IS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Feeling apprehensive or nervous about the idea of undergoing plastic surgery is completely normal. Since fear of the unknown is common, I’ve written this guide to help you better understand tummy tuck surgery and approach the procedure with confidence. With high-quality information, you’ll be able to schedule your consultation with less anxiety and greater assurance.
To begin, I recommend starting your research on the website of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (www.cirurgiaplastica.org.br), the most reputable organization in this field in Brazil. However, if you’ve already covered the basics and are ready to dive deeper into the subject, this guide is perfect for you.
In this guide, we’ll provide more detailed explanations about tummy tuck surgery in an accessible, easy-to-read language, drawing from my 20 years of medical experience. The information here will also help you evaluate your surgeon during your initial consultation.
WHAT IS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Tummy tuck surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a highly sought-after procedure, especially in three scenarios: after pregnancy, following significant weight loss, or when loose abdominal skin affects the aesthetics of your body contour. This surgery can help sculpt your abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles.
However, it’s important to understand that this is a complex surgery. Your satisfaction with the final results will largely depend on your surgeon’s skill in applying the correct combination of techniques. That’s why reading this guide carefully is essential.
SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A FULL OR MINI TUMMY TUCK?
Naturally, everyone wants the best results with the smallest scar possible. For several years, I frequently recommended mini tummy tucks. However, my experience has shown that a full tummy tuck, performed with the smallest scar feasible, produces visibly superior results.
Here’s why: in a mini tummy tuck, the detachment area is much smaller, making it difficult to fully tighten the muscles and remove as much skin as in a full tummy tuck. Additionally, mini tummy tucks often result in a lower navel position, which may not look natural.
For patients with skin laxity but no indication for a full tummy tuck, I usually recommend liposuction with skin removal in a fusiform shape. Ultimately, it’s essential to consult a qualified surgeon to determine the best procedure for your needs.
POST-SURGERY CARE AND PREGNANCY AFTER A TUMMY TUCK
Tummy tuck surgery is a complex procedure that corrects loose abdominal muscles, removes fat, and eliminates large amounts of skin. In some cases, large fusiform sections measuring up to 50 cm x 20 cm are removed.
Due to this, multiple layers are sutured to ensure proper alignment. For this reason, patients are asked to walk slightly bent forward for 15 days to protect the scar and prevent it from widening. Wearing a compression garment and undergoing lymphatic drainage massages are mandatory. After this type of surgery, pregnancy is still possible and poses no contraindications.
CAN TUMMY TUCK SURGERY BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?
It’s very common to combine a tummy tuck with mastopexy or breast augmentation (refer to the Breast Surgery Guide). These surgeries complement each other, simplify recovery, and make post-op care easier since the compression garment covers both areas.
Another common combination is a tummy tuck with liposuction of the back. This pairing works well since there are virtually no back dressings required, and the compression garment will already support the treated areas.
Many patients also ask about combining abdominal liposuction with a tummy tuck. Yes, I always start the procedure with thorough liposuction in the abdominal area. Removing only skin is insufficient—it’s essential to contour the body, slim the waist, and reduce any bulges above the navel. This result can only be achieved when liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck. However, I must be transparent: not all surgeons recommend performing both procedures simultaneously.
HOW TO ACHIEVE A NATURAL AND WELL-CONTOURED LOOK?
Not everyone is aware, but the ideal waist-to-hip ratio for women is approximately 70%. To achieve this, the first technique I use is an intensive tightening of the abdominal muscles, especially in patients who have had children. This significantly narrows the waist.
The second technique involves carefully sculpting the lateral abdomen to create the classic hourglass shape. Without this step, the patient may end up with a flat but square-shaped abdomen that looks less feminine.
Lastly, I take special care to create a natural-looking navel. Using deep sutures, I achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result, often better than the navel’s appearance before the surgery.
Dr. Alexandre Charão is available for consultations in Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis. For more information, please get in touch.
