Dr. Bose has performed many tummy tuck procedures for patients here in Tampa. He understands that a toned abdominal area can help provide greater confidence – especially when diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve a flat stomach. In fact, many of Dr. Bose’s patients are individuals who have achieved a healthy body weight, but have not been able to rid themselves of sagging, excess skin.
Are You A Candidate For A Tampa Tummy Tuck?
Ideal tummy tuck candidates are those who have loose abdominal skin and lack the ability to achieve solid muscle tone. Though some people are genetically predisposed to these conditions, significant weight fluctuations and pregnancy are the most common causes of excess skin and weak abdominals.
Only a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bose can determine whether a tummy tuck could be right for you. Dr. Bose assesses each patient on a case by case basis, as there are certain circumstances that may affect a person’s eligibility for the procedure. For example, Dr. Bose often recommends that women who are seeking tummy tucks avoid undergoing the procedure until child-bearing is completed. Likewise, someone who is still in the process of losing weight or who is planning to lose a significant amount of weight in the future would be advised to delay the procedure.
Tummy tucks may be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction or breast lift. Dr. Bose will discuss all of your treatment options during your consultation and help you determine if a tummy tuck alone will be sufficient to address your concerns and achieve your cosmetic goals.
What To Expect From A Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is typically performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Dr. Bose will make a horizontal incision along the pubic line and lift back the skin to repair and tighten the underlying muscles. A second incision may be made around the bellybutton if there is excess upper abdominal skin that needs to be removed. The skin will be pulled taut, and the excess skin will be trimmed away. A new opening is made for the bellybutton, and the incision is sutured shut.
Recovery
Since tummy tuck surgeries involve both skin and muscle tissues, the recovery period may be longer than other cosmetic procedures. You will awaken with compression garments and drainage tubes attached to the surgical site. This helps promote healing and allows excess fluid to drain away. It is normal to experience swelling and soreness in the days and weeks following surgery, although these will subside over time.
Despite the swelling, most people notice the results of a tummy tuck right away. Your results are designed to be permanent, although you must maintain them by avoiding significant weight gain and weight loss. Any weight gain can once again stretch out the skin and leave you with sagging in the future.
Keep in mind that a tummy tuck is no substitution for a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is also not designed to be a weight loss procedure. Instead, it should be considered an aesthetic complement to a healthy lifestyle.
For more information about Tampa tummy tucks or to find out if you could qualify for this procedure, contact our office to speak with one of our helpful staff members. Our practice serves the Tampa area.We look forward to serving you soon.