Tummy Tuck Before and After – 3 Myths About TT Results

The cosmetic procedure with one of the biggest transformations is a tummy tuck before and after. Getting a tummy tuck is like getting a new body. Patients love their results and can’t believe how much better their clothes fit.

How Is Your Body Different Before and After a Tummy Tuck?

After a tummy tuck, patients look thinner and have less loose skin. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Qazi and his team of plastic surgeons remove extra skin and fat from the abdomen. The abdominal wall is also tightened. Patients with diastasis recti will no longer have a belly bulge or a belly button gap after their tummy tuck. While the procedure will not remove a significant amount of weight, it does trim and contour the body. Both male and female patients will notice improved skin texture and fat distribution after their tummy tucks.

It is common for patients to have a lot of questions about tummy tucks before and after. Common questions include:

• Will I have visible scars?
• I’m a male, is a tummy tuck a good idea for me?
• Do I have to take before and after photos?
• Should I get a tummy tuck before or after pregnancy?

In this article, Dr. Nadir Qazi of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic will answer all your questions about tummy tucks.

What is a Tummy Tuck? – What To Expect

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing extra fat, skin, and tissue. A majority of tummy tuck patients are women, but the procedure is also suitable for men. The average age for a tummy tuck is 42 years old. However, younger and older patients can still be good candidates for the procedure.

A tummy tuck can be performed on its own as well as in tandem with other surgeries. Each year, around 65% of tummy tucks are combined with another procedure. It is common for women to get a tummy tuck at the same time as a BBL or breast implants. Men frequently get a tummy tuck at the same time as chest/back liposuction or an arm lift. 

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

During a tummy tuck, the patient is under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will start by making an incision between the hips. The placement of the incision is designed to hide the scar. The plastic surgeon will then gather and trim the extra skin. They will also tighten the abdominal walls; this part of the procedure is an important treatment for patients with diastasis recti. For some procedures, liposuction may be used to remove extra fat cells. In some cases, the belly button may be repositioned to accommodate the new shape of the belly. 

At the end of the procedure, the plastic surgeon will close the incision. You will be bandaged up and sent to the recovery room. 

What Happens Before and After Tummy Tuck?

You will need to take good care of your body both before and after a tummy tuck. After your tummy tuck consultation, you will receive customized prep instructions. The surgical team will tell you exactly what to expect before your tummy tuck. You will also be given an idea of what to expect after your procedure.

Before a Tummy Tuck:

• Stop taking blood thinners and NSAIDs, including herbs and Aspirin.
• Quit smoking and drinking.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.
• Take time off work.
• Stock up on supplies, including easy meals and ice packs.
• Address any concerns or questions with the surgical team.

After a Tummy Tuck:

• You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you.
• Surgical drains may be left in for a few days.
• Patients must wear a support garment for 6 weeks.
• You should walk a little to maintain circulation and sleep elevated.
• Patients must abstain from strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks.
• After 1 week, it is safe to return to work.
• After 3 weeks, patients can ease back into normal activities.
• The results will be final after 1 year.

Will I Have a Tummy Tuck Before and After Scar?

Because a tummy tuck involves incisions, you will have a scar. However, a small tummy tuck scar is nothing to worry about. The incision is placed along the bikini line specifically so patients can hide it under clothing. Female patients can easily cover their scar with bikini bottoms or panties. For men, the tummy tuck scar may be hidden by body hair or disguised by the natural texture of the abdomen. 

Once the scar heals after your tummy tuck, it won’t be very noticeable to others. Patients at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic have noticed that partners and lovers don’t always spot their tummy tuck scar. You will know where it is, but the scar will fade to be difficult to spot for others.

There are also 5 ways for you to reduce the appearance of the scar yourself:

1. Apply silicone scar sheets to the area.
2. Stay hydrated during the recovery.
3. Do not smoke at all because tobacco products can hurt healing.
4. Get laser treatment or RF microneedling to fade the scar.
5. Follow all your recovery instructions to the letter.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Anyone who is in good health and can benefit from the procedure is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Although the average patient age is 42, some patients in their 20s or 70s may get the procedure too. The procedure is suitable for both men and women. When you look at procedure photos, you will see a fair few male tummy tuck before and after photos. 

However, there are certain disqualifying factors for getting a tummy tuck. If you have one of the following, Dr. Qazi’s team of plastic surgeons won’t recommend the procedure:

1. A BMI over 30.
2. A bleeding condition, like hemophilia.
3. Serious preexisting health conditions.
4. History of allergic reaction to anesthesia.
5. A history of surgical complications.
6. Diagnosed body dysmorphia or disordered eating.
7. Are currently pregnant.
8. Are currently taking any blood thinners or NSAIDs that you are unable to stop taking.
9. Do not pass health screeners, which may include blood work. 

Tummy Tuck Before and After Pregnancy: When Is the Best Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Everyone wants to have a great body as soon as possible. However, sometimes it can be better to wait. The plastic surgeons at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic unanimously tell women to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy. This is because pregnancy drastically changes the body. You will gain weight, develop loose skin, and experience abdominal wall separation. If you got a tummy tuck before your pregnancy, your results would be completely reversed. 

The best time for a tummy tuck is after you are done having kids. Ideally, you should wait until your children are a little older. During tummy tuck recovery, you won’t be in a fit state to chase after toddlers. You want to be able to recover at your own pace without having any chores to do.

The procedure will turn back the clock on your body. A tummy tuck is the best way to get your pre-baby body back. If you developed diastasis recti during pregnancy, a tummy tuck can also correct it. 

What Can I Expect For My Results After a Tummy Tuck?

One element of a successful procedure is to have realistic expectations. A tummy tuck can transform your body, but it won’t turn you into someone you’re not. The procedure removes fat and skin, so it will slim your belly.

The Qazi Cosmetic Clinic team frequently gets questions about what a tummy tuck can and can’t do. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

1. How will my weight change before and after tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. For a standard tummy tuck, patients can expect to lose 4 to 6 pounds. After a mini tummy tuck, your weight will only be 2 to 3 pounds lighter. An extensive tummy tuck can take off 6 to 7 pounds. 

Before a tummy tuck, you should already be at your ideal body weight. The purpose of a tummy tuck is to slim your abdomen, not to shrink your body. 

2. Will a tummy tuck give me a flat stomach?

In tummy tuck before and after photos, you’ll notice that everyone looks slimmer. For some patients, the procedure is what they need to achieve a flat stomach. However, everyone is built differently. A flat stomach isn’t realistic for a lot of people, nor is it a requirement to be healthy. The body stores fat in the belly for survival purposes. Extra fat can be safely removed, but your base layer of fat can still stand between you and a flat stomach. A tummy tuck will make your stomach flatter, but it is usually difficult for adults to have a completely flat stomach. 

3. Will a tummy tuck make my waist smaller?

For some patients, yes. For other patients, not really. The purpose of a tummy tuck is to address extra skin and fat on the belly. If you have loose skin on your waist too, that can be addressed during the procedure too. Tightening the skin can get rid of extra folds at the waist and reduce the waistline. However, most patients have a larger waist measurement due to fat storage around the waist. This is not normally addressed during a tummy tuck. Dr. Qazi and his team of plastic surgeons normally recommend liposuction to shrink the waist.

Get Ready For Your Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos!

Are you sick of looking vicariously at everyone else’s transformation photos? It’s time for your own transformation. If you are considering a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation today! The team at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic works with patients of all ages with different aesthetic goals.