Tummy Tuck
Many people work hard through diet and exercise to lose weight and tone their stomach muscles, but these goals may be unattainable for some due to loose skin and outstretched muscles. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is often necessary after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or natural aging has damaged the abdominal muscles and skin. Dr. Georgina Nichols offers tummy tuck in Sacramento and can help you reach your body goals.
Your Tummy Tuck with Dr. Nichols
Abdominoplasty gets rid of loose skin and residual fat from the upper and lower abdomen. The procedure tightens weakened or separated muscles to provide a smoother, firmer, flatter body shape. The traditional tummy tuck makes a horizontal incision stretching from hip to hip between the belly button and pubic hairline. The incision line is concealed under the panty line, and the shape and length depend on how much extra skin tissue needs to be removed. Sometimes, the incision can be made within an existing cesarean section scar, but the tummy tuck incision will be longer. Another incision is necessary around the belly button.
Dr. Nichols lifts the skin tissue and separates the underlying tissues and structures. She repairs and repositions the vertical abdominal muscles that make up the “six-pack” to provide a smoother stomach and correct diastasis recti. Repairing this muscle separation may improve low back pain and urinary incontinence for some patients. Dr. Nichols may remove residual fat pockets with liposuction before re-draping the skin over the abdomen.
The abdominal skin is pulled down taut, and the excess tissue is trimmed. Dr. Nichols then fashions a new opening for the belly button, pushes it through to the surface, and sutures the tissues back together. If you have stretch marks in the lower abdomen, these will most likely be removed with the excess skin tissue.
You’ll notice a flatter contour right after your tummy tuck, but recovery takes four to six weeks, and post-surgical swelling may not go away entirely for several months. Most patients are confident in their new body shape within a few weeks of their tummy tuck.
Is Tummy Tuck with Dr. Nichols Right for You?
Candidates for tummy tuck must be in good overall health and at a stable weight. You should be a nonsmoker with realistic expectations of the results. Abdominoplasty isn’t a weight loss solution or substitute for exercise, and weight fluctuations can affect tummy tuck results.
Women should be done growing their families because a future pregnancy will impact results. You must wait at least six to 12 months after childbirth or longer if you’re breastfeeding to give your body time to revert to its natural state.
Dr. Nichols will discuss your body concerns during your consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center and recommend the right procedure to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Sometimes, liposuction or a combination of body procedures is necessary to deliver your desired results.
Tummy Tuck Options with Dr. Nichols
Dr. Nichols offers full abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty. The latter is best for people with minimal loose skin tissue primarily located below the belly button. The mini procedure focuses on the lower abdomen and requires one incision above the pubic hairline about the length of a c-section scar. Dr. Nichols tightens muscle, removes excess fat, and trims excess skin tissue using that incision, and the original belly button stays intact.
Why Choose Dr. Nichols at The Plastic Surgery Center
Dr. Georgina Nichols is a skilled plastic surgeon with ample training and experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She’s known for providing excellent results and thorough patient education. She believes caring for her patients is a privilege and focuses on compassion and individualized care. Dr. Nichols knows beauty is in the fine details and tailors each procedure to the patient’s needs.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Preparing for a tummy tuck is a crucial step toward ensuring a successful outcome. Here are essential tips to help you get ready for the procedure:
Dietary Recommendations: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support healing. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Prepare Your Home: Ensure your home is set up to help you experience a smooth recovery. You may even consider asking someone to help you take care of yourself and your home during your initial recovery.
Mental Preparation: Understand the procedure and set realistic expectations. Dr. Nichols can help you learn more about what tummy tuck surgery can and cannot accomplish.
Detailed Recovery Process and Tips
Recovery from a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient, but here’s a general week-by-week guide to help you navigate the process:
Week 1:
- Rest and Hydration: Rest is important at this stage. Keep your body hydrated to aid in healing.
- Managing Pain: Use prescribed pain medication as directed. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Activity: Limit movements. Short, gentle walks can help improve circulation.
Week 2:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising will start to decrease. Continue to wear compression garments.
- Pain Management: Pain should be less intense. Over-the-counter pain relief might suffice.
- Activity: Gradually increase light activities. Avoid strenuous exercises.
Week 3-4:
- Healing Progress: Most bruising and swelling will have subsided. The incision site will continue to heal.
- Pain Management: Pain should be minimal. Follow up with Dr. Nichols for any concerns.
- Activity: Light exercises, such as walking or stretching, can be reintroduced.
Week 5-6:
- Full Recovery: You should feel more like yourself. Most restrictions are lifted, but listen to your body.
- Pain Management: Minimal to no pain. Continue following post-operative care instructions.
- Activity: You can return to normal activities, but avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts until cleared by Dr. Nichols.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
Achieving long-term results from a tummy tuck requires commitment to a healthy lifestyle:
Diet: Maintain a balanced diet. Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
Exercise: Regular exercise is crucial. Incorporate cardiovascular activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine.
Lifestyle Changes: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These can hinder your body’s ability to maintain the results of your tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck can complement a healthy lifestyle by providing a flatter, firmer abdominal profile, enhancing your overall physique.
Other Cosmetic Procedures
Understanding how a tummy tuck compares with other body contouring procedures can help you make an informed decision:
- Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: While a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles, liposuction focuses on removing fat. Liposuction does not address sagging skin or muscle laxity. A combination of both procedures can sometimes be beneficial.
- Tummy Tuck vs. Body Lift: A body lift targets multiple areas (abdomen, thighs, buttocks) and is more extensive than a tummy tuck, which focuses solely on the abdomen. A body lift is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity due to massive weight loss.
Dr. Nichols can help determine the best option based on your goals and medical history.
Reveal a New You
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, preparation and understanding the recovery process are key. Dr. Nichols and her team are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive care from start to finish. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and embark on your journey to a rejuvenated, confident self.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Nichols
If you struggle with loose abdominal skin, schedule a consultation to discuss your tummy tuck options with Dr. Nichols. Contact The Plastic Surgery Center in Sacramento, California, at (916) 929-1833.
