TUMMY TUCK
(ABDOMINOPLASTY)
A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the shape of the abdomen and removes excess skin. It is often accompanied by repair of separated abdominal muscles (AKA “Ab muscles”) as well as Liposuction to remove fat and give the optimal abdominal contour.
Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
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Patients with loose skin on the abdomen, especially under the belly button
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Women who have had children with resultant stretching of abdominal muscles
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Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight
What should a patient expect during and after a Tummy Tuck?
After a tummy tuck, you will be encouraged to walk but should not perform heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Your results will continue to improve with time as swelling subsides, with final results in 3-6 months.
What results can a patient expect from a Tummy Tuck?
A standard tummy tuck can:
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Remove excess tissue under the belly button.
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Tighten the abdomen by bringing the ab muscles together.
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Remove stretch marks in the boundaries of the tissue that is removed.
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Remove previous scars, such as C section scars, in the boundaries of the tissue that is removed.
What a tummy tuck does not do:
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It does not remove all the fullness in the upper abdomen, especially if there are skin folds in this location. This is addressed by a reverse abdominoplasty.
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It will not remove scars or stretch marks outside of the area of planned resection.
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It will improve the waistline, but it will not improve significant back rolls or affect the shape of the buttocks. To address excess tissue on the lower or upper back or buttocks, an Upper or Lower Body Lift is required.
Does a Tummy Tuck address the upper abdomen and/or back?
A traditional Abdominoplasty can address excess fat and sagging skin on the abdomen. However, it can improve but cannot completely remove a large amount of sagging skin in the upper abdomen under the pecs or breasts. This must be addressed by a separate procedure called a Reverse Abdominoplasty. This procedure removes excess sagging skin below the breasts/pecs and hides the majority of the scar in the natural curve under the breast/pecs.
While an abdominoplasty only addresses tissue in the front of the abdomen, and a butt lift only addresses excess tissue on the lower back and upper buttocks, a Lower Body Lift or Extended Abdominoplasty addresses the front and back in one procedure, contouring the abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, and buttocks through one continuous tissue removal all the way around. This can rejuvenate all of these areas and is a powerful tool to lift the buttocks and thighs and contour the waist to a more youthful look.
Tummy Tuck Before and Afters
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Body Lift & Extended Tummy Tuck Before and Afters
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How visible will the scars be after my procedure? Is the benefit worth the required scars?
At Walker Plastic Surgery, we care about your scars almost as much as you do. As a Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Walker takes pride in optimizing every scar to its best potential. Each patient will naturally be prone to making a certain type of scar color, thickness, and width, but our promise at Walker Plastic Surgery is to do everything in our power to make the scars as hidden, as small, and as blended as possible to the surrounding skin. To do this, we use a multi stage evaluation and treatment method consisting of scar evaluations throughout your healing process. Using industry leading technology, we counsel and provide our patients with access to multiple scar reducing treatments including:
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High quality, low tension skin closure and well designed scars
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Early application of Medical Grade scar cream
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Medical Grade Suncreen to prevent sun damage to sun exposed scars
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Steroid injections as needed for scars that are raised or thicker than desired
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Microneedling and/or Morpheus 8 Radiofrequency Microneedling for thickened scars or poor scar texture
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Laser IPL Treatments for red pigment in scars
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Hydroquinone lightening cream for brown pigment in scars
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Scar revisions, usually under local anesthesia, for areas of scars less than optimal after final healing.
The scar healing process takes approximately 1-2 years from surgery to final result, and therefore we offer our patients multiple evaluations during the healing process so that proper treatments at the proper times for the best healing possible. With this multi stage evaluation and treatment scar program, we continue to put emphasis into producing the highest quality scars possible for our patients. Don't let the fear of a scar prevent you from having the shape and contour you deserve!
Examples of Long Term Scar Results after Optimization
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To schedule an appointment, online consultation, or learn more about a Tummy Tuck, please Contact Us or call us at (469) 899-8758.
What financing options exist for treatments at Walker Plastic Surgery?
Walker Plastic Surgery has partnered with Care Credit to help our patients finance the costs of their procedures. The CareCredit card is North America’s leading patient payment program. The CareCredit card is easy to use, includes no hidden costs, and can be applied towards both surgical costs and follow-up appointments.
Through their website, you can access tools like the payment calculator and even find out if you qualify for a CareCredit card by starting a commitment free, instant application.