What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, creating a flat and toned appearance. In addition, the abdominal muscles are tightened; this is the primary difference between a tummy tuck and panniculectomy. Tightening the abdominal muscles is beneficial for patients who have weakened, separated, or damaged muscles due to pregnancy or other factors and can create a more athletic appearance. Finally, liposuction is generally used to remove stubborn fat and sculpt the abdominal area for a smooth, toned look. Our Natrona Heights Office is located 15 miles from Fox Chapel and 17 miles from Aspinwall.

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Most tummy tuck candidates have loose, excess skin in the abdominal area due to pregnancy or massive weight loss. They may also have stubborn fat deposits in the area that do not respond to exercise and separated or damaged abdominal muscles.

The best candidates for the procedure are at or near a healthy and stable weight. They should be generally healthy, including being a nonsmoker.

Some patients are better suited to a panniculectomy rather than a tummy tuck. In a panniculectomy, the excess skin is removed, but the muscles are not tightened. This is generally considered a medical rather than cosmetic procedure, as the primary purpose is to relieve symptoms from excess loose skin. During a consultation, Dr. Falcon can review your symptoms, discuss your goals for the procedure, and examine your abdominal area to recommend the best option for you.

“I can say without hesitation that going to Dr. Falcon for surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made! The work he did to remove the loose skin on my chest was simply amazing! I look "normal" in a shirt for the first time since I was a teen.”

-Matthew P

What Can I Expect from Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Immediately after your tummy tuck, you can expect to have bandages and drains in place and should wear an abdominal binder or compression garment. You will need a trusted family member or friend who can drive you home after the procedure and care for you through your early stages of recovery.

You can expect swelling and some discomfort, but prescription pain medication can help you feel comfortable through the healing process. Dr. Falcon will give you detailed instructions regarding the healing period, including how long or how often to wear your compression garment and what medications you should take. Avoid strenuous activity but remember to get up to carefully walk every few hours to avoid blood clots. Most patients need about 1-2 weeks to rest and recover before returning to work, school, or other routines. Dr. Falcon will monitor your healing during post-op appointments and advise when you can safely return to all activities including exercise. Most patients are fully healed from their tummy tuck after about 4-6 weeks.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about tummy tucks, including whether you are a candidate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Falcon. Call our office at (724) 226-3900 or contact us online to set up your first appointment. Falcon Plastic Surgery’s Monroeville Office is conveniently located 15 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh and 3 miles from Murraysville.

How long do you wear a binder after surgery?

You will wear a surgical binder for 6 weeks after surgery.

Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?

There will be a scar present, however, following our scar care instructions for the first year after surgery will assure that scarring will be minimal and possibly fade almost completely.

Do men get tummy tuck?

Absolutely, tummy tucks are not gender specific.

How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?

You will be given a pre-operative bathing instructions sheet that explains how to bathe yourself for 3 days leading up to the procedure. This method will greatly help reduce chance of infection from any bad bacteria that may be present on your body.

When can I start working out after tummy tuck?

You will be able to do light exercises in 4 weeks after surgery, and regular exercise in 6 weeks.

Can you lose weight after tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not primarily a weight-loss procedure, although its benefits often encourage people to change their lifestyle to a more active and healthy one, causing them to lose weight in the long run.

Are tummy tucks dangerous?

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, tummy tuck surgery is not overly risky or dangerous.

Can I walk after tummy tuck?

Dr. Falcon encourages tummy tuck patients to move around while protecting their incision sites to encourage blood flow and promote the healing process.

Do you have to be skinny to get a tummy tuck?

Absolutely not, in fact, a tummy tuck might not be recommended for people below a certain BMI. This procedure is most often performed on people of average weight who have excess skin or other abdominal issues.

How are tummy tucks done?

Tummy tucks use an incision that crosses the pelvis above the pubic area from hip to hip. This allows Dr. Falcon to remove excess skin, access and rejuvenate the abdominal muscles, and remove or redistribute pockets of excess fat.

How long after a tummy tuck can you drink?

You should wait at least two weeks before consuming alcohol after a surgery like abdominoplasty. Dr. Falcon will provide more detailed instructions on what you should and shouldn’t do following your specific procedure.

How long is pain after tummy tuck?

Most tummy tuck patients experience low amounts of pain depending on their tolerance. The discomfort following surgery peaks after 2-3 days, after which it dissipates and is easily controlled with over-the-counter medication.

How long do tummy tucks last?

Tummy tuck surgery provides long-lasting results that won’t go away as long as your body proportions stay the same and you experience no body-altering events such as pregnancy.

Is it easier to lose weight after a tummy tuck?

Some people find it easier to exercise or are encouraged enough by their results to adjust their lifestyle to further increase their results. However, tummy tuck surgery alone does not make it any easier or harder to lose weight.

When can I wear regular clothes after tummy tuck?

Dr. Falcon will provide you the details regarding your tummy tuck recovery, including how long you should wear your provided surgical or compression garments.

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Our suite is certified with the highest level of accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF).

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