TUMMY TUCK

Salt Lake City Practice offering Tummy Tuck and Body Contouring

Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen, while restoring weakened or separated abdominal muscles creating a tighter, firmer, and thinner abdominal profile.

The number of Tummy Tucks performed annually in both men and women is on the rise. Well over 100,000 Tummy Tuck procedures are performed annually in the United States.

We are all aware of changes that occur in our bodies that are often beyond our control. For many women, motherhood is a double-edged sword of blessing and frustration. Excess skin, stretch marks, and muscle laxity or bulging in the lower abdomen are often the unexpected side effects of becoming a mother. These conditions do not improve with better diet or more exercise leaving many women feeling less feminine and compensating for their unwanted curves with clothing that camouflages these extra "bulges". With the added pressure of feeling "vain" or "frivolous" about wanting to change these problem areas, many women find it difficult to even call and make a consultation, let alone discuss these concerns with their plastic surgeon.

At The Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Constantine understands these very real concerns and takes pride in carefully educating each patient about their options and empowering patients to make their own decisions in an informed manner. We recognize that a Tummy Tuck is a significant surgical procedure and is not the right choice for every patient, but for thousands women and men each year a Tummy Tuck affords the opportunity to move from camouflage to confidence.

Before Surgery	After Surgery
Before Surgery	After Surgery
Before Surgery	After Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a procedure for men or women with excess fat or loose lower abdominal skin that is resistant to diet or exercise. Women who are finished with childbearing and who have excess skin, fat or bulging in the lower abdomen are candidates for a Tummy Tuck. With pregnancy, the abdominal muscles will often separate causing bulging in the lower abdomen. Like excess skin and stretch marks, these stretched out muscles will not retighten with aggressive diet and exercise. A Tummy Tuck corrects these concerns by tightening the abdominal muscles creating a firmer flatter abdomen and by removing the excess skin and fat creating a thinner abdominal profile. Liposuction is sometimes used in a conservative manner with a Tummy Tuck to assist with sculpting the waist line further.

For other patients, such as men with excess skin or fat, or those who have lost significant amounts of weight, a Tummy Tuck can be an option for tightening the abdomen. A Tummy Tuck can yield a flatter stomach and a shapelier waistline, which can enhance appearance and self-confidence. These results will be permanent only if the person maintains a sensible diet and participate in regular exercise. Tummy Tuck is a good option if you are physically healthy and at a stable weight, you have realistic expectations, you are a non-smoker, and you are concerned about a tummy that feels too large. Our doctors will assist you in determining if a Tummy Tuck is right for you.

At The Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to providing you with not only the latest surgical advancements in Tummy Tuck surgery, but also a safe environment in which to have your surgery. Because a Tummy Tuck is significant operation, some patients may desire to stay overnight at our state-of-the-art surgery center where they are cared for by our nursing staff. The Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery is one of the state's only dedicated cosmetic surgical facilities that is state licensed to care for patients overnight. Most patients can go home the same day as their surgery, but for others who may be combining another procedure with their Tummy Tuck or who desire a little more care, an overnight stay is a good option.

Some procedures can be combined with a Tummy Tuck (such as Breast Enhancement Procedures), limited Liposuction, and even some facial procedures. During your consultation, our doctors will discuss these possibilities with you and assist you in choosing a procedure that meets you goals. We are committed to the practice of evidence-based medicine where safety is a guiding principal and proven research shapes what is offered to each patient. In some instances, this may mean that only a Tummy Tuck is indicated for reasons related to safety and recovery. It is our privilege to walk each patient through this informative process of decision making so that an optimized result can be obtained.

TRADITIONAL OR FULL TUMMY TUCK

This is the best procedure for most patients as it addresses all three layers of the abdomen: skin, fat, and muscle. A Traditional or Full Tummy Tuck procedure exchanges a scar that is usually well concealed behind most bathing suits and underwear for a flatter, firmer and shapelier abdomen. Because the incision is slightly longer the upper and lower abdomen can be addressed creating a more sculpted appearance to the abdomen. In a Full Tummy Tuck, most of the excess skin between the belly button and the pubic region is removed. This procedure usually requires an additional incision around the belly button to reposition the belly button after excess skin is removed and tightened.

MINI-TUMMY TUCK

A Mini-Tummy Tuck is a smaller version of a Full Tummy Tuck that addresses only mild amounts of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen (below the belly button). The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone with a small amount of excess skin in the lower abdomen and tight abdominal musculature. This procedure usually has a slightly shorter scar, but the ability to sculpt and tighten the abdomen is more limited.

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