Abdominoplasty
Conveniently located to serve Dallas-Ft. Worth and Denton County
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). You may be interested in a tummy tuck in Plano to achieve a fitter and more toned abdomen.
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.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure is one who is interested in body contouring and getting rid of their sagging skin. If you feel unhappy about your abdomen whenever you look into the mirror, you may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.
You’re likely to see better results from the procedure if you’re not a smoker, since smoking negatively affects the healing process. It’s also necessary that you’re a physically healthy individual who can maintain a stable weight. Any fluctuations in weight can have an impact on results.
If you meet these criteria and have realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can achieve, then you may be a good candidate for this popular type of plastic surgery in Dallas.
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, sagging 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.
Abdominoplasty Recovery
It is recommended that patients take one to two weeks for tummy tuck recovery. However, this may vary depending on your lifestyle, and the type/degree of the abdominoplasty procedure.
You will be given detailed instructions by your plastic surgeon about post-operative care, including medications you should be taking, caring for the surgical sites, and the follow-up consultations necessary.
You will need to wear a compression garment so that swelling is minimized and your abdomen heals faster. 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.
The results of your plastic surgery in Dallas are usually evident within a week or two once all swelling is gone.
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 acclaimed and experienced 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.
You and your plastic surgeon will discuss your complete medical history. You should mention any allergies you have, as this can help during the surgical process. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your body contouring procedure.
You will be given a detailed list of medications to stop taking, as these could increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. You must also quit smoking and the consumption of alcohol before the procedure and during the recovery period. The nicotine in cigarettes can slow down the process of healing and can create complications.
Tummy Tuck Cost
In terms of patient financing, we offer Care Credit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, and United Medical Credit to help with tummy tuck cost. The final price of an abdominoplasty is impacted by variables like the techniques used, the amount of tissue removed, and the overall time the procedure takes to perform.
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.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
To arrange a consultation regarding your tummy tuck in Plano, contact the American Institute for Plastic Surgery today and make your appointment. We will be happy to go over before and after photos with you, answer any questions you may have, and get you started on the journey to a sculpted abdomen.
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The surgeons and staff at the American Institute of Plastic Surgery in Plano offer the highest level of professional excellence along with a down-to-earth, caring approach. Call (972) 543-2477 to schedule an appointment.
