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The Ultimate Tummy Tuck in Pittsburgh

Achieving a toned, flat abdomen can be challenging, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, stubborn fat deposits and loose skin can persist, impacting your confidence and comfort. If you're seeking a solution to achieve a smoother, firmer abdominal profile, an abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, might be the answer. To help decide if an “Abdominoplasty”, or Tummy Tuck, is right for you, call us and schedule an in-office appointment for a surgical consultation.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Our Pittsburgh tummy tuck procedure improves the contour of the abdomen and waist by surgically removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles, if necessary. Several types of tummy tucks are available, including traditional (front only), circumferential (the entire waist—front, back, and sides), and modified (a combination or mini).

Traditional Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck focuses on the front of the abdomen. This method involves a horizontal incision made between the hip bones, allowing the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat, tighten the abdominal muscles, and create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. It's ideal for individuals with significant sagging and muscle separation primarily in the front of the abdomen.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a belt lipectomy, addresses the entire waistline, including the front, back, and sides. This extensive procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin around their entire midsection. It results in a more comprehensive body contouring effect, enhancing the overall shape and appearance of the torso.

Modified tummy tuck

The modified tummy tuck includes variations such as the mini tummy tuck and extended tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen with a smaller incision, suitable for individuals with less excess skin and fat below the navel. An extended tummy tuck may include additional contouring of the flanks or thighs. These customized approaches cater to specific needs and desired outcomes, providing flexibility in addressing various degrees of abdominal laxity and fat deposits.

What Areas of the Body Can Be Enhanced?

The tummy tuck procedure is tailored to address specific areas of concern, including the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, entire abdominal region, and the flanks (side areas). By targeting these areas, a tummy tuck can help create a more contoured and sculpted look, providing a comprehensive enhancement to the abdominal area.

pittsburgh tummy tuck model with orange hair

What Does a Tummy Tuck Address?

With our tummy tuck Pittsburgh patients can address several concerns, including:

Excess abdominal skin: The procedure aims to remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin for a smoother and firmer abdominal contour.
Stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise: During a tummy tuck, liposuction may be used to eliminate stubborn fat deposits that have been unresponsive to traditional weight loss efforts.
Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti): The surgery may involve repairing and tightening the abdominal muscles to restore core strength and stability.
Stretch marks on the lower abdomen: Depending on the specific case, a tummy tuck may address or improve the appearance of stretch marks, particularly those located on the lower abdomen.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

The advantages of undergoing a tummy tuck include achieving a flatter and more toned appearance in the abdominal region, which can lead to improved posture and enhanced core strength. As a result, many individuals experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem following the procedure. Additionally, the reduction of back pain associated with weak abdominal muscles and the elimination of skin irritation caused by excess folds further contribute to the overall benefits of a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Consultation

During your consultation for an tummy tuck Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Marc Liang will examine you and discuss with you what will give you the best result. The best candidate for an tummy tuck is someone who is at a stable, goal weight and wants to address the excess skin and fat of the abdomen and waist, as well as improve the contour and/or looseness of their abdominal muscles. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Tightening the abdominal muscles may be necessary in cases where the muscles have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel. If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

The Pittsburgh tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty, is a meticulously planned surgery tailored to each patient's unique needs. Here's what you can expect:

Anesthesia

On the day of surgery, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, this may involve general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Incision

The incision technique varies based on the type of tummy tuck you are undergoing:

Traditional Tummy Tuck: A horizontal incision is made between the hip bones, just above the pubic area.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck: An extended incision wraps around the entire waistline, addressing the front, back, and sides.
Mini Tummy Tuck: A shorter incision is used, typically focusing on the lower abdomen below the navel.

Removal of Excess Skin and Fat

Once the incision is made, Dr. Liang will remove excess skin and fat deposits. Liposuction may be used to further contour the area, ensuring a smooth and natural-looking result.

Muscle Repair

If there is significant muscle separation or weakness, the underlying abdominal muscles are sutured together to create a firmer abdominal wall and a more defined waistline.

Repositioning the Navel

In most cases, the navel is repositioned to ensure a natural appearance after the excess skin is removed and tightened. This step is especially important in traditional and circumferential tummy tucks.

Closing the Incision

The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or clips. Dr. Liang takes great care to place incisions in locations that can be easily concealed by underwear or swimsuits, ensuring minimal visible scarring.

Tummy Tuck Results

The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Patients typically notice a significant improvement in the contour of their abdomen immediately after surgery, with final results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides and the body heals.

Why Choose Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh for Your Tummy Tuck?

Choosing Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Pittsburgh ensures you receive care from a highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Marc D. Liang is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Our state-of-the-art facility and compassionate team are committed to your safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and whether additional treatments are combined. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options to help you achieve your desired results.

Tummy TuckFrequently Asked Questions

How long does a tummy tuck procedure take?

A typical tummy tuck procedure takes about 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

Discomfort is common post-surgery, but pain can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients find the pain subsides significantly within the first week.

Can I have children after a tummy tuck?

While it is possible to have children after a tummy tuck, it is recommended to complete your family before undergoing the procedure to maintain the results.

How soon can I see the results of my tummy tuck?

Initial results are visible immediately, but final results can take several months to become fully apparent as swelling decreases.

Will there be visible scars?

Tummy tuck scars are typically placed in areas that can be concealed by underwear or swimsuits. Over time, these scars will fade but will not completely disappear.

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