A Flatter, Firmer Midsection After Weight Loss or Pregnancy
Loose skin, stretched muscles, and stubborn fat around the stomach don’t always respond to diet and exercise. At Hauw Han, MD in West Chester, OH , board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Hauw T Han, MD, performs tummy tuck surgery to remove excess skin, repair weakened abdominal muscles, and create a smoother, tighter profile. Book online or call (513) 755-8115 to get started.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that addresses loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and excess fat. It’s a safe and effective way to improve the look of your stomach muscles and abdomen when exercise and healthy eating haven’t given you the contour you want.
Who Can Benefit From a Tummy Tuck?
Anyone who wants a tighter, flatter, and more attractive abdomen may benefit. The procedure is especially helpful for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, women who have had multiple pregnancies, and people with congenital spine deformities that affect posture.
To undergo a tummy tuck, you need to be a non-smoker in relatively good physical health. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and a positive outlook. A tummy tuck isn’t a substitute for weight loss or regular exercise. If your weight fluctuates regularly, Dr. Han may recommend postponing surgery until your weight is more stable.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Involve?
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Han assesses your physical and mental health, reviews your medical history, and asks about your goals. He then explains your options, discusses likely outcomes and potential complications, and develops a custom care plan.
At your appointment, tell Dr. Han about any underlying health problems and any prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements you take regularly. Bring up any questions or concerns, too.
If Dr. Han determines you’re a good candidate, he administers general anesthesia so you sleep through the procedure. He then:
- Removes excess fat from your abdominal area with liposuction
- Cuts away loose, excess skin from your abdominal region
- Repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles
Finally, Dr. Han sutures your incisions and wraps your abdomen in a bandage and compression garment. If you’re interested in contouring other areas of the body, ask about liposuction during your consultation.
Is a Tummy Tuck Safe?
Tummy tucks are safe and typically well tolerated. Possible risks include:
- Blood clots
- Blood pooling beneath the skin
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Slow-healing wounds
The anesthesia used during surgery also carries risks. Before your procedure, Dr. Han has you sign several consent forms, and he reviews each risk with you so you know what to expect.
What Is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck?
After your procedure, Dr. Han writes prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication and gives you a list of recovery instructions. In the days that follow, take your medication as prescribed, clean and change your wound dressings, and attend all follow-up appointments.
You should also avoid bending, straining, and lifting, avoid standing fully upright, and sleep with pillows elevating your knees. After about 10 days, you return to the office so Dr. Han can remove your sutures. Most people return to work and routine activities about two to three weeks after surgery.
Results develop gradually. Many people notice a difference in their abdomen right away, but it often takes several months for the final results to come into view.
Meet Your West Chester Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Han is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who takes time to understand your goals before recommending treatment. Learn more about Dr. Han and what to expect at your visit.
Tummy Tuck Questions, Answered
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Good candidates are non-smokers in relatively good physical health who have realistic expectations. People who have lost a lot of weight, women who have had multiple pregnancies, and those with loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles often benefit. Dr. Han reviews your health and goals at your consultation.
Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss procedure?
No. A tummy tuck isn’t a substitute for weight loss or regular exercise. It removes excess skin and fat and tightens weakened muscles. If your weight changes often, Dr. Han may recommend waiting until it’s more stable.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Han removes excess fat from the abdomen with liposuction, cuts away loose skin, and repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles. He then closes the incisions and wraps your abdomen in a bandage and compression garment.
Is a tummy tuck safe?
Tummy tucks are safe and typically well tolerated, but every surgery has risks. Possible complications include blood clots, blood pooling beneath the skin, fluid accumulation, infection, and slow-healing wounds. Anesthesia also carries risks, and Dr. Han reviews them all with you before surgery.
How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
You return to the office after about 10 days to have your sutures removed. Most people can go back to work and routine activities about two to three weeks after surgery. Follow Dr. Han’s instructions closely, including avoiding bending, straining, and lifting.
When will I see my final tummy tuck results?
Many people see an improvement in the appearance of their abdomen right away. Results develop gradually, and it often takes several months for the final outcome to appear.
What should I tell Dr. Han before a tummy tuck?
Share any underlying health problems and any prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements you take regularly. Bring up all your questions and concerns so Dr. Han can build a care plan that fits you.
Ready to Talk About Your Tummy Tuck?
Request a consultation at Hauw Han, MD in West Chester, OH . Book online or call (513) 755-8115 to meet with Dr. Han and learn whether a tummy tuck is right for you.