How Many Sizes Can I Lose from a Tummy Tuck?

If you have tried to flatten your tummy with dedicated exercise, lifestyle changes, and diet alternatives and have been met with little success, you are not alone. Surgery, significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, childbirth, and the many bodily changes that come with age leave many men and women with undesirable fat pockets and sagging skin that diet and exercise cannot reverse. Dr. Nana Mizuguchi is a dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon with Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery located in Louisville, KY who provides his patients with safe and effective tummy tuck procedures. Using his minimally invasive, drainless technique, Dr. Mizuguchi can give his patients the results they desire with a faster recovery time.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, giving the tummy a natural lift and toned look. At Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery, Dr. Mizuguchi listens to and considers your personal goals to improve your abdominal region and makes surgical recommendations that contour and tighten your tummy.

Are there different types of tummy tucks?

There are three primary types of tummy tuck procedures:

• Full: tightens loose skin in both the upper and lower abdomen

• Extended: addresses problems in the abdomen, hips, and thighs

• Mini: focuses on the lower abdomen or the “pooch”

After an initial examination, Dr. Mizuguchi helps patients determine which tummy tuck is appropriate.

Am I an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

Adult men and women are suitable candidates for a tummy tuck procedure if they have:

• Loose skin on their abdomen

• Excessive fat deposits despite being at a healthy weight

• Had weight loss surgery, maintained their goal weight for at least a year, and have excessive skin or fat pockets they wish to have removed

• C-section scars from childbirth and resulting fat deposits in the lower abdomen

After collecting your personal and medical histories, Dr. Mizuguchi helps you confirm if you make an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.

What does a tummy tuck procedure look like?

A tummy tuck is performed in an accredited outpatient facility. If additional surgeries or procedures are recommended, patients may stay the night for medical observation. Dr. Mizuguchi’s drainless tummy tuck method takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to complete using general anesthesia. Special suturing is used to block fluid from building up, drastically reducing recovery time. After the surgery is finished, the patient is placed in an abdominal compression garment and sent home with recovery tips and precautions.

How many sizes can I lose from a tummy tuck?

The number of sizes you go down depends on your personal goals, the amount of excess skin and fat deposits you currently have, and the recommendations made by Dr. Mizuguchi to keep you healthy and safe. Many patients go down at least a size or two, but it could be more if there is a lot of skin and fat that can be safely removed.

What is the recovery period like?

Although the drainless tummy tuck method reduces downtime compared to traditional methods, patients need to understand that it is still considered major surgery. Initial rest is required to optimize healing for the first couple of weeks. Patients are encouraged to adhere to precautions, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity in Lousiville, KY.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other cosmetic surgeries?

Patients often combine a tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures to enhance their results. For example, Dr. Mizuguchi offers liposuction combined with a tummy tuck to safely remove unwanted fat from the abdomen and hips to better contour the body. For female patients who’ve recently given birth, Dr. Mizuguchi can help customize a mommy makeover plan to slim and tighten the body for a youthful, toned appearance.

Where to learn more about getting a tummy tuck

If you have sagging skin or excess fat deposits that even exercise and diet can’t get rid of and wish to attain an attractive silhouette, contact our team at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY and schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Nana Mizuguchi today. Dr. Mizuguchi will listen to your goals and help you develop a customized treatment plan that helps produce your desired cosmetic outcomes.