A cherry tummy tuck, also known as a mini tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure designed to help improve the appearance of the abdomen. This procedure is usually much less extensive than a traditional tummy tuck and involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tightening the existing muscles.
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and does not require the patient to be hospitalized. The recovery time is generally much shorter than for a traditional tummy tuck and results don’t typically require a full recovery period or post-operative care.
The procedure can help improve the appearance of the abdomen without the much greater cost, recovery time, and risks associated with a more traditional procedure. This type of tummy tuck may be especially beneficial for those who have had children or have recently lost a significant amount of weight.
The resulting scar may be slightly larger than with a traditional tummy tuck, but the procedure is generally much quicker and less intense than the more traditional approach.
Are there different types of tummy tucks?
Yes, there are different types of tummy tucks. The decision regarding which type of tummy tuck to undergo depends on a variety of patient-specific factors. The most common types of tummy tucks include a Full Tummy Tuck also known as Abdominoplasty, and a Mini Tummy Tuck.
A Full Tummy Tuck is the more extensive procedure and typically requires an abdominoplasty procedure. During a Full Tummy Tuck, the surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen and remove a full layer of skin, fat and tissue.
The remaining abdominal skin and muscle wall are then tightened and moved upward and together to create a smoother and more toned abdomen.
A Mini Tummy Tuck is also known as a Partial Abdominoplasty and is tailored to address isolated pockets of fat and loose skin located only in the lower abdomen. This type of tummy tuck is much less intrusive than the full tummy tuck and is typically used to address relatively small areas of loose skin.
The Mini Tummy Tuck does not require the removal of a full layer of skin, fat and tissue.
Ultimately, the type of tummy tuck to undergo depends on a variety of factors, including the patient’s health and medical history, desired outcomes, and the amount of loose skin and fat to be removed.
Therefore, it is best to speak to your doctor to determine which type of tummy tuck is best suited to meet your individual needs and goals.
What is the difference between a standard tummy tuck and an extended tummy tuck?
A standard tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the mid-section of the body as well as tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
An extended tummy tuck is considered a more extensive procedure and requires a longer incision which runs from hip to hip along the abdomen, granting the surgeon access to the entire abdomen. This procedure may also include liposuction to remove any stubborn fat deposits around the hips, back and sides.
One of the most notable differences between a standard and extended tummy tuck is the amount of scarring that is left behind after the procedure. With a standard tummy tuck the scar is confined to the area surrounding the belly button, while with an extended tummy tuck the scar will span across the entire abdomen.
Furthermore, the extended tummy tuck offers more dramatic results with a flatter and tighter abdomen. It is best suited to those who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy.
In general it is important to note that with any kind of surgical procedure there are risks and potential complications which should be discussed with your surgeon beforehand. Additionally, your surgeon should be able to provide you with detailed information about the specific procedure you should choose depending on your individual needs.
How many sizes do you drop after a tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, you normally drop at least one, if not multiple clothing sizes. This is because of the dramatic transformation that takes place after the procedure. Generally speaking, the contoured shape that results can lead to healthy, sustainable inches lost for patients.
Exactly how many sizes you drop will depend on your current shape, lifestyle and other factors. For example, someone who is close to their ideal weight and has excellent nutrition habits may not drop as many sizes as a person who leads a more sedentary lifestyle.
That said, many patients find that they drop at least one size after a tummy tuck. The procedure eliminates excess fat and excess skin from the abdominal region, creating a leaner, more toned contour.
Some patients even drop two or three sizes after their procedure. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone is unique and your individual results may be different than those of someone else.
The best way to understand what kind of results to expect is to have a candid conversation with your plastic surgeon.
Why are some tummy tuck scars higher than others?
Tummy tuck scars are higher in some patients than others because everyone’s anatomy and healing processes are different. During the tummy tuck procedure, excess skin and fat is removed, and the underlying muscles and connective tissue are tightened.
The size and location of the scar depends on the amount of skin and fat removed and the technique used. A tummy tuck scar can be higher in some patients because they may have more skin or fat to be removed, they may have a tighter or looser skin tone, or they may have a different body shape.
Additionally, the surgeon may need to use a different technique to address each unique patient’s anatomy. The healing process and rate of healing is also unique to each patient. Individuals heal differently depending on various factors, such as age and overall health, so healing can lead to varied scar placement when compared to the placement of the original incision.
Finally, there could be differences in aftercare and follow-up. It is important that individuals follow their doctor’s instructions for aftercare methods, such as wound care and garment-wearing, to avoid any complications and optimize the final scar results.
Why is my upper stomach still big after tummy tuck?
It can be normal to have an upper stomach that still appears full after having a tummy tuck. The stomach muscles may take long to fully recover and it can take anywhere from four to six months before you start to notice a difference in the shape of your stomach.
This is especially true if you had a large amount of excess skin removed during the procedure. It’s important to give your body time to heal and to follow any post-operative instructions given to you by your medical team.
During this time, you should also continue to practice healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to get the most out of your tummy tuck. Additionally, wearing a compression garment after surgery will help the skin to better contour to your body and will also reduce swelling.
In some cases, residual swelling and fat around the abdominal area may still remain, which can give the illusion that the stomach is still big. If this is the case, it may be best to discuss any concerns with your plastic surgeon to determine the measures that you can take to achieve your desired results.
How do I know if I need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck?
It can be difficult to decide if you need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck without consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In general, a full tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty) is best for patients who have concerns below the belly button, such as excess skin and or weakened stomach muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
A mini tummy tuck is indicated for those with minimal issues below the belly button and involves a more minimally-invasive incision. With both procedures excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles can be tightened if necessary.
Your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you which procedure may be best for you, depending on the extent and type of skin laxity you have and any other medical issues that may contribute to your decision.
Be sure to ask your surgeon any questions you may have and ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks associated with it.
What happens to pubic area tummy tuck?
A pubic area tummy tuck, also referred to as a pubic lift, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the pubic area. This is usually done to improve the patient’s body contour and profile.
During the procedure, excess fat, skin, and tissue are removed from the pubic area, which can result in the individual having a more toned, youthful appearance.
The procedure is suited to individuals who have experienced skin laxity in the pubic region due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure, and typically only requires one to two weeks of limited activity and 6 to 8 weeks until some activities, such as exercise, can be resumed.
It is important to note that liposuction or other fat-removing techniques are not typically recommended for the treatment of pubic area fat. During the procedure, any excess fat is removed in order to improve the contour of the pubic area, but the goal of the procedure is not to remove fat.
It is also important to note that a pubic lift may not provide drastic changes to the appearance of the pubic area, and although many patients report satisfaction with their results, there is no guarantee that a drastic change will take place.
Does your pubic area swell after a tummy tuck?
Yes, it is completely normal for the area around your pubic area to swell after a tummy tuck (known as an abdominoplasty). This is due to the skin and fat being stretched during the procedure, as the plastic surgeon tightens the underlying abdominal muscles and re-drapes the skin around the abdomen.
This swelling can cause the pubic area to look slightly larger. The swelling should go down over time, however, some people also experience discomfort and sensitivity in the area. To reduce swelling and help alleviate any discomfort, you should be sure to rest and follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions.
You can also apply cold compresses or wear a tight fitting garment over the area to help reduce swelling. If the swelling persists or you experience any further concerns, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon.
Does FUPA go away after tummy tuck?
Yes, FUPA (which stands for Fatty Upper Pubic Area) typically goes away after a tummy tuck. During a tummy tuck, excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen, which can also remove the fat that accumulates in the area known as FUPA.
The procedure also tightens and repairs the muscles in the abdominal wall, leading to a flatter and smoother abdomen. While it will take some time for your newly reshaped abdomen to fully heal, patients generally start to see the results immediately after the procedure.
Additionally, some patients may also choose to have liposuction performed on the FUPA at the same time. In these cases, the FUPA may be reduced even further. After the full recovery is completed, the patient will be able to appreciate the slim, contoured profile that results from a tummy tuck.
Why do I still have a FUPA after my tummy tuck?
It is possible to still have a FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area) after a tummy tuck, depending on a variety of factors.
The tummy tuck procedure is designed to tighten the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and reposition the belly button. This typically reduces excess fat in the abdominal region and can improve the overall shape of the abdomen for some patients.
However, the tummy tuck surgery does not always completely eliminate a FUPA.
The amount of fat a patient has in their FUPA before surgery and their body fat percentage afterward are two of the biggest determinants of whether or not they will still have a FUPA after the tummy tuck.
Since the FUPA is located outside of the abdominal muscles, the areas that are being tightened during the tummy tuck, it is more difficult to remove fat in this area through the procedure.
In addition, if a patient has put on weight after their tummy tuck, it is possible for the FUPA to return. This is why it is important for a patient to make lifestyle changes and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen after the surgery to ensure that their results from the tummy tuck are long lasting.
If a patient still feels dissatisfied with the appearance of their FUPA after the tummy tuck, they may consider other procedures such as liposuction or CoolSculpting to help reduce the fat in this area.
Your surgeon can help you decide which procedure is best for you and your individual goals.
How long does it take to shrink your FUPA?
Losing fat from your FUPA (also known as Frontal Upper Pubic Area) depends on a variety of factors—from your current lifestyle and diet to your body’s natural metabolism. Generally speaking, it’s important to exercise regularly, adopt a balanced and nutritious diet, and stay hydrated in order to make progress and shrink your FUPA over time.
The amount of time it takes to reduce fat in the FUPA can vary greatly between individuals. Some individuals can see results in a matter of weeks, while others may need months of hard work and dedication to achieve their desired results.
Although effective spot reduction from a specific area of the body is not possible, you can target fat in your FUPA by combining a routine of strength-training exercises to build muscle and lose fat with cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, or cycling to burn calories and improve your overall health.
In addition to exercise, you should eat a balanced and nutritious diet to support your goals. Eat foods rich in lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats and limit the intake of processed and sugary foods.
Also be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your body functioning optimally.
Ultimately, how long it takes to reduce your FUPA is largely dependent on how rigorous and consistent you are with your fitness and nutrition plan. With dedication, commitment, and regular exercise, you should expect to see results over the months ahead.
Will my FUPA ever go away?
It is possible that your FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area) can go away with a combination of diet and exercise, but it depends on the individual, their genetics, and the amount of fat that is present. It is said that the FUPA is one of the hardest areas to target for weight loss, so it will take dedication and hard work to achieve your desired results.
To reduce the fat in the area, a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and a healthy diet (low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates) is recommended. Cardio exercise, such as jogging, walking, biking, or swimming, helps to burn calories and fat.
Incorporating strength training, like squats and lunges, into your workout routine will help build muscle, burn calories, and trim fat. Additionally, engaging in HIIT (high-intensity interval training) can help achieve maximum results when it comes to weight loss in any area of the body.
Finally, ensuring that your diet is rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, as well as foods that are high in fiber can help increase your body’s natural calorie-burning abilities over time.
Will my tummy tuck bulge go away?
That depends on what type of tummy tuck you had done, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Generally speaking, the bulge you may have experienced in the first weeks after surgery should go away as the swelling subsides and the area continues to heal.
If you had a mini or full abdominoplasty, you may find that it takes up to a few months for the final shape of your abdomen to become apparent.
The most important thing to remember is that all surgical procedures involve some recovery time and that you should be patient and don’t expect instantaneous results. As you heal, your surgeon will closely monitor your progress and advise you on any follow-up procedures or lifestyle changes that may be necessary.
This can include changes in diet and exercise, as well as wearing specialized compression garments or bandages. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully—this can speed up the healing process and ensure that you end up with the most aesthetically pleasing results.
How long does a tummy tuck last?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can provide a more toned and slim abdominal appearance. It is meant to be a permanent solution to reduce bulges of skin and fat. The results of the procedure typically last a long time, without the need for maintenance or additional surgery.
One of the most important factors that affects how long a tummy tuck will last is the quality of the surgery and the post-operative care. The surgery should be performed carefully, and post-operative instructions must be followed strictly for the best results.
With careful technique and good post-operative care, most tummy tuck results will last upwards of 10-15 years.
Additionally, how long a tummy tuck lasts depends on the health and lifestyle of the patient. People who exercise and maintain a good, healthy diet after their procedure will usually find that their tummy tuck results last for much longer than those who do not.
Weight fluctuations or pregnancies can also cause changes to the results of the tummy tuck.
To maintain their results, patients should continue to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to discourage the accumulation of extra fat in the abdominal area. Additionally, they should limit sun exposure and the use of tanning beds, and wear sunscreen to reduce the effects of aging.
