Tummy Tuck

DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery

Ernest M. DiGeronimo, MD

Plastic Surgeon & Aesthetic Physician located in Miami, FL

A tauter, firmer, flatter abdomen is possible with abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck. At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Miami, expert plastic surgeon Ernest DiGeronimo, MD, provides this surgical procedure that gets rid of unwanted fat and loose skin around your middle. He can help you regain tone in your abdominal muscles, remove stretch marks, and tighten loose skin. Call the office or book an appointment online to find out if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Q & A

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you’re uncomfortable and self-conscious about the appearance of your belly, especially after pregnancy or notable weight loss, a tummy tuck might be for you. The procedure tightens abdominal muscles that are stretched out and can’t be firmed up with exercise.

A tummy tuck also helps remove excess pockets of fat that just won’t respond to diet, and it addresses any loose, sagging skin or tissue that gives you an unpleasant-looking pooch.

If you’re a woman, put off a tummy tuck until you’re not planning any more pregnancies. People typically undergo a tummy tuck once they’re near their healthy weight, because a tummy tuck is not designed for comprehensive weight loss.

Dr. DiGeronimo goes over what you can expect from a tummy tuck so you have a realistic understanding of your results.

What is the process of a tummy tuck like?

During a tummy tuck, Dr. DiGeronimo makes an incision near the naval and removes any loose abdominal wall tissue and fat. He repairs your abdominal muscles, too.

Upon completion of this surgery, Dr. DiGeronimo pulls down the excess skin so it lies smooth, and then he sutures the incision.

The procedure is done while you’re under general anesthesia

How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a major surgery, so plan to take at least two weeks off from work. You’ll need to restrict physical activity for about six weeks afterward as your abdominal muscles heal.

Dr. DiGeronimo gives you a comprehensive postsurgery plan so you know what activity is acceptable as you move through healing and recovery.

Immediately following surgery, dressings are applied at the incision sites, and you’re wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support abdominal muscles.

Small tubes may be placed under your skin to drain excess blood and fluid, but these are temporary and only in place for a few days. Expect to experience swelling that lasts for several weeks. You may even go up a clothing size as your body heals, but it’s only temporary.

For more information about how you can achieve a flatter belly with a tummy tuck, call the office or book an appointment online.