Tummy Tuck

If you intend to lose a lot of weight, wait until after your weight loss to schedule abdominoplasty in Dallas, TX. If you plan on future pregnancies, you should wait to have surgery until you’re finished having children because pregnancy will stretch out your abdomen again. You’re at increased risk for complications if you have diabetes; poor circulation; heart, lung, or liver disease; a family history of blood clots; smoke; take certain medications; or are obese. We can offer tummy tuck surgery to both men and women. If you find yourself upset about sagging skin and pesky pockets of fat in your abdomen, this cosmetic surgery can help to provide a tighter and slimmer look. Dr. Huertas recommends you to be at a healthy, stable weight before undergoing this treatment. 

You will receive a cost estimate before your procedure. For abdominoplasty, patients will be under general anesthesia. There are a number of surgical options to consider for this surgery. To start, Dr. Huertas will determine the incision shape based on the amount of excess skin present. Some patients with an abundance of sagging and loose skin might benefit best from an extended tummy tuck, which places an incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. Other patients who have minimal skin laxity may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These patients still benefit from skin tightening but will simply have a less expansive scar. Regardless of the technique selected, all abdominoplasty procedures at Dallas Cosmetic Center involve the excision of hanging skin, fat removal, and tightening of abdominal muscles. Serious complications after tummy tuck surgery are uncommon. However, any surgery carries risk, and there are specific complications associated with this procedure. We can talk about the risks and benefits in-depth at your consultation.

After your tummy tuck in Dallas, TX, we’ll monitor you before releasing you to recover at home. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. Walking and standing will be slow-going for a while, so you should rest for several days. Walking should get easier once your muscles relax and the incision heals. You should be able to resume most of your normal routine about two weeks after surgery. You should wait to exercise for about eight weeks or until Dr. Huertas clears you to do so. The abdominal area will likely feel tight and uncomfortable, but you should feel normal after you recover.

What will my scars look like?
A tummy tuck does not remove stretch marks on your mid or upper abdomen, but it will shift them lower on your abdomen. There will be a scar extending across the lowest part of your abdomen, just above the bikini line, as well as a second scar around your belly button if it requires transposition. These scars can usually be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Scars may worsen during the first 3 – 6 months as they heal, but this is normal. It generally takes about 9 – 12 months for scars flatten out and lighten in color. Regardless, you’re more likely to look and feel better with a flat abdomen and visible scars than you are with a bulging belly.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you can still get pregnant after an abdominoplasty, it will alter your results. Dr. Huertas recommends that you be done childbearing before you get a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant following a tummy tuck, we can perform a second surgery to refresh your results.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Many patients add a second body surgery to a tummy tuck to give them more dramatic results. At your initial consultation, talk to Dr. Huertas at Dallas Cosmetic Center about your concerns so that he can create a comprehensive surgical plan to match your goals. You might combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for all-over body contouring. If you’re trying to rejuvenate your whole body after pregnancy or after losing a lot of weight, you might be a candidate for body lift surgery or a mommy makeover.

What is the recovery process like after a tummy tuck?
The recovery process after a tummy tuck varies for each individual but generally involves some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area. Patients are typically advised to take it easy for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Wearing a compression garment and following post-operative instructions from your team at Dallas Cosmetic Center can help promote healing and reduce swelling.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, provided that the patient maintains a stable weight and follows a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. While the natural aging process and fluctuations in weight may affect the appearance of the abdomen over time, patients can expect to enjoy the benefits of their tummy tuck for many years to come.

Will I lose weight after a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring surgery aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightening the underlying muscles. While some weight loss may occur as a result of removing excess tissue, the primary goal of a tummy tuck is to improve the appearance and contour of the abdomen rather than significant weight loss.