Tummy Tuck FAQ

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you probably want to know more about what to expect. Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions our patients have about tummy tucks. You can also request a consultation with us for more information.

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a procedure that helps Tampa men and women repair lax or separated abdominal muscles to slim and reshape the belly. Any excess skin and tissue are removed at the same time. In some cases, liposuction may be included for further body contouring.

Dr. Castellano offers an innovative approach toward abdominoplasty called the Avelar Tummy Tuck. This procedure, pioneered by Brazilian surgeon Dr. Juarez M. Avelar, uses smaller incisions, incorporates liposuction and offers patients a faster recovery time. The same slimmer, smoother body contours can be achieved with the Avelar Tummy Tuck as with traditional abdominoplasty.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are those who are already within a few pounds of their ideal weight, and who enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Men and women considering tummy tucks should also be in good general physical and mental health, and have realistic expectations about their results.

Everyone wants the best tummy tuck results so that they can enjoy the tight, toned abdomen they envision. You may have found several tummy tuck surgeons near you in Tampa, but not all of them can deliver the results you want. Dr. Castellano and his team have decades of aesthetic experience and hundreds of satisfied repeat patients. During your consultation, you can see more before and after images and find out how we are able to reshape your midsection with a tummy tuck and other body contouring plastic surgery options.

Although women do see major changes in their abdomen following pregnancy, men can certainly notice similar changes in muscle tone as they age. Either men or women who go through rapid weight loss can be left with loose folds of skin that can only be resolved through abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Although some amount of fat is removed during the surgery, the best results are seen on men and women who are already at or near their target weight. Abdominoplasty is intended to repair loose muscles and remove excess skin and tissue that diet and exercise are incapable of resolving.

During surgery, Dr. Castellano will make an incision across the very low abdomen, running from hip to hip. If performing an Avelar Tummy Tuck, the incision will be shorter. Through this incision, he’s able to access the underlying musculature of the abdomen. The lax or separated muscles are repaired, making them tighter and firmer. Next, the skin and tissue are redraped over the improved musculature. If liposuction is needed for fine-tuning, the Avelar Tummy Tuck uses a special technique to maintain the blood supply integrity for superior results with fewer complications. Finally, the incision will be sutured using specially layered stitches to minimize scarring.

Following your surgery, you can expect to feel a little sore and uncomfortable at first, especially if trying to stand up straight. Dr. Castellano may ask you to wear a special compression garment to reduce swelling and help keep you comfortable. Most patients are back to their normal daily routine in about two weeks, but more vigorous activities should wait until you feel more comfortable.

Although abdominoplasty can’t be performed without leaving a scar, Dr. Castellano is careful to ensure that the incision placement will be hidden by your favorite underwear or swimsuit. The majority of patients feel that the positive results of their surgery far outweigh concerns over scarring.

You should notice a difference almost right away after your tummy tuck, with the effects becoming more apparent as post-operative swelling dissipates. Most Tampa patients can see their final results after just a few weeks.