Abdominoplasty Plano
Tummy Tucks: The Basics
Tummy tuck procedures are for women or men who are bothered by large fat deposits or loose skin that just will not respond to regular diet or exercise. Abdominoplasty is beneficial for those with stretched skin or muscle on their abdominals (due to excessive weight gain, or childbirth). Although liposuction can remove the fat deposits, no skin is removed in the process; skin tightening is not a feature of liposuction, particularly in cases where excess skin is present. On the other hand, a tummy tuck procedure can remove large amounts of excess skin, while simultaneously tightening the muscles. Often, a flat abdomen is uncovered after the excesses fat and skin has been removed.
About the Tummy Tuck Procedure
Generally, a tummy tuck will take 2-3 hours to perform, and is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. This procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation. To begin, an incision is made in the area above the pubic region; the incision often extends hipbone to hipbone. Our doctors are careful to make the incision low enough so that any scarring can be hidden by most swimsuits. That said, however, the location of the scar can be negotiated to some extent based on what the patient is comfortable with. For cases in which the underlying muscles will be tightened, permanent, non-dissolving sutures (surgical stitches) are used to flatten the stomach. Following the incision, excess skin is removed. To complete the procedure, your doctor will create a new opening for the navel. After surgery, a special type of surgical tape covers the incision.
It is recommended that patients take one to two weeks for recovery, however, this may vary depending on your lifestyle, and the type/degree of the abdominoplasty procedure. However, extremely strenuous activity should be avoided for three to six weeks. Walking is encouraged following a tummy tuck as it may minimize post-operative complications.
Tummy Tucks in Dallas & Plano
The American Institute for Plastic Surgery is located in Plano, but we serve patients throughout Dallas, Texas. Our facility boasts three board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in abdominoplasty procedures: Dr. Dulin, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Raphael. During the consultation, we will detail how much skin/fat will be removed, and what you should expect following a tummy tuck. We will also show you where the scar will appear, and inform you of possible complications of this surgery. Finally, we will decide if muscle tightening is necessary for you to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Tummy Tuck Photo Gallery:
Take a look at some of our patients “before and after” photos following a tummy tuck procedure. For more detail, click on any individual image.
Individual results may vary.
