Multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process may have left you longing for a firm, smooth midsection. While exercise can burn fat and tone muscles, it cannot get rid of loose skin and stretch marks or repair separated abdominal muscles. At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Med Spa, our experienced plastic surgeons can renew your abdominal area with a tummy tuck in Kansas City. Learn more about this popular body sculpting procedure by scheduling an appointment.
Our knowledgeable Kansas City plastic surgeons personalize each abdominoplasty to address the unique needs and goals of the patient. In general, this procedure can provide one or a combination of the following benefits:
Your surgeon will ask about your medical history and aesthetic goals to determine if an abdominoplasty will be a good fit for you. It is often helpful after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Typically, Kansas City candidates for a tummy tuck:
Everyone has unique medical needs and goals for surgery, and we will partner with you to find the procedure that will be best for you.
If you are considering a Kansas City tummy tuck surgery, you will start with a private consultation with one of our surgeons. During this first visit, you will be asked questions to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure, and you’ll have the opportunity to describe the improvements you’d like to attain.
If you have other areas you’d like to improve, your tummy tuck may be part of a combination procedure, such as a mommy makeover or post-weight loss surgery.
Also, during your tummy tuck consultation, your surgeon will perform a physical exam to determine how much excess fat and loose skin you have and to assess the condition of your abdominal muscles. Your surgeon will also review your medical history and discuss likely outcomes and potential risks related to your surgery.
Most patients in Kansas City require a complete abdominoplasty, but in some cases, a less-invasive partial or mini tummy tuck may provide the desired improvements.
Improve the abdominal area from the ribs to the pubic bone by removing excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks, and repairing abdominal muscles that are stretched and separated.
Remove excess fat and skin in the lower abdominal area spanning from the belly button to the pubic bone. This option requires a shorter incision and involves minimal muscle tightening and skin removal. Recovery time typically is quicker than for a complete tummy tuck.
Our qualified team of surgeons performs tummy tucks at licensed surgical centers in the Kansas City metropolitan area while the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon begins by placing an incision horizontally between the hip bones just above the pubic area. Cesarean section scars may be removed at this time. When performing a complete tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a second incision that encircles the belly button.
The abdominal muscles are then repaired, and liposuction is used to remove excess belly fat and contour the waist and hips. The skin is then pulled down, the excess is removed, and the incisions are closed. Temporary drainage tubes may be inserted under the skin to reduce swelling and improve the healing process.
During a tummy tuck, your Kansas City surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from your abdominal region to create a smoother and more contoured look.
The procedure may alleviate stretch marks that are directly on the skin that is removed. Outside of that, the procedure does not address stretch marks. If you are interested in treating other stretch marks, our team will help you explore additional procedures.
A tummy tuck creates scars, though the main scar is typically under the bikini line, so it is easily hidden. Patients who undergo a full tummy tuck will have an additional scar near the belly button.
Typically, scars fade with time, and many patients find that they prefer this to having the excessive stretch marks that were in the area prior to the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss steps you can take to maximize the fading of your scars.
Our team at Associated Plastic Surgeons & Med Spa will let you know what to expect as you recover from your tummy tuck and how to best care for yourself during this time. We are also here to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
You will go home the same day the surgery takes place. For the first week, you may notice pain, bruising, and swelling. You will wear a compression garment and drain tube and should avoid major activity.
During the next few weeks, the pain and swelling will begin to subside, and you can resume light walking and other less strenuous activities. You will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon, and you will be able to remove your compression garment and drain tube.
Around the one-month mark, you will be able to resume most of your daily activities. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment at night, and your scars may still be raised and red.
Most patients are able to return to work within two to four weeks, depending on their job, and they can resume driving within several weeks, once pain medication is discontinued.
Leading up to the one-year mark, your scars will continue to fade and become less noticeable. You should be able to resume full physical activity during this time.
If you are curious about enhancing your body with a tummy tuck in Kansas City, get in touch with our talented team at Associated Plastic Surgeons & Med Spa today.
We recommend that all patients undergoing surgical procedures, including tummy tuck surgery, are nonsmokers who are generally in good health. You should be close to your ideal weight, moderately fit, and have good overall muscle tone. A tummy tuck may be a good choice after multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, or significant weight changes.
If you are considering a future pregnancy or intend to lose a lot of weight, you may want to postpone your tummy tuck, as many of the improvements you will gain from the surgery could be lost.
Give your body a chance to fully recover after pregnancy and childbirth. Our surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months after delivery to have a tummy tuck. You can visit them for a consultation before this time to begin the planning process.
Tummy tuck patients should have the goal of removing loose, sagging skin or strengthening weakened abdominal muscles in addition to removing excess fat. If excess fat is your only concern, we recommend you consider a liposuction procedure instead. Your surgical options will be discussed during your consultation.
Following all of your doctor’s instructions is essential to a successful recovery. You’ll need to enlist a trusted loved one to drive you to and from the surgery, as well as stay with you throughout the first night.
Discomfort is common following a tummy tuck, but a return to light, normal activity is usually possible within a few days of surgery. For the first 10 to 12 days, you will not be able to stand fully upright. As the skin and muscles gradually relax, you will be able to straighten out.
Most of our patients are able to return to work within a few weeks, provided their jobs don’t require heavy lifting or vigorous activity.
While experiences vary, it usually takes a year or more for the incision to lighten and flatten out. Though the appearance of the scar usually improves significantly over time, it will never go away. Your clothing and swimsuits should effectively conceal it, and our team can provide instructions on how to help your scar heal and fade as quickly as possible.
Your renewed body contour should last as long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. Though some loss of firmness is natural as you age, it should be minimal.
