The abdominal area is a common area of concern for our patients. Many women and men have a tendency to carry more stubborn fat in this area, and abdominal weakness or separation can cause aesthetic concerns as well as physical discomfort. If you are unhappy with the shape of your abdomen, you can consider a tummy tuck surgery.
At DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery in Southlake, TX, we offer a wide range of surgical procedures to contour your body and help you reach your desired aesthetic goals. At our practice, we are here to serve you and help you find the right treatments and procedures to help you look your best.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that restructures and reshapes the abdomen through the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the abdominal wall. During this procedure, an incision is made from hip to hip just above the pelvis. Excess fat is removed using liposuction if necessary. Then the muscles are sutured together to form a stronger wall. Finally, the skin is pulled back down, excess skin is removed from the bottom, a new hole is made for the belly button, and the incision is closed. The results of this surgery offer a flatter and more toned stomach.
A mini abdominoplasty is a similar surgery, but only addresses the area below the navel. The belly button typically is not repositioned, and the incision is smaller.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Removal of Excess Skin
If you have excess skin on your abdominal area from multiple pregnancies or weight loss, surgery may be the best option for making the area smooth again. Removing excess skin from the lower part of your abdomen can also remove any stretch marks that are in this area.
Removal of Excess Fat
Removal of excess fat isn’t necessary with every tummy tuck surgery. However, if you do have fat in this area that you would like to reduce, we can perform liposuction surgery at the same time to contour your abdomen and give it a better shape.
Tightening of Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy and other situations can cause abdominal muscles to separate. For some people it is difficult to strengthen the abdominal muscles and bring them back together without surgery. A tummy tuck addresses ab separation giving you a stronger abdominal wall that is easier to maintain once you recover from your surgery.
Improved Posture and Physical Comfort
Ab separation, excess skin, and excess fat can sometimes cause physical discomfort. It can also be difficult to have a good posture when your core strength is lacking. By strengthening your abdominal muscles through abdominoplasty, we can reduce some of the strain on other parts of your body leading to relief from back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Reduced Urinary Incontinence
Stress incontinence can often come from a weakened core and pelvic floor. By addressing your weakened abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck procedure, we can often help to resolve problems with urinary incontinence, allowing you to cough, sneeze, or jump without experiencing leaks.
Reduced Risk of Hernias
Hernias can occur when there is muscle separation. Abdominoplasty surgery can help prevent hernias from happening by bringing your abdominal muscles back together. In some situations, mild hernias can also be resolved through a tummy tuck, but this needs to be addressed on a case by case basis.
Before and After Tummy Tuck
What to Expect From a Tummy Tuck Procedure
What Is the Procedure Like?
A tummy tuck surgery, while an extensive procedure, can often still be performed on an outpatient basis. During your appointment, you will be placed under general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous anesthesia depending on the situation. Next, the incision will be created above the pubic hairline. The muscles will be repaired and tightened and the fat and excess skin will be removed. The belly button will be repositioned and sutured into a new opening. The incision will be closed. At our practice, we are often able to perform tummy tuck surgery without the insertion of drains.
When you wake up from surgery, you will be placed in a recovery room. In some cases, a hospital stay may be recommended. You will be given a compression garment that should be worn for the next six to eight weeks or more. You can expect to stay home and recover for the first week or two after your surgery. You should rest, take care of your body, and avoid any major exertion. You will come in for post-operative appointments to remove the drain if necessary and to check on your healing progress.
Will I Have a Scar?
Yes, you will have a scar from your abdominoplasty. However, this scar is placed in a discreet location so that it will be invisible while wearing a swimsuit or other clothing. A scar from a mini abdominoplasty will be smaller and less noticeable.
Tummy Tuck Procedures With Board-Certified Surgeons
If you want a more contoured stomach, you have back pain from weak abdominal muscles and excess skin, or you have severe ab separation, you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. At DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery, we look forward to hearing from you and addressing your concerns during our personalized consultations. Call us today or contact us online to learn more about our tummy tucks in Southlake, TX.
