A healthy diet with routine exercise can help you lose weight, but you still find your abdomen has excess fat and skin despite doing everything right. A slimmer midsection can be harder to restore after having had children or losing a drastic amount of weight. An abdominoplasty can help slim down and contour the stubborn fat in your abdomen. However, what is an abdominoplasty?
What is an Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a one-time surgical procedure that removes excess fat for a slimmer, sculpted midsection. Abdominoplasty often helps restore the weak abdominal muscles of previously pregnant women and can remove excess sagging skin.
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?
A tummy tuck is a customizable procedure that addresses your aesthetic concerns. Dr. Holley carefully plans your surgery to work best for you on an individual level. He offers three different options:
- Short-scar tummy tuck: can also be referred to as a “mini” tummy tuck. This procedure addresses minor skin sagging and weakened abdominal muscles, specifically under the belly button.
- Standard tummy tuck: Considered the “traditional” procedure, two incisions are made – a horizontal one above the pubic area and a smaller one around the navel. Damaged muscles are repaired and rearranged. Then excess skin is removed. A standard tummy tuck addresses excess skin and loss of laxity in the midsection above and below the belly button.
- Extended tummy tuck: Ideal for heavier patients with significant areas of loose skin. The incision extends to the outer hips to remove more excess skin.
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
Request a consultationWhat is Recovery Like?
An abdominoplasty takes place under general anesthesia and takes around 2-3 hours. It can take 6 weeks to recover from tummy tuck surgery fully. You should avoid any strenuous activity for those six weeks and wait for Dr. Holley’s approval to resume routine exercise.
A drain, dressings, and an abdominal binder will be used for your comfort and to promote healing. You will need a trusted adult to drive you home and take care of you 24 hours after your abdominoplasty.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you are in overall good health, have realistic aesthetic expectations, and have lost muscle laxity and an excess of skin. An abdominoplasty procedure may not be suitable for those who are unhealthy or not at a stable weight. Book a consultation with Dr. Holley to determine if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about abdominoplasty? Simply fill out the form on this page or call West Michigan Plastic Surgery at (269) 280-2871 to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Holley. Proudly serving Western Michigan and the greater Kalamazoo area.
*Individual Results May Vary.
