The stomach area is one of the most problematic regions of the body that men and women struggle to keep in shape. Excess fat forms easily here, and even with diet and exercise, the abdomen can be highly resistant to weight loss, called “belly fat.”
After pregnancy or weight loss, the muscles and skin may be stretched beyond their ability to contract back to through your efforts alone. This is where a plastic surgery procedure called abdominoplasty may be recommended.
Dr. Manuel Peña, board-certified plastic surgeon can address the issues impacting the strength and appearance of your midsection, producing ideally contoured results that help improve the appearance of your abdomen and, in some cases, your overall health as well. This procedure is a complex surgical operation and should only be done by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Peña and his professional staff have extensive experience speaking with patients about their body issues and we can help you select the fat reduction and body contouring procedure most likely to give optimal results.
“Hello, I am 7 weeks out from my abdominoplasty and extremely happy. I am amazed by the results in such a short time. I am completely satisfied! I had 5 children and left with hanging skin… it had to go! Dr Peña is a [sic] excellent surgeon so I was not nervous going in; only excited. Each passing day the results get better and better. Doctor Peña listens to your concerns and expectations, and is a true artist of the natural beauty of the body. Peña’s staff is top notch with information, care and comfort. The only regret I have is not getting the procedure sooner. With much appreciation, Lola…. What Lola wants, Lola gets…. Peña and his staff are the Best!” - LOLA Adams (Google Review)Read More Reviews
Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Through body contouring procedures Dr. Peña can help you achieve results impossible through diet and exercise alone. We can help many men and women achieve a firmer abdomen that diet or exercise has not accomplished, but not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Good tummy tuck candidates should be:
- Physically healthy
- Leading an active lifestyle
- Willing to follow instructions
- Non-smokers
- Emotionally healthy
Candidates should also have a positive outlook and realistic expectations, enabling them to evaluate the physical and emotional benefits of a tummy tuck to decide if they outweigh the potential risks.
Patients who are obese, are smokers, who have significant medical or psychological issues, or who can get equivalent or better results through another procedure are considered poor candidates for a tummy tuck.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, we recommend that your look at our gallery of before and after tummy tuck patients to learn what can and cannot be accomplished through the procedure. This will help ensure your expectations are in line with what can actually be accomplished through abdominoplasty.
PEÑA PLASTIC SURGERY Tummy Tuck PATIENTS
Real Patients, Real Results, Superior Experience
View more real tummy tuck results
Results may vary.
What Are The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
One of the most obvious benefits of tummy tuck surgery is its ability to sculpt and tone the midsection. Because this section of the body tends to be resistant to weight loss in general and toning in specific, surgical techniques to shape and tighten the abdominal area can help many people reach their cosmetic goals. The procedure cannot change or affect the fat store inside the abdominal muscles (Intra-abdominal or visceral fat) However, cosmetic enhancement is not the only benefit offered by this procedure.
During the tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Peña tightens abdominal muscles that have become weakened and separated. This, in turn, helps sculpt the hips and abdominal wall, producing a slimmer and more toned appearance. It may also help restore core strength and balance, providing a springboard for abdominal exercises that can fully enhance both the form and function of your lower torso. Recent studies confirm the improvement of back pain often seen after a tummy tuck.
Excess, loose, sagging skin is also removed during abdominoplasty. This skin can be both an embarrassment and an impediment to more advanced forms of physical exertion. By removing these unnecessary accumulations of skin, Dr. Peña can enhance your physique and help set the stage for a more rewarding exercise routine.
What Are The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can have a profound impact on your entire body – though no area is altered as much as your midsection. As babies grow, so too does a mother’s abdominal area, a process made possible by the separation of stomach muscles and the stretching of skin. At the same time, nutrients required for a healthy baby begin to accumulate in fat deposits stored in the stomach area and, while these may diminish after the birth of your child, they often stubbornly remain despite diet and exercise.
Tummy tuck surgery is used to address the largest issues resulting from pregnancy. This procedure allows separated abdominal muscles to be re-aligned and firmed. Tightening these muscles automatically slims the waist, allowing for more attractive curves as well. By removing stubborn fat deposits and loose, sagging skin, tummy tuck surgery can also help reduce the prevalence of stretch marks. However, while this procedure can produce optimal contours and a slim and toned appearance, it is not able to remove stretch marks entirely. (Learn more about tummy tuck and mommy makeover procedures.) physique and help set the stage for a more rewarding exercise routine.
How is a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty Procedure Performed?
The goal of abdominoplasty is to remove excess fat and tighten the stomach muscles for a leaner, healthier, and more appealing look. Excess skin can also be removed, a benefit that is especially helpful for patients who have sagging skin due to pregnancy (often included in a “Mommy Makeover”) or high-volume weight loss.
Dr. Peña performs both full and mini tummy tuck surgical procedures. However, while the extent of these procedures varies slightly, their procedural steps are very similar. For most patients, the steps include:
- The use of IV sedation to prepare you for the procedure
- Horizontal or bicycle handlebar-shaped incision between the navel and pubic hairline
- Repair and tightening of stretched abdominal muscles
- Repositioning of the abdominal wall for a smaller waistline
- The removal of excess skin
- The removal of fat deposits
- Recreation of a beautiful belly button
Not each tummy tuck procedure will involve the repositioning of abdominal muscles or the removal of excess fat. The best way to learn which steps will be included in your procedure is through a personal consultation and medical examination with Dr. Peña. He can help you reach your body contouring and shaping goals.
What is the Recovery Process for a Tummy Tuck?
Recovery is different for every patient and yours will depend on factors including your natural healing ability and how well you follow Dr. Peña’s pre and postoperative advice. However, in general, you should plan on taking at least one week (and ideally 2 weeks) following your procedure to completely rest and relax. After this initial period, you may be able to resume work along with some other activities, but strenuous physical exertion may need to be avoided for six weeks or more.* Dr. Peña will help you determine when all normal activities can be resumed.
Swelling and bruising are common following tummy tuck surgery. These things can be dealt with by wearing a compression garment and engaging in mild forms of exercise such as walking. Pain medications will be prescribed by Dr. Peña to address postoperative discomfort as well. In most cases, swelling will subside within four to six weeks.* Exparel, a long-lasting local anesthetic, can be placed around the muscles that are tightened and also in the incision to minimize post-operative discomfort up to 3 days.* Ask Dr. Peña about this option!
What Results Can I Expect?
The results of your tummy tuck procedure may take up to six months to be fully realized – though it is not uncommon for major differences to be noticeable within four to eight weeks. You can reduce recovery time and speed results by carefully following Dr. Peña’s advice and taking proper care of your body.* These things will be discussed in greater detail during the planning phase of your abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr. Manuel Peña’s Tips to Maintain Your Tummy Tuck Results
Following your tummy tuck procedure, you will want to take steps to maintain your results. This means both adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding weight gain that will reduce muscle strength and connectivity, and increase fat accumulation and skin expansion.
Tummy tuck is often part of the mommy makeover procedure because it helps tighten the muscles that pregnancy stretches out. Future pregnancies will undo the results you have achieved through tummy tuck surgery. For this reason, Dr. Peña typically recommends women who plan on having additional children wait to undergo this procedure.
To prevent new fat accumulation and the subsequent expansion of skin, it is essential that you maintain a healthy diet. This should include, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, legumes, and complex carbohydrates.
Exercise is also an important component of maintaining tummy tuck results. You should plan on getting at least three hours of moderate exercise every week – more if you want to enhance your results. Daily, you should aim for 60-90 minutes of exercise. This can include any variety of exercise including, walking or jogging, swimming, yoga, strength or weight training. Moderate exercise includes any activity that causes the heart rate to increase and your body to begin cooling with sweat. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t broken a sweat, you’re not getting moderate exercise.
During your tummy tuck consultation at our Bonita Springs area plastic surgery office, Dr. Peña will discuss ways you can maintain your results to help ensure you are fully prepared to enjoy the remarkable benefits this body contouring procedure can offer.
What Should I Look For When Selecting A Tummy Tuck Surgeon?
Finding a qualified plastic surgeon who will give you the tummy tuck results you want requires some research. Below are some guidelines:
- REFERRALS – Getting referrals from friends or family members who can provide a good tummy tuck surgeon’s name may not be available to everyone. However, if you are fortunate enough to know someone who can give you a referral, you can often find out what the plastic surgeon is like as a person, what their staff is like, as well as the quality of results and the overall tummy tuck experience.
- BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES – Once you have decided to consult with a plastic surgeon about your tummy tuck, be sure to view their work. This can be done by looking at before and after tummy tuck pictures, either on their website or in their office. By focusing on images of the procedure you are interested in, you can see what kind of results the plastic surgeon can achieve.
- FIND A SURGEON YOU CAN WORK WITH – Again, finding an experienced tummy tuck surgeon is not enough. You want someone you can communicate with and who understands your cosmetic goals. You should also be able to discuss options, understand instructions, and be able to communicate freely. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who you are comfortable with and gives you confidence in your decision to undergo a tummy tuck will do a lot to ensure you have a good experience.
Dr. Manuel Peña understands all of these things and believes you deserve the best surgeon for your particular needs. He will educate you as much as possible about the procedure, take you through the process and what you can expect, and always treat you with respect and courtesy. Ours is a welcoming, clean, and compassionate plastic surgery office where you will be listened to and provided the individual attention and care you deserve. From the moment you contact us, Dr. Peña and our staff will make every effort to ensure the most pleasing and satisfactory experience possible.
To schedule your expert fat removal and body contouring procedure, request a consultation with Dr. Manuel Peña, board-certified Naples plastic surgeon.
*Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Peña to see if you are a candidate.
