Common Concerns

Each tummy tuck performed at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is custom-tailored to suit the individual needs and expectations of the patient. During the consultation process, tummy tuck candidates will thoroughly discuss their goals, allowing our board-certified plastic surgeons to create a surgical plan that can achieve the desired results. Some of the most common concerns shared among tummy tuck candidates include:

Some of the most common concerns shared among tummy tuck candidates include:

Loose Skin Around the Midsection

Hanging or sagging skin around the waist can be troublesome for men and women who live an active lifestyle. Loose skin does not typically respond to diet and exercise, and lax skin may be permanently stretched or damaged. When this skin is eliminated with a tummy tuck, patients can enjoy a flatter, smoother stomach. During the procedure, the skin is pulled taut over the abdomen and can also reveal the underlying muscles for a more toned appearance. Women who have had one or more pregnancies may find a tummy tuck particularly effective for regaining their pre-pregnancy figure.

In addition, men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight often have loose skin accumulated around the midsection and can benefit greatly from a tummy tuck.

Protruding Abdomen Throws Off Body Proportion

When the abdomen protrudes from the body, fat is not necessarily the cause. In some cases, stretched or torn abdominal muscles may distort the body’s natural proportions. During the tummy tuck procedure, your plastic surgeon is able to tighten and repair the abdominal muscles, strengthening the layers of the abdominal wall, and ultimately creating a flatter, more toned stomach and a narrower waistline. In cases where isolated fat deposits are contributing to the protrusion of the abdomen, liposuction can be used to further enhance the results of a tummy tuck. The final outcome can be a well-proportioned, more athletic-looking figure.

Weakened Muscles Due to Pregnancy or Aging

Pregnancy and the natural aging process can both cause the abdominal musculature to weaken, and oftentimes no amount of diet or exercise can correct the condition. When this weakening occurs to the vertical muscles of the abdominal wall (the rectus abdominus), the waistline can appear wider and an excess of skin and fatty tissue may hang from the front of the abdomen.

In addition to eliminating any excess tissues, a tummy tuck also gives a plastic surgeon the opportunity to stitch these separated abdominal muscles back together for a tightened, toned silhouette.

Small Areas of Fat Resistant to Diet and Exercise

A nutritious diet and routine exercise are traditional and effective means of weight loss. However, the natural aging process as well as pregnancy can cause isolated deposits of fat to accumulate around the waistline. Many patients find that these small areas of fat prove troublesome and resistant to even the most rigorous diet and exercise efforts. During the tummy tuck procedure, our plastic surgeons can use liposuction to simultaneously eliminate any pockets of excess fat to maximize the slimming results of the procedure.

Stretch Marks or C-section Scars

Stretch marks and C-section scars are common cosmetic concerns for women who have had one or more pregnancies. These women may feel uncomfortable wearing a bikini after their pregnancy or self-conscious wearing certain types of underwear. In addition to eliminating excess skin, a tummy tuck can often resolve these two concerns as well. During the procedure, excess skin is excised and the remaining skin is brought down taut over the abdomen. The incision can be made below a C-section scar, and that area of the skin can be removed, along with much of the skin where stretch marks typically occur.

The scar from the tummy tuck surgery can then be carefully placed very low on the abdomen, right above the pubic area, allowing patients to wear bikini bottoms and more revealing underwear with confidence.