Menu

Men and women desire a flat stomach and toned appearance. A tummy tuck makes this possible! If you’re not sure whether a tummy tuck is right for you, we have all the answers.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen while also repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is a popular procedure among those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging and are left with excess abdominal skin and fat that cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone.

Who is the Best Candidate for a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

A tummy tuck is an effective procedure for men and women in good overall health who have realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome.

Healthy Men and Women

Being in overall good health is one of the most important factors for any surgical procedure. Underlying health conditions can cause anesthesia complications or increase the risk of bleeding, infection, and poor recovery. Dr. Willis will ask you about any known medical conditions you have to determine whether a tummy tuck is safe for you.

Women Done Having Children

The ideal candidate is someone with significant amounts of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and damaged abdominal muscles. Weakened muscles can distort the appearance of the stomach and make mobility more difficult. Because weakened stomach muscles are common after pregnancy, women should be done having children before they receive a tummy tuck.

Realistic Expectations

Some people misunderstand a tummy tuck as a weight loss surgery. This is not true. You should be at a stable weight before surgery and be committed to staying at that weight after surgery. A tummy tuck can give you the toned look you are hoping for, but proper diet and exercise after surgery are necessary to maintain results.

Skin Elasticity

It is also important that individuals who are considering a tummy tuck have good skin elasticity. This means that the skin on the abdomen should be able to contract and tighten after the excess fat and skin have been removed. Those with poor skin elasticity may not be good candidates for the procedure.

Non-Smokers

Candidates should also be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a period of time before and after the procedure. Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, including delayed healing, infections, bleeding, and poor scarring.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A tummy tuck procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take a few hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Dr. Willis will make an incision along the lower abdomen, typically just above the pubic area, and remove excess skin and fat while repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The remaining skin is stretched and repositioned before being sutured back. Results of the procedure can typically be seen within a few weeks, with final results appearing after several months once the swelling has subsided.

About Our Practice

At Charlottesville Plastic Surgery, we understand that each patient’s needs and goals are unique. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rhett N Willis Jr., has many years of experience providing safe and effective plastic surgery procedures to patients in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas.

If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Willis to discuss your goals and determine if the procedure is right for you.

Back to Blogs

Contact Us