What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as abdominoplasty, the goal of tummy tuck surgery is to smooth and flatten the stomach.
Dr. Leedy will make an incision along the pubic bone. If the upper portion of the stomach is one of your problem areas, another incision around the belly button may be necessary as well.
Through these incisions, Dr. Leedy will tighten lax abdominal muscles and suture them into a taut shape. He will next remove excess fat and extra skin, as well as create space for the navel (if the second incision was necessary).
Finally, Dr. Leedy will close the incision or incisions. Over time, you will notice that your stomach looks and feels flatter. This physical improvement will also translate into emotional benefits of loving your transformed physique.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The mini tummy tuck procedure is broadly similar to full abdominoplasty. The main difference, as the name suggests, is the extent of the procedure.
Mini tummy tuck surgery exclusively addresses excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen. Generally, the incision is restricted to the pubic mound (i.e., above the genitalia and not extending on either side). Limiting the incision restricts access to the underlying tissue, but it also reduces scarring. In addition, this more manageable procedure means patients who only require limited contouring of the belly don’t require complete tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. Leedy focuses on developing the best treatment plan for you, not “selling” you on a particular procedure. He is passionate about performing body contouring procedures, and he will recommend the full extent of options based on your goals and what is most likely to help you achieve them.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Right for Me?
Dr. Leedy recognizes that men and women alike desire a flattened stomach. You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery if:
- You are unhappy about excess deposits of fat, loose skin, and flabby muscles in the abdominal area
- You are healthy and fairly close to your optimal weight
- You don’t smoke, or you can quit before the surgery and refrain from smoking throughout your recovery
- You understand what abdominoplasty can achieve
A tummy tuck is not a suitable option for weight loss. The principal goal is to sculpt the body into a more desirable shape, not reduce the pounds you carry. That said, Dr. Leedy has extensive experience helping patients with a variety of different body types achieve their optimal shape – from those who are very thin to those who are a bit “thicker.”
Many plastic surgeons use BMI, or body mass index, to determine if patients are suitable candidates for liposuction. However, new research from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that even obese patients can safely undergo abdominoplasty.
Dr. Leedy primarily takes into account whether patients have features of the body with which he can help them. He has the results to demonstrate his success treating the full spectrum of patient bellies.
Can I Combine Liposuction with Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Absolutely! Dr. Leedy frequently combines tummy tucks with liposuction to achieve optimal results for the abdomen as well as the midsection as a whole. This technique is known as 360 liposuction, or lipoabdominoplasty.
During this combination procedure, Dr. Leedy will tighten the abdominal muscles and trim extra fat and skin (tummy tuck). To complement the results, he will also perform liposuction in areas such as the:
As the name suggests, the goal is to improve the midsection as a whole and not just the stomach. For patients with a thicker midsection, lipoabdominoplasty results in a beautiful overall silhouette.
Liposuction, like tummy tuck surgery, is not intended to help with weight loss. However, removal of excess fat can eliminate a few pounds, and the aesthetic outcomes are outstanding.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck for Women?
One of the major reasons women consider abdominoplasty is to get their bodies back after having children. Pregnancy stretches out the stomach, and it’s not uncommon for even very skinny women to be left with something of a “pooch” after childbirth.
Tummy tuck surgery tightens the abs and removes excess skin that formed during pregnancy. As a result, a tummy tuck is often part of a mommy makeover.
If you have lost weight or experienced drooping of your stomach as you’ve gotten older, you may want to consider a tummy tuck as well.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Leedy did an amazing job on my tummy tuck and lipo. I look amazing and I’m the happiest I’ve been in years with my body. He takes great pride in his work and practice.” – Azalea P.
“Dr. Jason Leedy and his staff are a top-rate surgical practice. I had a 360 lipo procedure and a tummy tuck and I’m very happy with the outcome. They kept me well informed throughout each step of the process, they are all accommodating, compassionate and kind and truly care about their patients and about the quality of the service(s) they provide. Dr. Jason Leedy came highly recommended to me by good friends and I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering this type of procedure.” – Linda L.
Read more reviews here.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck for Men?
Men are under a lot of pressure to achieve a trim physique. If you want to get rid of your gut, Dr. Leedy also performs male tummy tuck surgery as part of our men’s services.
A lot of men carry extra weight in the stomach. This excess belly fat is accompanied by loose, overhanging skin. Tummy tuck surgery is often an optimal procedure to correct this issue. Combining the tummy tuck with 360 liposuction can also address common problem areas like the love handles and back.
Another reason men may consider abdominoplasty is to address sagging in the midsection that often occurs at middle age. The spreading of the stomach occurs due to a loss of skin elasticity, often exacerbated by extra fat. By tightening the abdominal muscles, Dr. Leedy can offset the effects of “Boomer Belly.”
Finally, men who accomplish significant weight loss may also be self-conscious about loose, hanging skin. Depending on the method of weight loss, muscle laxity may be a concern as well. Tummy tuck surgery can also help with these issues.
What Should I Expect from My Tummy Tuck?
Although your abdominal muscles will be tighter and you will have less fat and excess skin following the tummy tuck, the results will not be immediately visible. Localized swelling is common, which is why Dr. Leedy may recommend you wear a compression garment in the early stages of healing. This swelling generally subsides within a few days.
You may also be fitted with drains to facilitate the flow of excess fluid from the surgical site. Dr. Leedy will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical area, as well as directions for your recovery.
You can generally return to work and your usual routines within two to three weeks. It is best to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for a minimum of six weeks after tummy tuck surgery.
The results of your tummy tuck should start to become evident within a few weeks of the procedure. Final results may take several months as the muscles, skin, and other tissues heal.
Why Choose Dr. Leedy for Your Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Jason Leedy has been serving patients throughout the Cleveland area since 2005. He is a native of northeast Ohio who is proud to serve the community he and his family call home.
Tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures have been a focal point of Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute for 15 years. Body sculpting surgeries are performed in an in-office surgical facility accredited by The Joint Commission.
Men and women alike may undergo abdominoplasty with or without 360 liposuction as part of a body lift procedure following major weight loss. Dr. Leedy is proud to help patients take the final step toward this significant transformation. He educates patients by visiting St. Vincent Charity Medical Center to give an annual talk on their options after bariatric surgery.
Contact Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute for Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. Leedy will explore all of your options for a toned, trim stomach at your initial consultation. This may include tummy tuck surgery, lipoabdominoplasty, or another surgical or non-surgical option. Dr. Leedy will present you with all the choices so you can make an informed, no-pressure decision based on your individual needs and goals.
The team at Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute looks forward to helping you achieve the body you want and the improved confidence you deserve. Please call 440-461-6100 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Leedy. We serve patients in Cleveland, Akron, Chagrin Falls, and nearby areas of Ohio.
Meet With a Tummy Tuck Specialist
To schedule an appointment with a Tummy Tuck Specialist, please call us at 440-461-6100 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing The Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute, we look forward to seeing you soon!
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