What better way to learn about a Tummy Tuck than asking the expert? We’ve put together frequently asked questions and had Dr. Michaud sit down and thoroughly answer each one!
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Q: What is a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Michaud: Also known as an abdominoplasty, a Tummy Tuck will remove excess skin and fat as well as restore separated muscle – this procedure is commonly done after pregnancy and massive weight loss.
Q: Who is the best candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Michaud: Best candidates are patients that are close to or at their ideal weight. As with any procedure in Plastic Surgery, this is not a weight lost procedure. Patients that have excess loose skin and bulging of their abdomen will see best improvement in the shape of their abdomen after a Tummy Tuck.
Q: Is this procedure safe?
Dr. Michaud: All surgical procedures carry risk and those risks should be discussed by your surgeon before the surgery. Also, it is very important to assure that your surgeon has a certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons — which is the only one of the 24 boards that certifies surgeons as Plastic Surgeons.
Q: What is the standard recovery time?
Dr. Michaud: Recovery usually takes about 2 weeks. Although swelling will be present for many months, patient usually will be able to return to work or exercises within 2 weeks or so.
Q: Are there alternative procedures?
Dr. Michaud: There are no alternatives to a Tummy Tuck where you would experience the same results. If a patient has loose skin and separation of his or her abdominal muscle, only a Tummy Tuck will correct these problems. Liposuction or CoolSculpting would only affect the excess fat of the abdomen and would not affect the excess skin or separation of muscles.
Q: When can I expect to see results?
Dr. Michaud: Immediately after a Tummy Tuck, you will see significant changes in the shape of the abdomen. Overtime, in most patients, these changes will improve as swelling resolves. Swelling usually take about 12 months or so to resolve, although there is significant variations between patients. Patients will have a permanent scar in the lower abdomen which will extend laterally toward the hip.