How Long Should You Expect Tummy Tuck Results to Last?

Tummy tucks are a popular plastic surgery procedure for men and women. While we all want our plastic surgeries to last forever, there are many factors that can affect how long tummy tuck results will last. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso helps patients in Miami, FL to sculpt their body with the use of liposuction and abdominoplasty. By following his post-op instructions and lifestyle suggestions, you can maintain your results as long as possible. During a consultation, he can learn about you in order to determine if you’re a candidate for a tummy tuck. Women who still plan to become pregnant may be deterred from having a tummy tuck before they finish having children.

What does a tummy tuck do?

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing excess skin and fat in both the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. Many women who have given birth, and women and men who have had major weight loss, may consider this surgery since it helps with sagging and loose skin. If you have a tummy tuck in Miami, FL, it can result in a smooth and flat stomach without excess wrinkling, sagging skin, or bulging. Dr. LaGrasso carefully places his incisions beneath the underwear lines so scars can be undetectable beneath bathing suits or underwear. Patients can expect the results of a tummy tuck to be long-lasting if they maintain a healthy lifestyle following the procedure.

Types of tummy tuck surgeries offered

Dr. LaGrasso offers three types of abdominoplasty surgeries:

1. Full tummy tuck: For those wanting a full tummy tuck, an incision is made from hip to hip to just above the pubic bone. This is used for men and women with large skin folds from major weight loss, or for women who have had multiple pregnancies. This surgical technique allows Dr. LaGrasso access to a large portion of the abdomen while he repositions the belly button so it looks more natural. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat before the skin tightening portion of the surgery takes place.

2. Mini tummy tuck: The mini tummy tuck, or Brazilian tummy tuck, is used for patients who are in good shape and have a healthy skin tone. Patients who receive a mini tummy tuck are looking to remove loose skin on their lower abdomen. Unlike a full tummy tuck, the position of the belly button isn’t changed, and the incisions made are smaller. Liposuction is only used, if needed, to remove excess fat before the loose skin is removed and pulled taut.

3. Extended tummy tuck: When major skin tightening and body contouring is needed, an extended tummy tuck is often the ideal option. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight usually opt for this tummy tuck surgery because it is one of the best choices for tightening excess skin. Similar to a full tummy tuck, the belly button’s position is also changed during an extended tummy tuck.

During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. LaGrasso will discuss patients’ goals and help determine which choice is right for them. Ideal tummy tuck surgery candidates in Miami, FL are at or close to their ideal weight, which will help them maintain the results of tummy tuck surgery for an extended period of time.

How long does a tummy tuck surgery take?

The length of time needed for a tummy tuck surgery is dependent upon the type of abdominoplasty selected. For full tummy tucks, it can take anywhere from one to five hours while mini tummy tucks can take just one to two hours. Abdominoplasty is done while the patient is under general anesthesia and it is considered outpatient surgery. For complex cases, an overnight stay may be needed. A compression garment must be worn for a period of time after surgery for the best possible tummy tuck results. The time it takes for you to heal from a tummy tuck depends on the surgical technique chosen and the extent of skin and fat removed during surgery.

How long will my tummy tuck result last?

A tummy tuck doesn’t help you lose weight or prevent weight gain in the future. It is used to remove excess fat and loose or bagging skin and to smooth out the abdominal area. How long your tummy tuck results will last depends on your lifestyle. A healthy diet that allows you to maintain your weight will help ensure your results last longer.

Learn more on how a tummy tuck can sculpt your body

When you’re looking for a way to remove stretched and loose skin in the lower abdomen, a tummy tuck can help. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso helps patients in Miami, FL to get the flat, smooth, and toned stomach they’re looking for. During a consultation, he can learn about your goals for the procedure and determine if he will use other surgeries with a tummy tuck to help you to achieve what you’re looking for.