If you have struggled to achieve a slender and defined abdominal contour through diet and exercise, tummy tuck surgery may be right for you. Men and women can begin to experience abdominal laxity following weight loss, as they age, or after pregnancy. While a healthy lifestyle can eliminate fat, some patients see no improvement in the elasticity of their abdominal skin and muscles. Tummy tuck surgery contours and tightens the abdominal area for an improved physique.
Men and women considering tummy tuck surgery should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight-loss procedure; patients who are at or close to their ideal body weight will achieve optimal results. You shouldn’t smoke for six weeks prior to your surgery. Do not shave your treatment area before your procedure because open pores have an increased risk of becoming infected. Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before your procedure. It is recommended that you follow a light diet and drink plenty of fluids for one week prior to the procedure to avoid abdominal bloating and constipation that could negatively impact your postoperative period and results.
Liposuction may be combined with any tummy tuck technique to further enhance your abdominal definition. Some patients have excess fat around their waistline in addition to the unwanted skin. Liposuction can provide you with the complete, quality results you desire.
A tummy tuck can be performed as a part of the Mommy Makeover, which includes liposuction and breast enhancement procedures. The Mommy Makeover is specifically designed to treat the common problem areas following pregnancy. In a Mommy Makeover, the tummy tuck will restore the attractive appearance of the pre-pregnancy belly.
An inner, outer, or combination thigh lift is designed to restore a slimmer leg appearance. It is common for weight-loss patients to have excess, hanging skin from both their abdomen as well as their thighs. Combining these procedures ensures you achieve the sleeker body results you desire.
The lower body lift includes a tummy tuck and is designed to tighten the lower body following weight loss. In addition to addressing the abdomen, the lower body lift improves the upper thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed using general anesthesia. This helps ensure a safe and painless procedure for the patient.
For several days, you will experience bruising and swelling of the abdomen. A special compression garment will be worn to facilitate the healing process. You will likely experience some swelling that may cause pain or discomfort, but this can be controlled using oral medication. At Southwest Plastic Surgery, we are happy to offer EXPAREL®, which is an anesthetic that lasts three days. The use of EXPAREL® has greatly reduced the amount of pain that patients experience after tummy tuck surgery. Most patients can return to work one week after their procedure but should avoid strenuous physical activities for up to four weeks. Within six weeks, the majority of swelling will subside and your final results will be visible.
Tummy tuck surgery is a routine and safe procedure, posing only mild risks. The most common of these are infection and excessive bleeding. Loss of skin sensation or the development of a seroma can occur, but these incidences are rare.
Dr. Agullo provides his patients with a special lotion designed to help fade any scars or marks that may be created during tummy tuck surgery. Patients who use bioCorneum® will see a visible improvement in the appearance of their scars.
The cost of tummy tuck surgery is determined on an individual basis. External fees and the extent of correction required for your procedure can affect the cost of your procedure. The cost a tummy tuck can range between $7,300 and $13,000.
