What is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure that reduces unwanted skin and tightens the waist line. At Chrysalis Cosmetics, we also include liposuciton with the abdominoplasty to enhance the results and bring about a more contour.

Many women and men consider having this procedure following weight loss or after they are finished having children. It can remove the unwanted stretch marks and enhances the bodies natural contour. Unwanted loose and often damaged skin is removed from the belly button to the pubic region and replaced with the skin from above the belly button. The loose muscles are then tightened and the abdominal wall is repaired to bring about a thinner waist. The excess abdominal skin is then stretched tight down to the pubic region and the excess removed. The piece that is removed is weighted for you as well. The skin is then approximated with multiple specifically designed sutures. A little hole is made for your belly buttton to come through. The sutures used are most often absorbable and dissolve on their own after three to six months time. The incision is placed lower than a normal bikini bottom, so it will be hidden in most clothes. In time the insicion often fades becoming almost undetectable.

The healing process following your tummy tuck varies from person to person. However for most three to six months is required in order for the swelling to resolve and the incision to heal. Most people return to work in a week or two. On occasion drains are required to speed the healing process and are removed in a week. At Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento, California a pain pump is also used to assist you in the healing process and reduce the amount of pain you might experieince. Tummy tucks commonly require 2 to 3 hours of time to complete and most people go home an hour or so following the procedure.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tucks are a very commonly requested with additional procedures such as a breast enhancement or laser resurfacing.