Tummy Tuck In Ridgefield, CT

If you’re bothered by sagging skin, protruding and separated muscles, and excess fat in the abdominal area, you may benefit from a tummy tuck. This procedure can be a good way to obtain a flatter, more toned stomach area when diet and lifestyle changes haven’t been enough to produce the results you want.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck in the Ridgefield, Wilton, or Danbury areas of Connecticut, please contact Brucato Plastic Surgery today at 203-431-7644 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is an extensive procedure that tightens loose, sagging skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles, and removes excess fat from the abdominal area. It is most popular with post-childbirth women struggling to get back to their pre-baby body, but it can be performed on anyone with significant sagging skin or loose abdominal muscles.

A tummy tuck creates dramatic results, but it will require a longer recovery time and result in a longer scar than other types of cosmetic surgery. Most patients find that the results are well worth it, though, and tummy tucks have a very high patient satisfaction rate.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures because it can dramatically flatten the stomach and improve the figure. Other benefits of a tummy tuck include:

  • Reduce the appearance of stretch marks underneath the navel
  • Restore separated abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned look
  • Feel more confident in bathing suits or tighter clothing
  • Put the finishing touches on your weight loss efforts, so you look how you should after leading a healthy lifestyle

Having a tummy tuck can also provide the extra motivation you may need to start and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. It can be frustrating to put in the effort but not see results reflected in your body. A tummy tuck can help you get those results and motivate you to maintain them.

How safe is the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Tummy tuck surgery is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Most patients report only minor and temporary side effects, such as bruising and swelling. Of course, it is still a major procedure, and all considerations will be discussed prior to surgery.

There are several things that you can do to minimize your risk of tummy tuck complications. Make sure to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Brucato to perform your procedure. Follow his instructions regarding pre-and post-op care.

How long does a Tummy Tuck procedure take?

It can take between one to five hours to perform a tummy tuck. The timing depends on unique factors, such as the technique being used and the different concerns that need to be treated.  For example, it is generally quicker to complete a mini tummy tuck addressing excess skin than to carry out a full tummy tuck targeting concerns ranging from loose muscles to stubborn fat.

The time that it takes to administer anesthesia before surgery and prepare you to go home afterward should also be taken into account. To learn how long you should plan on staying at the surgical center for your tummy tuck procedure, schedule a consultation with our surgeon.

How painful is Abdominoplasty surgery?

You should not feel any pain during your abdominoplasty surgery. Medications such as intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. You will also receive prescription medication to take after your procedure to minimize pain during healing. The recovery process is different for everyone, and your level of discomfort may vary.

 

How to prepare for a Tummy Tuck

Preparing for a tummy tuck does not have to be difficult. Dr. Brucato will provide you with detailed pre-operative care instructions to guide you in the weeks and days before surgery. 

For example, you may be advised to:

  • Stop smoking
  • Discontinue non-prescription blood-thinning medications
  • Take time off from work and social activities
  • Stock up on healthy meals that are easy to prepare
  • Arrange for assistance with childcare and transportation
  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation 

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck may be suitable if you do not have loose, separated abdominal muscles. Mini tummy tucks require smaller incisions, so they result in less scarring. However, they will not provide the same level of results as a full tummy tuck.

You may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

  • Do not need abdominal muscle tightening
  • Have lesser amounts of sagging skin and excess fat
  • Want less scarring and are okay with less extensive results

Dr. Brucato will listen to your goals and examine your body to see if you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck at our Ridgefield, CT office, or if you would benefit more from a full abdominoplasty.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

While you do not have to have been pregnant to get a tummy tuck, most patients who want one are post-childbirth women. However, anyone can be a tummy tuck candidate if:

  • You have loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area
  • You have protruding, separated abdominal muscles
  • You have excess fat in the abdominal area
  • You are at or near a healthy, stable weight
  • You do not smoke (or you can quit for at least a month)

It’s also important that you are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck won’t affect your ability to have children in the future, but pregnancy and childbirth will likely undo the effects of your tummy tuck and necessitate revision surgery. This is why we strongly encourage women to only undergo a tummy tuck if they know they are finished having children.

Recovery from a Tummy Tuck

After your tummy tuck surgery, you will need to take time off work and have help around the house for chores and childcare. We recommend taking two weeks off from work, although you may be able to return after one week. If your job requires strenuous activity, you will need to take more time off.

You’ll have some swelling and bruising that will start to dissipate after the first week or so. You’ll be given prescription medications for any pain or discomfort, after which you can switch to regular over-the-counter medicines.

A typical tummy tuck recovery timeline will look something like this:

  • First week: Rest and recover, with light exercise such as walking
  • Two weeks: Go back to work, resume most daily activities
  • Four weeks: Resume regular exercise, avoiding exercises that target the abdomen and being careful not to over-exert yourself

Make sure that you follow Dr. Brucato’s post-op recovery instructions closely, and don’t miss your follow-up appointments. You can always call us with any questions or concerns you have about your recovery.

How long do the results of an Abdominoplasty last?

Tummy tuck surgery is a good investment in your figure. After all, the results of an abdominoplasty procedure can last for years and even decades with proper aftercare. The most important things that you can do to protect your tummy tuck results include eating well and exercising regularly. That is because weight gain after surgery can hurt your cosmetic outcome. 

It is also crucial to be mindful of your tummy tuck timing. Ideally, you will schedule your procedure when you are done having children. Future pregnancies can negatively affect your results. You may experience many of the same concerns that initially led you to get surgery.

Of course, a tummy tuck cannot stop the aging process. Your midsection will change over time.

Tummy Tuck Cost

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary depending on the extent and complexity of your procedure. A mini tummy tuck may cost a little less, while a full tummy tuck with liposuction may cost a little more. Many women also choose to have breast augmentation or a breast lift done at the same time in a “mommy makeover” procedure, which will cost more than a tummy tuck alone.

Dr. Brucato will give you an exact quote during your consultation after you’ve discussed your goals and budget. We offer tummy tuck financing through CareCredit so that every patient who dreams of a flatter stomach can achieve one.

CareCredit is a cosmetic surgery financing company that offers 0% and low APRs plus flexible payment schedules. It is a good way to finance your surgery so that you don’t need to wait to save up for it.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Liposuction and tummy tuck procedures can both reduce excess fat in the abdominal area. The key difference between the two procedures is that liposuction can only reduce fat, not tighten loose skin or repair loose muscles. You may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck if:

  • You have excess, sagging skin
  • You have loose, separated muscles
  • You have a significant amount of excess fat

Liposuction is best in candidates who have good skin tone and are struggling with smaller areas of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise.

A tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction for more comprehensive results. If you are having a tummy tuck but also want to reduce fat in the love handles, flanks, thighs, back, or other areas, having liposuction at the same time can help shape more than just your stomach area.

Tummy Tuck Scars

The incision for a full tummy tuck is extensive, stretching from one side of the stomach to the other. This means that the scar will also be extensive. However, the placement of the incision is made low under the belly button, along the pubic line so that your scar will be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit.

Dr. Brucato has extensive experience performing tummy tucks and uses a technique that allows your scar to be as thin and unnoticeable as possible. Unfortunately, it is impossible to guarantee a good scar result, as some people are more prone to scarring than others. Most patients, though, find that their scarring is tolerable and easily hidden.

If you are concerned about scars from a tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns to Dr. Brucato during your consultation. Most patients find that the end results of a tummy tuck are well worth the scarring, but it is your individual choice to make.

Can a Tummy Tuck remove C-section scars?

A tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of C-section scars. It may also help with scars from a hysterectomy and other lower abdominal procedures, as well as reduce stretch marks.

Keep in mind that tummy tuck surgery will leave its own scar. However, it is easily concealed beneath undergarments and can often be faded using non-surgical skin resurfacing treatments.

What procedures can be combined with an Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck is frequently combined with other plastic surgery procedures to achieve the most comprehensive results. Some patients choose to have it alongside liposuction to remove fat. Others decide to undergo a complete mommy makeover that includes various breast and body surgeries. A mommy makeover is a very popular and customizable postpartum surgical plan.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are struggling with getting the flatter, more toned stomach area you’ve been working towards, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Gregory Brucato at 203-431-7644 to schedule your complimentary consultation today. You can also submit an online contact form and we will get back to you at our latest convenience. We serve patients in Ridgefield, Wilton, and Danbury, Connecticut, and other nearby areas.

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