Tummy Tuck In St. Louis, MO
Flattens and firms the midsection by removing excess skin and tightening muscles.
Flattens and firms the midsection by removing excess skin and tightening muscles.
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can leave you with excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles that don't respond to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can help you achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. Our team at Nayak Plastic Surgery offers exceptional expertise in tummy tuck procedures. Award-winning fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Milind Kachare offers extensive training and a fine eye for aesthetics, particularly in body contouring procedures like tummy tucks. He is passionate about helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and combines his surgical skills with a focus on natural-looking results.
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. It addresses loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles separated by pregnancy or weight loss, and stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Kachare tightens the underlying muscles, removes excess skin, and repositions the belly button for a flatter, more toned midsection. Dr. Kachare can perform a full tummy tuck for more extensive corrections or a mini tummy tuck for patients with concerns limited to the lower abdomen. There are also other types of tummy tucks available, depending on your individual needs – a consultation with Dr. Kachare will help determine the best option for you.
On the day of your tummy tuck St. Louis plastic surgeon, Dr. Kachare will review the procedure and answer any final questions. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and IV sedation or general anesthesia, which will ensure your comfort. Dr. Kachare will make an incision along the lower abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and reposition the navel if necessary. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours, and most patients are able to go home the same day as surgery.
The specifics will vary based on your chosen technique, but generally, there are several common types of tummy tucks, each tailored to the degree of sagging, excess skin and the desired outcome:
By addressing these areas comprehensively, a tummy tuck can dramatically improve your midsection's appearance and your overall silhouette.
A tummy tuck offers a multitude of benefits, including:
Improved Body Contour:By removing excess skin and tightening muscles, a tummy tuck creates a flatter, more toned midsection, boosting your confidence in fitted clothing.
Enhanced Self-Confidence:It’s hard to explain how much better daily life feels after abdominoplasty. Your wardrobe choices expand, allowing you to try out new clothes (or bring back old favorites). You can enjoy a day at the beach without always looking down or worrying about how you look. It is truly a beautiful thing to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Improved Function:In some cases, weakened abdominal muscles can contribute to back pain or difficulty with certain activities. A tummy tuck can address this issue, leading to improved core strength and function.
Generally, good candidates for a tummy tuck are in overall good health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. Ideal patients often struggle with significant loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen, stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, and weakened abdominal muscles that contribute to a protruding stomach.
During your consultation, Dr. Kachare will discuss your medical history, aesthetic goals, and candidacy for a tummy tuck. He will also go through alternative procedures that could deliver similar results so you can make the best decision for your body.
Recovery from a tummy tuck typically involves 1-2 weeks of restricted activity followed by 4-6 weeks of limited strenuous exercise. Dr. Kachare will provide detailed instructions on post-operative care, including wearing a compression garment to aid healing and minimize swelling, along with follow-up visits to ensure that you’re healing properly. You can expect some discomfort, which can be managed with medication.
St. Louis Tummy Tuck patients will notice an immediate change in their abdominal contour after surgery. Final results will become apparent as swelling subsides over the next few weeks to months. With proper care, the results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, helping you maintain a flatter, more toned midsection for years to come. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Kachare will help ensure your long-term satisfaction with your results.
A tummy tuck removes stretch marks on excised skin, typically below the navel.
Yes, it's often combined with procedures like liposuction or breast surgery (mommy makeover).
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, but you may lose a few pounds of excess skin and fat.
Yes, but Dr. Kachare places the incision low on the abdomen, typically hidden by underwear or swimwear.
Tummy tuck results can be long-lasting with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
While it's possible, we recommend waiting until you're finished having children for optimal, long-lasting tummy tuck results.
You'll be under anesthesia during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is typically manageable with medication.
Light activities can usually resume after 2-3 weeks, with full exercise at 6-8 weeks.
