What to Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck in Dallas-Fort Worth
Has a recent pregnancy or weight loss left you with loose skin or separated abdominal muscles? Restore your waistline and confidence with a tummy tuck. Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles. Could this procedure be right for you? What are the costs, risks, and preparation steps involved? Find out everything you need to know before getting a tummy tuck.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?
Not all tummy tuck procedures are the same. Several types are available, including mini, full, and extended tummy tucks. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the best option for you based on your goals and body type.
No matter which type of tummy tuck you pursue, expect to go under general anesthesia for a pain-free procedure. The surgeon makes the necessary incisions, repairs and tightens abdominal muscles, and removes excess skin and fat. If necessary, your surgeon will reposition your belly button before closing the incisions.
The results of a tummy tuck generally reveal a flatter, firmer stomach with a smoother contour. While scars are inevitable, they usually fade over time and can be strategically placed to remain hidden under swimwear or undergarments.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Ideal tummy tuck candidates have done the work but need an extra boost in the abdominal area to achieve the desired aesthetic. You may be a good candidate if you have the following characteristics:
- You’re at a stable, healthy weight but struggle with stubborn belly skin and fat.
- You’re in good overall health to help you recover more easily and reduce the risk of tummy tuck complications.
- You have realistic expectations, understanding that a tummy tuck reshapes your waistline but isn’t a replacement for diet and exercise.
- You don’t smoke, which is important to ensure proper healing.
For the right candidate, a tummy tuck can provide transformative results. However, it’s not a weight loss procedure or a substitute for good fitness. The surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscles, giving a firmer look, but weight fluctuations afterward may affect the results. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery helps keep the area tight and toned.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The costs involved depend on the surgeon, location, procedure, and type of anesthesia used. Extended procedures or combining a tummy tuck with liposuction may increase costs. Since tummy tucks are usually elective surgeries, insurance doesn’t cover them, but many surgeons offer financing plans to help with the cost. Schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Hanz to start down the path to flatter, firmer abs.
How Do I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?
Preparation for abdominoplasty may begin several weeks in advance, depending on your current health and medical history. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, but here are the steps you should be prepared to take:
- Strengthen your core muscles with crunches, planks, and other exercises to support better healing.
- Eat a balanced diet low in fat and high in nutrients to prepare your body for the healing process.
- Take time off work and arrange assistance at home for a few weeks so you can focus on resting and recovering.
- Stop smoking for at least six weeks before and after surgery to support healing.
- Avoid taking blood thinners, certain supplements, and even some prescription medications leading up to your surgery.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovering from a tummy tuck takes several weeks. Here’s a general timeline and what to expect after surgery:
- During the first few days, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. Take your prescribed pain medication and rest in bed.
- For the first week, you’ll wear a compression garment around your abdomen to reduce swelling and promote a flat waistline. Avoid standing fully upright during this period to protect the incision area.
- After two to six weeks, you can begin walking, but avoid strenuous activities. The swelling will continue to reduce, and your incisions will start to heal.
- Within three months, the swelling should be almost completely gone, and you’ll notice the scars begin to fade. You may be cleared to resume your normal activity level, including exercise.
- Six to 12 months post-op, you should make a full recovery and enjoy the long-term results of your tummy tuck.
What are the Risks and Complications of Tummy Tucks?
As with any surgery, tummy tucks carry risks. Here are some complications to be aware of:
- Excessive bleeding
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Infection
- Hematomas
- Blood clots
- Poor healing and scarring
- Numbness or skin loss
Diligently following your surgeon’s pre- and post-op instructions reduces your risk of complications. Here’s what to do:
- Don’t smoke before or after surgery.
- Engage in proper wound care and hygiene.
- Apply recommended scar treatments to diminish the appearance of scars.
- Wear compression garments 24/7 or as instructed.
- Start walking as early as recommended to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Choose a skilled and experienced surgeon with a long track record of successful tummy tuck procedures.
How Do I Find the Right Plastic Surgeon in Dallas, TX?
The surgeon who performs your abdominoplasty plays a big part in achieving the desired results. If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, consider Kevin R. Hanz, MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for your tummy tuck. Dr. Hanz has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring. Known for delivering natural, refined results, Dr. Hanz utilizes leading-edge technology to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Our office provides a supportive and welcoming environment where every team member is trained to assist with your questions and ensure comfort. Ready to learn more about abdominoplasty? Schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Hanz to start down the path to flatter, firmer abs.