Tummy Tuck Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Have you noticed changes to your midsection that you haven’t been able to resolve with diet and exercise alone? You are not alone. Many women (and men) have difficulty keeping the abdomen in shape over time. For women particularly, pregnancy has a profound impact on the size and shape of the abdomen long after your baby is born.

Abdominal changes are often due to more than weight gain. Pregnancy separates the abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis. The only way to repair diastasis is with a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck.

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alan Gonzalez performs tummy tucks using a proprietary technique that removes sagging skin and provides superior shaping to the waistline. With 23+ years of experience performing more than 18,000 procedures, Dr. Alan is uniquely qualified to handle your surgery and produce an optimal outcome.

What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is a procedure that removes isolated areas of fat, repairs loose abdominal muscles, and trims away excess skin for a smoother, more shapely appearance. The procedure may be performed alone or with other body contouring surgeries, such as liposuction or breast enhancement.

Our Tummy Tuck Technique: ASPA

Dr. Alan uses a proprietary technique for his tummy tucks known as ASPA (abdominoplasty with anatomical plication). This approach removes as much lax skin as possible using an incision placed very low on the abdomen so it will not be visible under bathing suits. In addition to tightening the abdominal muscles, Dr. Alan ties the tissue around the muscle to create greater definition of the waist.

Why Consider Tummy Tuck Surgery?

tummy tuck blog

You might consider a tummy tuck if you have any of the following concerns:

  • Areas of fat in the midsection that have not responded to diet and exercise.
  • Skin laxity from pregnancy or weight fluctuations that make your stomach look flabby.  
  • Separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy and childbirth (diastasis).
  • An extended abdomen that is affecting your posture or causing back pain.

It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead of affecting the numbers on the scale, this procedure sculpts and tones the midsection for a trimmer, smoother appearance.

Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Women and men in relatively good health who have reached a stable weight make the best candidates for a tummy tuck. Dr. Alan recommends women wait until they are finished having children since subsequent pregnancies could impact the results. Candidates should have realistic expectations about what the surgery can do. As an expert on body contouring and proportion, Dr. Alan can produce the most natural, beautiful results for you.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery

The benefits of a tummy tuck can be far-reaching and might include:

  • Enhanced body contour.
  • Better fit to clothing.
  • Elimination of most stretch marks.
  • Improvement in posture.
  • Reduced rashes and irritation from loose skin.
  • Greater confidence in your appearance.

Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

As with any surgery, a tummy tuck is not without risk. Some of the most common risks include:

  • Poor incision healing
  • Numbness (usually subsides within weeks)
  • Uneven contour
  • Blood clots
  • Complications from anesthesia

You can significantly mitigate these risks by working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in tummy tuck techniques.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Before all of our surgeries, we recommend patients stop medications that may increase bleeding at least 15 days before their procedure. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and aspirin, blood thinning drugs, and even some supplements may fall into this category. Smokers should stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery since nicotine can increase your risk for anesthesia-related complications and hinder the healing process.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Dr. Alan has three state-of-the-art facilities in Colombia where he performs all his tummy tuck procedures. The procedure generally takes 3-5 hours while the patient is asleep. First, he creates an incision across the low part of the abdomen, where the scar will be safely hidden.

He removes fat tissue through the incision, sometimes using liposuction for this part of the procedure. He tightens the abdominal muscles and removes as much extra skin as possible to ensure the smoothest result. If necessary, he will also adjust the shape and position of the navel to create the most natural look.

In addition to tying the muscle, Dr. Alan ties the superficial tissue, known as the scarp fascia, to create a more shapely waistline. Finally, he meticulously closes the incision to minimize visible scarring once it heals.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Patients will need 10-14 days of rest after a tummy tuck procedure to allow the body to begin the healing process. We offer 360 concierge services throughout your time in Colombia, including recovery specialists who will work with you to ensure your early days of recovery are comfortable and complication-free. We ask patients to remain in Colombia for at least 14 days so we can provide you with the highest level of care and address any concerns you might have during this time.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Matters

Some patients begin their search for a plastic surgeon by considering tummy tuck cost first. The cost of a tummy tuck varies considerably based on the surgeon’s experience, the surgery location, and the extent of the correction needed. It is never best to choose your surgeon based on cost alone.

Instead, choose your surgeon based on years of experience, number of successful procedures, and expertise in the specific surgery you are considering. Dr. Alan Gonzalez has the experience and expertise to produce the best results for his patients. His proprietary techniques have been developed through years of performing surgery and taking his patient outcomes to a higher level.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Colombia with Dr. Alan, contact one of our three offices in Barranquilla, Bogóta, or Cali today.

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