What Does a Tummy Tuck Actually Fix?

Do you have loose skin around your belly, or fat pockets in the midsection that won't go away? These concerns are extremely common after pregnancy and weight loss, and they often cannot be fixed with diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery can remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscle separation, and get rid of unwanted fat in the same procedure. 

At SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, Dr. Sean Kelishadi performs customized body contouring treatments designed around your anatomy and goals. Call today to schedule a consultation and find out what a tummy tuck could do for you. 

A closer look at tummy tuck surgery in Orange County 

A tummy tuck, formally called abdominoplasty, is performed to reshape the abdomen from the inside out. Through an incision placed low on the belly, Dr. Kelishadi removes excess skin, tightens the underlying muscles, and smoothes the remaining tissue for a flatter, firmer result. 

This body contouring surgery typically takes 2 – 3 hours and can be tailored to your needs. Patients with concerns limited to the lower belly may only need a mini tummy tuck, while those with more extensive changes after pregnancy or significant weight loss often benefit from a full tummy tuck. During a consultation, Dr. Kelishadi will examine your abdomen and recommend the approach that matches your needs. 

How a tummy tuck reshapes your midsection 

Tummy tuck surgery stands apart because it fixes several issues in a single procedure:  

• Loose skin: Pregnancy and weight fluctuations stretch the skin beyond its ability to bounce back. Once that elasticity is gone, no amount of exercise can restore it. Removing the excess is one of the only reliable fixes. 
• Abdominal muscle separation: Also known as diastasis recti, this occurs when the paired abdominal muscles pull apart, usually during pregnancy. The result is a persistent bulge and a weakened core. Dr. Kelishadi stitches the muscles back together, restoring a firm, flat foundation. 
• Fat pockets: Stubborn fat pockets between the skin and muscle often resist diet and exercise. Liposuction is frequently added during surgery to remove these deposits and refine the waistline. 

Because all three problems tend to occur together, correcting them at the same time yields a dramatically better result than treating any one of them alone. 

What recovery and results look like 

Most patients take about two weeks off work after a tummy tuck, with lifting and strenuous exercise restricted for roughly six weeks while the muscles heal. A compression garment can support your new shape, and Dr. Kelishadi will guide you through each stage of recovery. Discomfort is most noticeable in the first week and improves steadily after that. 

Your results should start to show as swelling decreases, with the optimal outcomes becoming visible after around 3 – 6 months. Best of all, the changes made during surgery are long-lasting if you continue to maintain a stable weight. 

Get the flatter abdomen you've worked for 

Loose skin, abdominal muscle separation, and stubborn fat can make you feel self-conscious, but there is a comprehensive solution available. Tummy tuck surgery corrects all three issues at their source. Dr. Sean Kelishadi at SSK Plastic Surgery is experienced in this procedure and can build a surgical plan around your goals. Call today to schedule a consultation in Newport Beach, CA, and see what's possible.