Tummy Tuck in Gainesville, FL

Do you have loose or sagging skin surrounding your abdominal area? Sometimes it is difficult for people to achieve a flat stomach even after proper dieting and exercise simply because of age, extreme weight loss or other factors. If this is you, a tummy tuck surgery may be able to give you the desired results. This plastic surgery procedure, also called an abdominoplasty, involves the removal of extra skin and fat around the abdominal area and the tightening of the stomach muscles. At Poser Plastic Surgery Center, we can provide you with a Gainesville tummy tuck surgery you can count on to help you achieve your body goals.

The Gainesville Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is a common surgery that our cosmetic surgeon can help both women and men achieve their desired body shape. In a "full" abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision across the abdomen from one hipbone to the other. The surgeon then contours the muscle and skin as needed before closing the incision. In many cases, drainage tubes will be placed under the skin to aid in healing. A less invasive procedure, the "partial" abdominoplasty, only removes fat and extra skin below the navel. Because the belly button is not moved during this procedure as it is with a full tummy tuck, the surgery is less complicated. Many patients also undergo other fat-removal surgery in addition to the tummy tuck, such as a liposuction procedure, for even better results. At Poser Plastic Surgery Center, we can provide you with an experienced liposuction surgeon for your tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy tuck candidates who have lost a large amount of weight due to a recent pregnancy or weight loss routine may experience unsightly loose skin around their abdomens. A panniculectomy, or the removal of excess skin from the abdomen, can result in the appearance of tightened, smooth skin. Tummy tucks are usually outpatient procedures, meaning that the patient is able to go home the same day. Because of this, it is important for patients to make sure that they have someone to drive them home after the procedure. Patients should also stock their home with the items they’ll need to facilitate healing, such as ice packs, loose and comfortable clothing as well as petroleum jelly. Maintaining a healthy diet can help the body heal faster. Full recovery may take up to a couple of weeks, it depends on the person and how well they follow their surgeon's instructions for recovery.

The procedure itself will take between one and five hours under monitored anesthesia. Your doctor will prescribe medication for the pain and swelling you'll experience as you heal. Complications are typically rare, but can include infection, bleeding under the skin and blood clots. If you are in good health before you have a tummy tuck, and take care of yourself after the surgery, you'll be less likely to experience complications. You will have to limit your activity for up to six weeks. Although the procedure does lead to scarring, if you follow your doctor's advice the scars will fade over time.

Who is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

If you are in good health, have loose or sagging skin in your abdominal area due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss, experience loss of muscle control in the abdomen, and have realistic expectations for the results, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. Tummy tuck surgery is a major procedure and should not be used as an alternative to weight loss. If you smoke, you will be advised to quit completely at least two weeks before the surgery and commit to quitting until two weeks after the surgery, since tobacco use can cause complications. Be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you take before undergoing surgery. For Gainesville plastic surgeons with experience you can trust, visit Poser Plastic Surgery Center.

Other Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

While achieving a flat, smooth, and tight abdominal area is certainly the main focus of a tummy tuck, it also provides other benefits. Tummy tucks can actually help to improve a person’s posture. Excess weight from sagging skin in the abdominal area can create bad posture that leads to back pain. A tummy tuck removes the excess weight, improving the symptoms. Tummy tucks can also help patients maintain weight loss, allowing for the results to last longer. Even after people lose weight, it is common for stretch marks to remain in the body. A tummy tuck is able to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve the way a person feels about his or her body.

Gainesville Plastic Surgery with Dr. Poser

Dr. Poser is a fully trained general surgeon and plastic surgeon with years of experience to ensure that you obtain the results you want through cosmetic plastic surgery. If you are considering a tummy tuck, Dr. Poser will consult with you to understand your goals and expectations and determine the best procedure for you. He will also walk you through the process to ensure you know what the procedure will entail. Contact our Plastic Surgery Centers today for plastic surgery Gainesville residents can rely on.