How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

Tummy tucks–also known as abdominoplasties–are surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and enhance the appearance of your abdominal region. People who suddenly lose weight or go through pregnancy often struggle with excess skin or lax muscles in their abdomen, resulting in unsightly sagging or bulging. 

A tummy tuck is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle or weight loss but can aid you in your journey to a tighter you. 

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty often is used to remove the excess skin and tighten the muscles to a more appealing position after sudden weight loss or pregnancy. While working toward similar results, a tummy tuck is different from liposuction. Liposuction removes the excess fat from a region but does not remove excess skin or tighten the muscles. However, in some cases, Dr. Greenberg may perform liposuction simultaneously with a tummy tuck to improve the surgical results. 

Abdominoplasty Procedure

To achieve the desired results, Dr. Greenberg performs the procedure under general anesthesia. An incision below the bikini line allows Dr. Greenberg to pull loose skin down and remove the excess. He tightens the abdominal muscles and–if necessary–performs a liposuction to rid the area of resistant fat. 

An overnight stay is recommended to allow yourself time to recover before returning home. The results from a tummy tuck include:

• Firmer abdominal skin
• A more contoured abdominal area
• Tighter abdominal muscles 
• Decreased fat in the midsection

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

A tummy tuck is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle but a supplement to show off the results. No amount of exercise can remove excess skin, and exercise may fail to improve lax abdominal muscles. To keep the results of your tummy tuck, following a consistent exercise routine and healthy diet maintains the best results. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, the results from a tummy tuck can last a lifetime. 

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty is best for those who have had significant changes in weight, been pregnant, had abdominal surgery, struggle with weight due to aging, or whose natural body type results in sagging in the abdominal region. This procedure tightens the weak muscles and can remove stretch marks in the abdomen. 

You may not want to receive abdominoplasty surgery if you plan to lose weight quickly, are considering pregnancy in the future, have a severe chronic condition, smoke, or have had previous abdominal surgery that caused significant tissue scarring. 

Discuss your goals and concerns with Dr. Greenberg or one of our expert staff during a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. 

Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about what you can expect from a tummy tuck? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area).(407) 644-3137