Flat TummyTummy tucks have become one of the most popular procedures as they leave patients with firmer and flatter stomachs, as well as a smaller waist. Whether you are looking to get back your pre-baby body or to remove any sagging or excess skin, a tummy tuck can drastically change your tummy and give you the confidence you are looking for.

With so many options and countless questions, here are the answers to some of the most common questions surrounding tummy tucks.

What are my Tummy Tuck options?

There are several different tummy tuck techniques and the procedure you undertake depends on your current situation.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This is a great option for people who have a small amount of skin to be removed, but do not have a significantly protruding abdominal muscle wall. Those who are looking to slim their tummy that is sagging with age will find this an ideal option.

Full Tummy Tuck

This is the traditional tummy tuck, which is best suited for healthy individuals who are in good shape but are unable to achieve their desired look through diet and exercise. This procedure is particularly popular for those that have lost a significant amount of weight and are looking to remove any loose skin and for mothers looking tore regain their pre-baby body.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This procedure is for patients who are overweight and have a great deal of excess fat and have overhanging skin that extends to the back.

Circumferential tummy tuck

This is the most extreme type of tummy tuck, which is usually performed on patients who have lost a great deal of weight. These patients often have loose, overhanging skin around their entire body.

This procedure also lifts the thighs and buttocks and a new navel is created.

Am I a candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

If you have extra skin on your abdomen or muscle weakness due to weight loss or pregnancy it is likely you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you are planning on getting pregnant or losing a great deal of weight you should hold off.

The most important thing to remember with a tummy tuck is that it is not a weight loss solution, if you still have a significant amount of weight to loose or have a significant amount of intra-abdominal fat that surrounds your internal organs, you may need to slim down before considering a tummy tuck.

If you have recently had a child and are looking for a mummy makeover, it is best to wait a couple of months after you give birth before undergoing any surgery.

It is also important to note that if you want to undergo this procedure it is important to stop smoking several weeks before surgery and refrain from smoking several weeks after, as smoking can cause problems with circulation and increases your chances of complications.

What is the difference between Tummy Tucks and Liposuction?

Liposuction procedures remove fat, however they do not remove excess skin, where as tummy tucks remove the excess skin. Although, while it is up to the individual surgeon, most tummy tuck procedures include liposuction in order to maximise body contouring.

What can I expect with post-surgery pain?

There have been recent advances in this procedure, that offer better pain control and a better recovery. Of course, there is still healing that does cause discomfort. After surgery you will be in hospital for up to three nights, dependent on the extent of the surgery. As with most procedures the first few days are the most painful, but this can be controlled by medication. Stitches are then removed five to seven days after and you will be required to wear a specially designed support garment.

Returning to normal can take a little while after a tummy tuck, while people can walk around soon after some find it difficult to stand up straight. After the first week you will be able to resume soft activity, however recovery does depend on your physical state before the surgery. Some patients return to work as little as two weeks after, however others can take a little longer.

In terms of scaring, these will likely subside after about nine months. This also depends on the extent of the surgery.

How long will the results last?

These procedures are typically a once and done procedure, as long as you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Of course, skin loosens a bit over the decades, but not to the looseness you may have experienced before surgery.

Will a tummy tuck help my stretch marks?

The answer is usually yes, although this depends on where your stretch marks are located. A full tummy tuck removes skin in the lower abdomen and any stretch marks will be removed.

GORGEOUS GETAWAYS offers tummy tuck packages in Malaysia, with dedicated surgeons who follow their surgery with tightly directed follow-up care.

If you have any questions or want to discuss treatment options, get in contact with our team who are more than happy to help you make the best choice for you.

Disclaimer: Every patient is an individual and therefore results will vary from patient to patient.