Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Miami, FL
That area of loose abdominal skin you’ve been working hard to lose is not the result of a lack of effort in your health or fitness routine. Many women and men struggle with hanging skin or a lower belly pooch that is the result of skin laxity or separation of the underlying muscles and cannot be corrected with just diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck is a life-changing surgery that is designed to provide a solution for the excess skin and outstretched muscles often left behind after pregnancy or weight loss, rewarding you with a slimmer, natural-looking figure and an empowering boost in confidence.
What is a tummy tuck?
An abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic body procedure that is performed to reduce excess skin and tissue in the abdominal area, as well as repair the underlying muscles. Tummy tuck surgery is especially popular among women who have experienced changes in their bodies due to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight or experienced skin sagging with age.
Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini performs tummy tuck surgery by making a horizontal curved incision low down in the pubic area so that it is easily hidden. From here, she is able to repair and tighten your underlying abdominal muscles to create a stronger, slimmer core. Excess fat can also be addressed at this time using liposuction, however, fat reduction is not one of the goals of tummy tuck surgery alone.
Once the desired shape is achieved, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini will carefully excise any excess skin and tissue. Skin is then gently pulled tight to create a smoother, more youthful appearance, and incisions are then closed.
What benefits can be expected with a tummy tuck?
The primary benefit of tummy tuck surgery is a flatter, slimmer, and smoother contour of your abdominal area. A tummy tuck helps to address concerns including:
- Loose or sagging areas of abdominal skin and tissue
- A protruding belly or a “belly pooch”
- Separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Changes to the abdominal area as a result of pregnancy or childbirth
- Excess abdominal skin left behind after significant weight loss
A tummy tuck alone will not address unwanted areas of fat, however Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini can combine your tummy tuck with liposuction in order to address any small areas of stubborn fat that may be lingering around your tummy.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery can be a good choice for women and men who are struggling to rid themselves of loose or hanging abdominal skin and protruding bellies. Unfortunately, these issues cannot always be solved with just traditional methods such as diet or exercise because the problem is the result of skin that has lost its elasticity and is no longer able to bounce back, or a separation of the underlying abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery targets the roots of these issues to create a slimmer, well-shaped abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery is especially popular with mothers who are wanting to address changes to their abdomen that occurred as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. Women and men who have lost a significant amount of weight can also reduce excess skin that is often left behind.
Complementary Procedures: If excess skin is a concern for you in other areas of the body in addition to your abdomen, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini may recommend additional skin tightening surgeries such as an arm lift, body lift, or breast lift.
If you are also concerned about stubborn fat in addition to excess skin, you may benefit from combining tummy tuck surgery with liposuction.
Women looking to completely rejuvenate their bodies after having children may choose to undergo a full mommy makeover. A mommy makeover is a customized procedure that is designed to address your specific concerns with changes experienced as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. A typical mommy makeover will include a combination of body contouring and breast enhancement procedures, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, and breast augmentation.
Personalizing your tummy tuck: Full vs. mini tummy tuck?
During your consultation with Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini, she will take a careful look at the current condition of your body and will listen to your unique concerns and goal outcome. This will allow her to make the right recommendations for the specific steps of your personal tummy tuck procedure. One of the primary decisions will be whether a full or mini tummy tuck is best for you.
A traditional full tummy tuck is best for reducing larger amounts of excess skin and tissue (especially if that excess is above the belly button), and can best address separation of the underlying muscles. This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip low down in the pubic area. Given this incision placement, you will be able to easily conceal your tummy tuck scar even when wearing bathing suits and crop tops.
A mini tummy tuck is a less-invasive surgery that is best for women and men with lesser amounts of excess skin and tissue that is primarily in the lower abdomen (beneath the belly button). A mini tummy tuck can be performed under local anesthesia and requires a much shorter incision. The resulting scar of a mini tummy tuck may be shorter in some cases than that of a traditional tummy tuck, and can also be hidden with most outfits including your favorite bathing suit.
What to expect during your tummy tuck recovery?
A full tummy tuck is a surgery that will require most patients to take about 1 week off work during recovery. Our patients are asked to refrain from major physical activities for 7 to 10 days, and heavy lifting for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the muscle repair to heal well. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini will provide you with detailed care instructions as well as her personal cell number to help with any questions or concerns you may have while recovering at home.
During the initial days after your procedure, some bruising, swelling, tightness and abdominal discomfort is to be expected. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini utilizes only absorbable sutures which do not need to be removed. The incisions are covered with thin sticky tape called steri-strips and a compression garment is provided for support. Patients are able to shower normally the day after surgery with assistance, and there is no problem with the incisions getting wet.
Ready for your tummy tuck consultation?
If you’re wanting to finally get rid of loose abdominal skin and achieve a slim and toned midsection, we would love to talk with you about the procedure and answer any questions you may have regarding surgery. Give us a call at 646,559.2854 to schedule a private tummy tuck consultation with board certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini. VK Cosmetic Surgical Arts is located in the Bay Harbor Islands in beautiful Miami-Dade County, Florida.
