abdominal surgery, pregnancy, or even significant weight loss. These are things no amount of diet and exercise can correct, which often means a saggy, flabby stomach, or a belly “pooch” that makes you self-conscious about your body.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to give you the flat stomach you’ve always worked for but couldn’t quite achieve. Dr. Earle carefully studies each patient’s individual anatomical proportions to create an abdominoplasty treatment plan that will achieve your goals in the most realistic way possible. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline and another one circles the belly button, giving access to the abdominal muscles and connective tissues. Dr. Earle repositions your muscles and connective tissues (fascia) and sutures them in place, then removes excess fat and skin and closes the incision. While it’s a straightforward procedure, abdominoplasty is quite complex, and a surgeon of Dr. Earle’s caliber with his critically aesthetic eye can ensure your results have the best chance of success possible.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those who are in general good health, don’t smoke, and for women, have no plans for additional pregnancies. Abdominoplasty can give you a slimmer, more pleasing physique, so if you’ve struggled to achieve a flat stomach despite your best efforts, a consultation with Dr. Earle is a great place to start.

WHAT IS THE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE LIKE?

Every patient is unique, so there are several techniques with abdominoplasty that can achieve different goals.

A full tummy tuck is the standard technique most people think of when they envision the procedure, which gives Dr. Earle access to the top and bottom of the abdomen and the ability to repair the muscles there.

A mini tummy tuck involves only the muscles of the lower abdomen, and recovery times are not as extensive. The same horizontal incision is made above the pubic region, through which all repairs and removal of excess skin and fat can be completed. There is no intervention at or above the umbilicus.

Extended tummy tuck can produce quite dramatic results, with skin and fat removed from your abdomen, hips, and part of your lower back. While recovery is lengthened, the final results can be well worth it.

Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, so you should be able to begin your recovery in the comfort of your home the same day.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

Because abdominoplasty addresses muscle and connective tissue separation, your core strength has a better beginning baseline than before your procedure. This means you have an easier time maintaining the flat, toned appearance of your abdomen with healthy eating and regular exercise. Your shape is slimmer, your skin is tighter, and your clothes will have a more flattering fit. Because Dr. Earle is one of the most highly trained plastic surgeons in Miami, your results are naturally stunning.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

The best way to learn more about your options for Tummy Tuck is to schedule a consultation with our team in Miami and by calling or filling out our online form.