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A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is surgery to create a flatter and slimmer abdominal area. When diet and exercise fail to help in achieving a flat abdomen and defined waistline, a tummy tuck may be a solution. During a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Vasisht removes excess skin and fat and sometimes repairs stretched and weakened abdominal muscles.
Patients who choose to have a tummy tuck often have other cosmetic concerns, such as excess fat in the abdominal area, sagging breasts or flat buttocks. Many of these patients wonder if a tummy tuck can be performed alongside other cosmetic procedures to address all of their aesthetic needs at once. The good news is this is often possible.
Why Get a Tummy Tuck?
A healthy diet and exercise are good for everyone’s health, and for some people, they are enough to achieve a toned and defined midsection. But for others, these methods fail to provide the desired results, and a tummy tuck may be necessary.
A tummy tuck is considered when otherwise healthy and lean individuals struggle with a protruding and sagging abdomen. Excess skin and fat, poor skin elasticity and weakened connective tissue in the abdomen are some of the underlying reasons why this can happen. We often see these concerns developing as a result of:
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery (e.g. C-section)
- Drastic weight loss
- Aging
- Hereditary factors
The majority of tummy tuck patients are women; however, anyone can be a candidate for a tummy tuck. Because it is a major procedure, candidates are chosen carefully to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo this surgery and that they can benefit from it.
Ideally, you should be within 10-15 pounds of your ideal body weight. Having too much weight puts you at risk of complications and can lead to unpredictable results. Women are advised to have this procedure after they are done having children. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, reversing the results of your tummy tuck.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?
Absolutely! At South Shore Plastic Surgery, Dr. Vasisht regularly performs tummy tucks with other techniques in a single procedure. When these surgeries are combined, we often refer to them as a “mommy makeover” since they help restore a woman’s body following childbirth. However, anyone with multiple cosmetic concerns can be a candidate for combination procedures that include a tummy tuck.
Some of the procedures that Dr. Vasisht performs alongside a tummy tuck are:
Breast Lift
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and aging can cause the breasts to sag and the nipples to face downward. A breast lift helps reposition the breasts and nipples, creating a more youthful look. A breast lift and tummy tuck is one of the most requested mommy makeover combination procedures. A breast lift will make your breasts appear firmer and perkier, but it will not change the size of your breasts.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is performed to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. Often, we also need to reshape and reposition the breasts and nipples to create more youthful and proportioned contours. Breast reduction can correct breast sagging as well as confer countless other benefits, like reducing back pain, boosting confidence, and making clothes shopping and exercising easier.
Breast Augmentation
Women concerned about small breasts, on the other hand, may be good candidates for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation involves the use of implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure can be performed alongside a tummy tuck and in combination with a breast lift to create optimal results. In that case, we refer to it as a breast lift with implants or augmentation-mastopexy.
Thigh Lift
Weight fluctuations and dramatic weight loss can lead to excess or sagging skin in more than just the abdomen. When the thighs are also affected, patients can benefit from a combination of tummy tuck and thigh lift. A thigh lift involves removing excess skin and fat, in this way reshaping the thighs to make them appear slimmer and contoured.
Arm Lift
Another cosmetic issue that can happen as a result of weight fluctuations and aging is sagging and loose upper arms. An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, can improve the tone and definition of your upper arms by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the remaining skin and tightening supportive tissue.
Liposuction
We usually perform liposuction on the abdomen during a typical tummy tuck. However, some patients may benefit from liposuction in other areas as well to create a more proportioned and defined silhouette. Areas commonly treated are the flanks, thighs and buttocks.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
For patients who also want curvier and shapelier buttocks, we can perform a BBL alongside your tummy tuck. Better described as gluteal fat grafting, this two-step procedure involves taking fat from another area of your body (via liposuction) and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their shape and/or size.
Downsides of Combination Procedures
Having multiple procedures at once does have potential drawbacks. Operating on more than one area places more stress on the body. The number of sites that need to heal is greater, which can make recovery more difficult and potentially lead to longer recovery time in some patients.
With greater stress placed on the body, there is a greater risk of complications. Bleeding, bruising, infections and blood clots are some of these potential complications we need to consider. It is critical for patients to be in good health if they plan to undergo multiple surgeries.
Benefits of Combination Procedures
Combining multiple surgeries into one procedure is both convenient and cost-effective. Many patients who seek out combination procedures lead busy lives and cannot afford to take too much time off to recover from multiple surgeries. Each surgery also requires the use of medical facilities, anesthesia and operation time — all of which cost money.
Another benefit of combination procedures is that it allows for greater customization. Each patient has unique needs and concerns — and a multi-procedure approach can help tailor their treatment plan better.
Want to Learn More About Tummy Tuck and Combination Procedures?
Getting a tummy tuck can be a life-changing decision, especially when combined with other complementary procedures. That’s why you need a skilled and trusted surgeon to make sure you are in good hands. Contact South Shore Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vasisht, who will walk you through this treatment and customize your treatment plan.
