You’ve decided to go ahead and have a tummy tuck. You’re excited about the results – a flat, toned stomach. But what about afterwards? What kind of care will you need to take to ensure your surgery is a success? Let’s take a look at the different types of procedures you can have done with your tummy tuck, and how they can help improve your overall look and feel.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and to tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall. This surgery is usually performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight, or who have been pregnant. It can also be done to correct some abdominal birth defects.
A tummy tuck can deliver amazing results on its own, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to offer it a boost.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Good on Its Own?
Absolutely! A tummy tuck can give you the results you want without any additional procedures. However, many people choose to have other procedures done at the same time, such as liposuction or CoolSculpting®. These procedures can help to contour your body and give you an overall more youthful appearance.
What Is Liposuction and How Does it Work?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from the body. It can be used to remove fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Liposuction is usually done with a local anesthetic, and you will be able to go home the same day.
What Is CoolSculpting® and How Does it Work?
CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical procedure that uses cold temperatures to kill fat cells. The treated area will be numb during the procedure, and you may feel some pulling or tugging. After the procedure, you may have some redness and swelling, but this should go away within a few days. You should see some results within 2 to 4 weeks, and the full results after about three months.
Which Is Better: CoolSculpting vs. Lipo?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your goals and what you are looking to achieve. If you are looking for a more dramatic transformation and are OK with the recovery period, then liposuction may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more subtle change or want to skip recovery, then CoolSculpting® may be the better choice.
How Long Do I Need to Wait after My Tummy Tuck for Lipo or CoolSculpting?
It is recommended that you wait at least 8 weeks after your tummy tuck before having any additional procedures. This will give your body time to heal and recover from the surgery. However, if you decide that lipo is the right option for you, this can be added on to your tummy tuck – no need to wait!
As you can see, there are many different options available to you when it comes to your tummy tuck. You can have the surgery on its own, or you can add on other procedures to help contour your body. Liposuction and CoolSculpting® are two popular choices, but there is no right or wrong answer – it really depends on your goals and what you are looking to achieve. Talk with your surgeon about which option is best for you, and be sure to give yourself time to heal after your surgery before having any additional procedures done. With a little bit of planning, you can have the beautiful, toned stomach you’ve always wanted!
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
