How Long Do the Results of 3D Abdominoplasty Typically Last?

Tummy tuck surgery — or abdominoplasty — is one of the most commonly performed procedures across the country each year. While the improvements made with a traditional tummy tuck can certainly be stunning, 3D abdominoplasty often gives patients the opportunity to achieve an even more dramatic and complete transformation by addressing the lower back and flanks in addition to the lower abdomen. For many men and women, one of the first questions they ask about tummy tuck surgery is how long their results will last. While the answer can vary from person to person, some general expectations for 3D tummy tuck results are outlined here by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan and the knowledgeable team at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics in Oklahoma City, OK — along with some helpful tips for maintaining your tummy tuck results for as long as possible.

What's the difference between a regular tummy tuck and a 3D tummy tuck?

To ensure the most well-rounded, complete, and proportional outcome possible, Dr. Sawan utilizes the unique 3D abdominoplasty approach, which takes a traditional abdominoplasty one step further by addressing the lower back and flanks in addition to the abdomen. During a 3D tummy tuck, Dr. Sawan can excise loose, excess skin and remove stubborn fat via liposuction in these areas to create a smoother, slimmer figure that can be appreciated from all sides. Additionally, the belly button is often repositioned during a 3D tummy tuck for a more natural and appropriate placement on the midsection.

Is tummy tuck surgery permanent?

The results of a tummy tuck — or a 3D tummy tuck — can last for years or even decades, but this depends heavily on how closely the patient adheres to their short- and long-term postoperative care instructions. In particular, maintaining a healthy, stable weight after tummy tuck surgery plays a critical role in how long the results of abdominoplasty may last. For the longest-lasting tummy tuck results, it is important to follow Dr. Sawan's postoperative instructions closely, which will vary from patient to patient, depending on the details of the case. In general, tips for maintaining tummy tuck results include:

• Avoid weight fluctuation
• Wait until you have finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck
• Adhere to a regular exercise regimen
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Do not smoke

While subtle changes after 3D tummy tuck surgery may be unavoidable over time, such as the natural progression of skin laxity, many patients are able to enjoy an overall slimmer and smoother figure in the long term by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.

What happens if I get pregnant after tummy tuck surgery?

Generally speaking, women are encouraged to defer their abdominoplasty until they are done having children, but this may not always be possible. If a patient does become pregnant after a tummy tuck, a repeat procedure may be necessary in the future to restore her original results if desired.

Look good from every angle with a 3D tummy tuck in Oklahoma City, OK

If you're like many patients, your loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat aren't isolated to the front of your abdomen alone. With 3D tummy tuck surgery at Sawan Surgical Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan addresses the abdomen, love handles, and lower back to give you the complete transformation you can feel confident about. Take the first step toward a new you today by calling to schedule your Oklahoma City, OK tummy tuck consultation.