The “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty is for men and women bothered by weak abdominal muscles, loose skin, or fat deposits. Multiple pregnancies can stretch a woman’s skin and stomach muscles. Aging may cause a loss of elasticity in older patients. Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is the procedure of choice for these conditions that are difficult to control through diet and exercise. Consult Dallas tummy tuck surgeon Paul Pin, MD, if you are interested in undergoing the abdominoplasty procedure.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Candidates
The best candidates for plastic surgery are people in relatively good shape, but with some excess fat or weak abdominal muscles. If you plan to lose weight or have future pregnancies, you should schedule surgery for a later date. Depending on the amount of fat or skin to be removed, abdominoplasty can often be performed simultaneously with liposuction surgery.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
The procedure, which usually takes two to five hours, is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. Most of our Dallas tummy tuck patients undergo general anesthesia for the tummy tuck procedure. Typically, the cosmetic surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall, tightens the abdominal muscles by pulling them closer together, and sutures them into a new position. The skin is stretched down and additional skin may be removed.
Some patients choose to undergo combination treatment with the tummy tuck procedure; related procedures include liposuction, placement of breast implants, breast lift, and breast reduction.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Depending on the surgical plan, some patients return home the day of surgery, while others may stay overnight. Pain medication is taken for the first few days after the abdominoplasty procedure, while compression garments and ice backs can be used to control bruising and swelling. It is advised that patients avoid showering for at least 48 hours after surgery, and take one to two weeks off of work and other obligations. In general, the majority of the side effects of surgery will go away two weeks after surgery. However, complete swelling could take six weeks to several months to go down. Read our blog post on tummy tuck recovery tips to learn more about what to expect after surgery.
Tummy Tuck Side Effects
After tummy tuck surgery, patients experience the following side effects:
- Discomfort
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Itching around the incision site
- Numbness
Tummy Tuck Risks
The risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Bleeding
- Accumulation of fluid
- Delayed wound healing
- Formation of blood clots
- Permanent numbness
- Skin discoloration
- Nerve damage
Tummy Tuck Results
Many of Dr. Pin’s patients have successfully undergone the tummy tuck procedure. A flatter, trimmer abdomen can make you more comfortable with yourself and confident with others. Although tummy tuck produces excellent results, it does result in scarring. The tummy tuck scars are located in the bikini area, so they remain hidden when you are wearing a bathing suit or underwear. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin removal that is required. Generally, tummy tuck incisions heal quite well, and the resulting scars fade significantly in the year after surgery. About a year after surgery, the final scarring will be visible.
Tummy Tuck Costs
Although our Dallas patients should expect tummy tuck costs to range based on the patient’s needs, Dr. Pin typically charges between $5,500 and $7,500 for treatment
Consult a Dallas Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Contact our board-certified Dallas tummy tuck surgeon, Dr. Paul Pin, to schedule your abdominoplasty consultation at our office. Dr. Pin can discuss abdominoplasty costs, risks, and benefits with you during your appointment.
Related Article: Abdominoplasty after Weight Loss by Dr. Paul Pin