After substantial changes in weight or after pregnancy, the abdomen can retain excess fat and skin that not even exercise and dieting can tackle. Skin laxity is a common concern in these instances that you cannot resolve on your own. You can, however, turn to a tummy tuck procedure at Moraitis Plastic Surgery. 

Dr. Isidoros Moraitis is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing tummy tucks for patients in the Trinity, FL, area. With his experience and his desire to offer each patient the individualized care they deserve, you are in good hands. 

Learn more about a tummy tuck procedure and how it can help you below. 

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can provide several crucial benefits. Not only can it offer an aesthetic boost, giving you a sleeker and more toned look, but it can also have a positive effect on your health. Some of the most important benefits include:

  • Slimming your waistline by removing excess fat and skin
  • Strengthening your abdominal muscles and your core
  • Preventing hernias with a stronger core
  • Improving your posture
  • Eliminating abdominal stretch marks
  • Minimizing the risk of certain medical conditions
  • Lessening stress urinary incontinence
  • Relieving back discomfort with stronger muscles
  • Removing cesarean section scars

Whether you want to reduce abdominal excess fat and lax skin or strengthen your core muscles to help with posture and other concerns, a tummy tuck can be a reliable solution. 

Am I a Good Candidate?

Most people are good candidates for a tummy tuck procedure, though there may be instances when Dr. Moraitis recommends other procedures to help you get the results you want. You are likely a good candidate if you:

  • Are at a stable weight and not planning on significant weight changes
  • Are not a smoker
  • Are in overall good health
  • Have significant excess skin in the abdominal area
  • Have lax muscles in the abdominal area
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Are not currently pregnant 
  • Are not planning on having more children
  • Are not satisfied with how your abdomen looks

When you come for a consultation, make sure you share all your health concerns and medical history with Dr. Moraitis so he can ensure that you are the right candidate for this procedure. 

Tummy Tuck Explained

To help you decide whether this procedure might be for you, here are some things you will want to remember. 

The Consultation

During the consultation, Dr. Moraitis will perform a thorough physical exam to understand the amount of fat or excess skin you would like to remove. After discussing your goals with you, he will ask for your full medical history and a list of any medications and supplements you take. 

How Can I Prepare?

Because a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, you will need to start preparing a few weeks in advance. You will have to stop smoking and stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Because you will undergo general anesthesia during the procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to take you home afterward. 

What Is Surgery Like?

Dr. Moraitis will place you under general anesthesia and begin by making incisions to remove most of the fat and skin from your belly button to your pubic hair. Using permanent sutures, he will tighten the tissues — or fascia — that cover the abdominal muscles before suturing the incisions. 

What Is Recovery Like?

Dr. Moraitis will show you how to care for your incisions and give you a compression garment to wear for about six weeks to help you heal. You will need to rest and avoid movements that strain the incision areas and avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements. 

Other Things to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

Full healing from this kind of surgery can take a few months. It is also a procedure that does not focus on weight loss but on offering you a more toned abdominal area. 

Tummy Tuck Options: Which Is the Best for Me?

There are two types of tummy tucks to consider, and Dr. Moraitis can help you find the one that works best for your goals. 

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is for people who need substantial correction. To perform this procedure, Dr. Moraitis makes an incision at the bikini line and then manipulates the skin and muscles. A full tummy tuck also requires an incision in your belly button to free it from the surrounding tissue.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a surgery requiring shorter incisions. It is best suited for people who do not have too much excess skin. During a mini tummy tuck procedure, it is not necessary to make an incision around the navel. 

Will My Tummy Tuck Scar Fade Away on Its Own?

Dr. Moraitis does everything possible to diminish the appearance of scars. He utilizes the best techniques and tools, and many times, he takes advantage of previous scars, like those from a cesarean section, using them to make the tummy tuck incisions. Following aftercare instructions closely will also help reduce scar formation.

Can a Tummy Tuck Be Performed in Combination with Other Procedures?

There are many procedures that can enhance the results of a tummy tuck. These include CoolSculpting®, which offers the chance to freeze away excess fat, and breast augmentation or reduction if you want to undergo a mommy makeover. 

You’re in Good Hands With Moraitis Plastic Surgery

Dr. Moraitis at Moraitis Plastic Surgery near Trinity, FL, is ready to help you get the surgical and non-surgical aesthetic results you want. For further information, you can read more about tummy tucks and what to expect.