Loose, hanging skin around the abdomen is not a problem that can be easily solved despite your efforts in diet and exercise. Once skin loses its elasticity, surgery is required to tighten and tone the affected area. A tummy tuck with Dr. Thornton can help flatten your belly for a midsection that you can be comfortable with.
Is a Tummy Tuck a Good Fit for You?
The tummy tuck is not intended to be a method of weight loss. If you are healthy, eat right, and exercise regularly, but are still struggling with excess skin, you may be right for a tummy tuck. Abdominal skin can become loose or saggy due to factors such as:
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight loss
- Aging
Unfortunately, this can’t be fixed with diet and exercise alone because the skin cannot tighten back up on its own. It is important that patients considering a tummy tuck are already at a stable weight and near their goal size. In some cases, where small amounts of stubborn fat is a problem, Dr. Thornton can also perform your tummy tuck with liposuction to enhance your body contouring results.
What You Can Expect from Your Tummy Tuck Surgery and Recovery
Your surgery will either be performed as a mini or full tummy tuck, depending on your condition and which procedure Dr. Thornton feels will give you the best results. You will be placed under general anesthesia for the entirety of the procedure. To begin, Dr. Thornton will make a horizontal incision just below where your underwear sits so that it can be easily hidden. The abdominal wall is repaired and excess fat or tissue is removed. He then pulls the skin tight to provide a smooth contour and closes the incision.
Dr. Thornton will provide you with detailed instructions to follow as your body heals. A couple weeks off from work will be needed, but you should be able to walk around fairly soon after your surgery. Just make sure to take it easy until you feel strong enough to return to your daily routine. For a while, you may experience some slight swelling or bruising, and the scars will continue to fade over time.
Whether you’re a mother looking to get back your pre-baby figure, or need to finally get rid of that excess skin left behind from your weight loss, a tummy tuck can help give you the body you want. Click the button below to set up your consultation with Dr. Thornton.