TUMMY TUCK SHREVEPORT, LA
Procedures
Bringing children into the world is a joy that comes with some physical reminders. Many mothers find themselves with stretched, saggy skin after bearing children. Good news: you won’t have to deal with this forever. A Shreveport tummy tuck can transform your body to its pre-pregnancy state by tightening abdominal muscles and removing excess fat.
If you yearn for the body you once had, contact the Plastic Surgery Center. Shreveport plastic surgeon Dr. Forrest Wall and his staff take pride in helping our patients become comfortable in their skin again.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Many people desire a flat, well-toned midsection and work toward this goal with a diet and exercise. These methods, however, may not be sufficient on their own. Those with average body weight and proportions may develop a protruding abdomen or loose and sagging skin.
A plastic surgeon trims fat and skin from the lower midsection and tightens the abdominal wall during a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This major surgery can drastically reduce the appearance of a protruding belly. Women whose abdomens stretched during multiple pregnancies benefit greatly from abdominoplasty. The procedure is also beneficial for those who have lost significant weight but still have sagging or loose skin.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck?
Men or women in good health and shape who maintain a stable weight are the best abdominoplasty candidates. These individuals are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. Those considering losing a significant amount of weight, or women still planning future pregnancies, may want to wait before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.
Who Should Not Get a Tummy Tuck?
A woman planning future pregnancies should hold off on undergoing a tummy tuck. The surgery tightens the abdomen’s vertical muscles. Pregnancy may negate your surgery by separating these muscles.
Abdominoplasty is not ideal for those working to lose significant weight. The procedure should not be used as a weight-loss alternative. Rather, it is a last resort when other weight loss methods prove ineffective.
Finally, scarring is an inevitable result of abdominoplasty. Patients concerned about their tummy tuck scar should consult their plastic surgeon about incision length and placement.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A full tummy tuck includes the following steps:
Anesthesia
Your surgical team administers medications during the procedure to ensure your comfort. Your physician may recommend general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Incision
During a complete abdominoplasty, your surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the belly button and pubic area. The cut stretches from hipbone to hipbone; however, the amount of excess skin determines its shape and length. Often, the surgeon also makes an incision around the belly button.
Procedure
Your surgeon separates the skin and abdominal wall and removes excess skin and fat. They then tighten the loose abdominal muscles, stretch the remaining skin downward, and trim the excess. Finally, your cosmetic surgeon slips drainage tubes under the skin to prevent excess fluid build-up.
Closing the Incisions
Your plastic surgeon closes the incisions with skin adhesives, sutures, clips, or tapes.
Depending on your specific needs and procedure, a tummy tuck may take one to five hours, and you may require an overnight stay in the hospital. For approximately six weeks, you’ll wear an abdominal binder that supports the healing muscles and helps avoid fluid accumulation.
Tummy Tuck Risks
A complete tummy tuck is major surgery. As such, this reconstructive procedure includes various risks:
- Seroma: Drains are placed after the surgery to reduce the risk of fluid accumulation under the skin. Your plastic surgeon may also remove excess serous fluid with a syringe or needle.
- Infection and Blood Clots: These complications are unusual and easily treated.
- Poor Healing: Areas along the incision line may begin to separate or heal poorly. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics during and after surgery for infection prevention.
- Scarring: Tummy tuck leaves a permanent scar hidden along the bikini line. Scar length and visibility vary per patient. However, some scarring may require removal with subsequent surgery.
- Tissue Damage: Fatty tissue deep within the abdomen may be damaged or die during the procedure. The tissue may heal on its own or require a touch-up. The risk of tissue damage increases with smoking.
Patients who smoke, have diabetes, poor circulation, liver, heart, or lung disease are more likely to develop complications.
Mini Tummy Tuck
There are other alternatives to abdominoplasty, such as the mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck improves the appearance of the abdomen below the navel.
Another option is undergoing liposuction to remove the abdominal fat. Many patients receive liposuction in conjunction with their tummy tuck. Please consult your plastic surgeon about which procedure will best meet your needs.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Both liposuction and abdominoplasty sculpt the stomach area for a smoother, toned appearance. Plastic surgeons usually perform liposuction on patients with excess fat deposits in targeted body areas. These areas include the thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, or back. Ideal candidates have firm, elastic skin that snaps back into place after the fat removal.
A tummy tuck is often the best choice for patients with loose or sagging skin because it removes excess skin. Individuals with excess fat and loose skin may undergo a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction to achieve maximum results.
Your plastic surgeon discusses options for achieving your goals and determines the best procedure based on your desired aesthetic.
What Tummy Tuck Surgery Can’t Do
Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for an effective exercise program or weight loss. And although results are typically permanent, significant weight fluctuations may negatively impact results. Patients who may lose considerable weight or women still bearing children should postpone tummy tuck plans.
In addition, a tummy tuck cannot remove stretch marks unless they are on the removed skin.
If you’re looking to achieve the look of a flat back, get rid of bra line bulges, ask about our Shreveport bra line back fat procedure during your initial consultation.
Tummy Tuck Recovery and Outlook
Most patients are pleased with their abdominal area after their surgery. However, it may take months to feel like your normal self. You may need to take off work for up to a month while you heal. Patients may control pain and discomfort with medication and must wear a compression garment for several weeks.
A tummy tuck is a significant investment – physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, it is vital that you maintain your new look with a proper diet and exercise regimen.
After your tummy tuck procedure, you’ll have a firmer, flatter abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Cost Near Me
Depending on whether your procedure includes liposuction, the cost may vary. Factors such as a patient’s weight and amount of excess skin play a part. Surgery costs average from $3,000 to $12,000.
You’ll need to schedule a consultation with a Shreveport plastic surgeon to receive accurate and personalized cost information. Tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery, so it isn’t covered by medical insurance. However, the Plastic Surgery Center offers convenient financing and payment options for our patients.
Contact Dr. Forrest Wall and his talented team at the Plastic Surgery Center to begin your journey to the sleek physique you crave. Dr. Wall has extensive experience creating the perfect look for patients. Please call us at (318) 221-1629 to schedule your consultation!
