July 17, 2014 | 3 minute read
The stomach is a common problem area for many patients. This is a particular area of concern for patients who have experienced extreme fluctuations in weight, especially women who have gone through multiple pregnancies. These changes in weight can stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles, resulting in loose skin and a lack of support, which is likely to create an unsightly “pooch” across the stomach. Fortunately, a tummy tuck can repair abdominal muscles and tighten loose skin. For Dr. Kimberly Henry’s San Francisco patients, a tummy tuck results in a flatter, more toned stomach.
What Results Can I Expect from a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck addresses loose abdominal muscles and excess skin in order to tone and tighten the stomach area. This procedure can be customized in order to help patients achieve the degree of alteration that best suits their unique needs. Therefore, the extent of results that will be achieved from a tummy tuck will be largely dependent on the type of tummy tuck that is performed. Below are the types of results that can be expected from the three tummy tuck techniques offered by Dr. Henry:
- Standard tummy tuck: The standard tummy tuck involves an incision that sits across the lower abdomen and extends from hipbone to hipbone. This procedure allows Dr. Henry to repair the entire abdominal muscles and tighten and smooth the skin of the stomach, resulting in a flatter midsection.
- Mini tummy tuck: The mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision that sits just above the pubic mound. This has more limited application and allows Dr. Henry to address just the lower abdomen. For patients whose areas of concern are limited to the lower belly, this technique can successfully flatten the lower stomach.
- Extended tummy tuck: The extended tummy tuck uses the longest incision. This procedure extends the incision of a standard tummy tuck so that it stretches around the hipbone on either side. Besides toning the tummy, this procedure can also create a smoother and more pleasing contour across the hips and lower back.
When Will I See Results?
After a tummy tuck procedure, most patients will notice some degree of improvement almost immediately. However, there will be significant bruising for the first few weeks of recovery. It is not until this swelling goes down that the final results of surgery will be apparent. While the body will gradually improve as swelling dissipates, it can take up to six months for the tummy to completely adjust to its new contour.
Enhancing Tummy Tuck Results
No matter what technique is used for a tummy tuck procedure, patients can expect significantly tighter and smoother skin across the abdomen. While this can drastically improve the appearance of the midsection, the results of a tummy tuck can be even further enhanced by including liposuction in the tummy tuck procedure. Liposuction allows Dr. Henry to remove stubborn fat deposits, offering a further layer of contouring. Dr. Henry will discuss this option with those patients who she feels can benefit from this extra degree of alteration.
Contact Us
Dr. Kimberly Henry offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures that allows patients to improve upon their natural beauty and achieve their desired aesthetics. Whether you are interested in learning more about a tummy tuck, breast implants, or another of our popular procedures, contact us as soon as possible to learn how we can help you reach your aesthetic ideal. We look forward to hearing from you!
