Tummy Tuck in Orlando, FL

Some discomfort, tightness, swelling, and soreness are to be expected after a tummy tuck. Because the procedure involves removing excess abdominal skin and tightening stretched abdominal muscles, the first few days are typically the most uncomfortable. We can provide medication to minimize discomfort.

A tummy tuck is typically completed during a single procedure. After your tummy tuck, we will schedule follow-up visits to make sure your incisions are healing properly.

You will notice changes in your abdomen’s appearance right away, but swelling will prevent you from seeing your full results. As swelling subsides and your tissues heal, your abdomen should gradually appear flatter and more contoured. Many patients see significant improvement within several weeks, while final results may continue developing for several months.

A tummy tuck requires an incision across the lower abdomen, typically positioned so it can be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. The length and appearance of the scar will depend on the surgical technique used and the amount of excess skin being removed. Scars will also gradually fade over time and become less noticeable.

Light walking is generally encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation, but avoid strenuous exercise like heavy lifting during the early stages of healing. You should be able to resume all your normal activities after about 6 weeks.

Plan travel carefully after tummy tuck surgery. We generally recommend staying nearby during the early stages of recovery so you can attend follow-up appointments and receive immediate care if any issues develop. Avoid long flights and car rides for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Infection
• Fluid build-up
• Asymmetry
• Irregularities
• Numbness
• Pain
• Fat necrosis

Choosing the right tummy tuck surgeon is an important part of the process. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in abdominoplasty and other body-contouring procedures. Reviewing before-and-after photographs can give you an idea of the results the surgeon can achieve.

You may benefit from a tummy tuck if you have stretched, loose skin in your lower abdomen. Liposuction is best if you have excess fat in the abdomen and still have a healthy skin tone and muscles that have not been stretched apart. During the initial consultation, Dr. Soto will provide a thorough assessment and determine whether liposuction alone is sufficient or whether a tummy tuck will yield the best results. Some patients need both procedures.

Yes, Dr. Soto combines tummy tucks with breast enhancement procedures, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift, or breast revision, to improve the overall look and feel of the body. This combination type surgery is known as a mommy makeover because it is popular among women who wish to regain their pre-baby look after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

While scars are unavoidable with any surgery, Dr. Soto takes extra measures to keep tummy tuck scarring minimal and place it in areas that undergarments can conceal. Previous C-section scars will be removed and replaced with a tummy tuck scar, which will be placed lower. During healing, we will provide a post-operative protocol that includes scar treatment to help make the scars less visible over time.

Yes, pregnancy is usually safe after you’ve healed from tummy tuck surgery, but it’s best to check with your OB-GYN before conceiving. Even so, we recommend that women who decide to have more children delay a tummy tuck procedure until their family is complete. Skin stretching from another pregnancy can reduce the positive outcome of this procedure.

Yes, it is ideal to be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight. A tummy tuck is not weight loss surgery. Dr. Soto recommends that patients be close to their target weight before tummy tuck surgery. If your weight fluctuates significantly after surgery, it can compromise the results.

Patients typically lose between 1 and 3 sizes after a tummy tuck. While the difference in pounds you lose may not be significant, you can expect your newly contoured body to fit into smaller clothing sizes.

No. An extended tummy tuck removes skin all the way around the abdomen. A lower body lift goes beyond an extended tummy tuck by lifting and tightening the thighs and buttocks.