Tummy Tuck
TUMMY TUCK NEW ORLEANS
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck, also known as an “abdominoplasty,” is a cosmetic surgery performed to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area to improve contour and appearance. In most cases, the muscles of the abdominal wall (rectus muscles or abs) are tightened, ultimately improving the tone and shape of the abdomen, creating a flatter stomach and slimmer waistline without doing a million sit ups.
Popular with both men and women, tummy tucks are ideal who are struggling with skin laxity or stubborn fat pockets after pregnancy or significant weight loss. While a tummy tuck isn’t an alternative to weight loss, it helps to create a flatter abdominal area and smaller waist when diet and exercise attempts have failed.
Continue reading to learn more about abdominoplasty with a board-certified plastic surgeon from the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, or schedule online today!
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TUMMY TUCK?
For your safety and comfort, your tummy tuck will be performed using general anesthesia at our local New Orleans surgical center. Incisions are made just above the pubic area and around the navel to remove the excess skin and fatty tissue in the stomach region. Separated abdominal muscles are also tightened. After removing excess tissues, the belly button is reoriented to a natural, youthful position.
To achieve the best results, there are a variety of specific techniques your doctor may employ during the procedure. During your initial consultation, our surgeons will discuss the appropriate technique, answer your questions, and address any concerns you have regarding the surgery. Our experts want you to leave your consultation feeling comfortable, informed, and prepared.
WHAT CAN AN ABDOMINOPLASTY ACCOMPLISH?
While many people want and strive for a flat, well-toned abdomen or tummy, reaching that goal can be difficult. More often than not, diet and exercise are not enough to get that desired look. It’s common for people from all walks of life to develop an abdomen that protrudes unwanted loose and sagging skin due to the following:
- Age
- Genes
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Fluctuations in Weight
Therefore, an individual may pursue a tummy tuck surgery. Specifically, tummy tucks can accomplish the following:
- Flatten the Abdomen
- Slim the Waistline
- Reduce Cellulite
- Remove or Diminish Stretch Marks
- Remove Sagging, Slack Skin
- Repair Separated Abdominal Muscles
Other benefits of a tummy tuck include improved posture, an easier ability to maintain weight loss, an increased exercise tolerance, and a boost in self-confidence.
It’s important to discuss your particular desires with your surgeon to achieve optimal results, and it’s important to have realistic expectations from your New Orleans tummy tuck surgery. It is also important to note that tummy tucks are not intended to replace diet and exercise – both of these components should still be incorporated into your healthy lifestyle.
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY
Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery, patients typically to take one to two weeks off from work. Avoid demanding exercise or heavy lifting for six to eight weeks.
Post-surgery, New Orleans tummy tuck patients should expect the abdomen to feel tight and sore. For the first several days following your procedure, it will be difficult to stand in an upright position.
To minimize discomfort, your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. You will also be fitted with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Drains will be placed to remove potential fluid buildup but are typically taken out within a few days.
Cleanse incisions daily with mild soap and water. Any
external stitches will be removed during your post-operative examination.
It’s important to thoroughly follow all your surgeon’s instructions provided to you prior to the tummy tuck surgery. However, we welcome questions after your procedure. If you feeling abnormal pain or discomfort at any time post-surgery, contact the board-certified plastic surgeons at New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery.
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Let our results set your expectations. View our gallery to see more stunning before and afters.
TUMMY TUCK RESULTS
Following your New Orleans tummy tuck, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Final results of the procedure may not be immediately noticeable, due to swelling and the inability to stand upright. Yet, within a week or two, not only will you be standing taller but will also notice your new, slimmer abdominal profile.
The results of your tummy tuck surgery can long-lasting, especially if you sustain a stable weight, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. If you plan on having children in the near future, our plastic surgeons recommend waiting to have a tummy tuck until a year after you’ve given birth.
For the best results, at the time of the tummy tuck, patients should be near their ideal weight and should not plan future pregnancies. In fact, substantial weight loss or gain or pregnancy after a tummy tuck could have deleterious consequences on the results, so it’s important to be at a stable weight to maintain long-lasting results.
Liposuction can be performed as part of the tummy tuck to remove excess fat around the waist. If you only have excess fat in the abdominal area, and no loose skin, liposuction alone might be sufficient. During your consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons, your surgeon will examine you, and inform you whether he recommends liposuction, or liposuction in addition to the tummy tuck.
FAQS: TUMMY TUCK IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans tummy tucks can be appropriate for both men and women. Regardless of gender, it’s imperative for the individual to be in good health and not have any serious or pre-diagnosed medical conditions.
Candidates should be both mentally and emotionally stable, as it will require a lot of patience to fully heal and recover from the procedure.
When you schedule your tummy tuck, you should be close to your ideal weight, meaning you don’t plan on losing any more weight. Losing more weight post-operatively could result in excess skin and fat, requiring a revision procedure. It’s just as important to avoid weight gain to sustain your results.
There is no best or ideal age to pursue a tummy tuck. Though, as mentioned, women should consider waiting to have a tummy tuck procedure performed until after they’re done having children.
Every individual has a different pain tolerance. You can expect to feel some pain post-surgery, for which your doctor will prescribe medication.
It is best to go into your tummy tuck with a light, positive attitude. Of course, you will still feel a certain amount of discomfort, but it has been proven that patients who are less anxious or nervous often feel less pain or discomfort afterward.
While pain is subjective, scars are not, meaning this is not a scar-free surgery. The size of your scar(s) will reflect the amount of skin to be removed. However, our skilled and experienced plastic surgeons will use techniques to minimize or place scars in inconspicuous areas that can be covered by clothing.
As with any type of surgery, there is always the potential for risks, such as infection, tissue necrosis, blood clots, poor wound healing, or other complications. To avoid these risks, it’s recommended that you stop smoking before and after surgery and take proper care of your incisions. The risks are greatly minimized when you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Do you want to learn more about a New Orleans tummy tuck? Or, perhaps you’re ready to schedule a consultation? If so, contact the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery today by calling (504) 533-8848.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. We advise patients to be within 10 pounds of their optimal body weight before undergoing abdominoplasty. We want to see a BMI of 35 or less before surgery.
At our New Orleans practice, the cost for a tummy tuck is determined by multiple factors. These include the extent of the operation, whether you decide to combine it with other treatments or not, anesthesia fees, and surgical facility cost. You will receive an itemized quote after your consultation.
Begin with light activities, like walking or riding a stationary bike, a day or so after your surgery. You shouldn’t resume strenuous exercise for at least six weeks after the operation. It’s important to gradually return to your regular workout routine. Avoid core training for at least two months.
While tummy tuck scars remain after surgery, most are low on the abdomen, allowing them to be easily hidden under clothing. Scars fade gradually over time, but it can take 6 months to a year to flatten, fade, or soften.
As our surgeons are body contouring specialists, our incisions are placed in the least conspicuous abdominal areas. We will also guide you through treating your incisions and minimizing scar appearance in the long term.
A tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and removes stretch marks below your navel. Stretch marks above the belly button are typically repositioned and smoother.
For patients who don’t require abdominal muscle repair and have only minor fat deposits and abdominal skin the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. The incision is smaller than that of a full abdominoplasty tummy tuck, making a mini tummy tuck less extensive. By focusing on the area below the belly button, it’s an excellent option for those seeking subtle contouring and a smoother, more refined abdominal area without the need for full muscle tightening.
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