Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, Boerne and McAllen, TX
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. This surgery tightens loose skin, removes excess fat, and can restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
Many individuals seek tummy tucks for various reasons, including post-pregnancy recovery, weight loss, and general aesthetic enhancement. The abdomen is a crucial part of our body that plays a significant role in one’s self-image. If you find yourself striving for a flatter midsection or have loose skin that affects your confidence, consider the option of a tummy tuck.
At New Life Cosmetic Surgery, skilled cosmetic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lee offers tailored tummy tuck procedures to help patients reclaim their confidence and body contours. To learn more about how a tummy tuck could benefit you, please do not hesitate to call or fill out our online form.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is a transformative surgical procedure that reshapes the abdomen by targeting areas of excess skin and fat. The abdomen consists of layers that include skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle. The superficial layer (skin) often loses elasticity over time due to factors such as increased age or significant weight fluctuations. Beneath that layer are the muscles, which can stretch and separate during pregnancy or from significant weight gain, leading to a “bulging” appearance known as diastasis recti. (1)
Statistically, abdominoplasty ranks among the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed across the globe, with hundreds of thousands of procedures conducted annually. (2) It has proven effective for those seeking to enhance their abdominal physique following major life changes.
While tummy tucks are frequently sought after post-pregnancy, they are also recommended for individuals who have experienced substantial weight loss, as they help remove the sagging skin that remains after shedding pounds. Furthermore, individuals concerned with stubborn fat deposits may also incorporate liposuction into their treatment plan to complement the results of their tummy tuck.
Patients receiving a tummy tuck often report enhanced self-esteem and motivation towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you think you might be a candidate for this procedure, let us assist you on your journey. Feel free to reach out to our office for additional information about a tummy tuck at New Lift Cosmetic Surgery.
Types of Tummy Tuck
There are several variations of the tummy tuck procedure available to meet individual patient needs:
- Traditional/Full Tummy Tuck: This involves a horizontal incision made across the lower abdomen from hip to hip, allowing Dr. Lee to remove excess skin and fat. The abdominal muscles will also be tightened during this process.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Ideal for patients with minimal excess skin and fat located primarily below the belly button. This involves a shorter incision and often does not require repositioning the belly button. (3)
- Extended Tummy Tuck: This option is beneficial for those with significant excess skin and fat extending beyond the traditional tummy tuck area, usually encompassing the flanks or love handles. It entails a longer incision but provides a more comprehensive contouring effect.
- Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck: This technique derives its name from the French term meaning “flower of the lily.” The incision pattern resembles this flower, consisting of a horizontal cut across the lower abdomen and a vertical incision running downward through the center, thus creating a ‘T’ shape. (4) This design allows Dr. Lee to tighten the entire abdominal area while effectively removing excess skin from both the upper and lower parts of the abdomen.
Each type of tummy tuck varies in its incision pattern, length, and overall approach, depending on the desired outcome and specific needs of the patient.
Benefits
Opting for a tummy tuck can provide numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Abdominal Appearance: A more toned and flat abdomen enhances overall body aesthetics.
- Removal of Excess Skin: Especially valuable for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and struggle with loose skin.
- Muscle Tightening: For many, particularly women post-pregnancy, loose abdominal muscles can be tightened to restore a firmer core.
- Enhanced Confidence: Many patients experience heightened self-esteem and improved body image after the procedure.
- Customized Body Contouring: Procedures can be tailored based on the individual’s needs—whether involving a mini tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck with liposuction for optimal results.
- Long-lasting Results: Provided patients maintain a stable weight, the results of a tummy tuck can last for years.
- Improved Posture: Strengthening the abdominal muscles can lead to better posture and possibly alleviate lower back pain. (5)
- Clothing Fit Improvement: Patients often find clothes fit better and feel more comfortable wearing fitted clothing after the procedure.
Candidates
An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck should possess certain characteristics:
- Individuals suffering from excess skin or fat around the abdomen
- People who have experienced significant weight loss
- Women whose abdominal muscles have been stretched from pregnancy
- Non-smokers with good overall health
- Those who have realistic expectations regarding outcomes
Dr. Lee can help assess whether a tummy tuck is appropriate for a patient’s individual circumstances during a personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
When you come to a consultation at New Life Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Lee will examine you to help you decide what operation is best for you. Liposuction may be what you need to remove excess fatty tissue from your abdomen or sides or a tummy tuck may be recommended to remove excess skin and tighten the muscles. An abdominoplasty can also be added as a part of your Mommy Makeover. At New Life Cosmetic Surgery Center, we will tailor-make a plan just for you!
Preparation
Once you have decided to proceed with your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Lee will provide specific pre-surgical guidelines to ensure an optimal surgical experience and recovery:
- Avoid certain medications: Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs should be stopped prior to surgery.
- Quit smoking: It is essential to stop all nicotine use several weeks before and after your procedure to promote healing.
- Pre-fill prescriptions: Arrange for necessary medications to avoid delays post-surgery.
- Plan for assistance: Ensure you have someone to help you home after the procedure and assist with daily activities during your initial recovery phase.
Procedure
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery only takes about 4 hours. You will arrive at the office in the morning and be home in the early afternoon. Dr. Lee always performs tummy tucks with IV conscious sedation and NOT general anesthesia. Thus you will sleep through the entire procedure but be breathing on your own. You do not need to be intubated.
- Incisions: After you are comfortably sedated, Dr. Lee will make the appropriate incisions based on the type of tummy tuck being performed. Traditional tummy tucks involve a long incision along the lower abdomen, while mini tummy tucks utilize a smaller incision below the belly button.
- Muscle Repair: If indicated, Dr. Lee will tighten and suture the separated abdominal muscles to restore strength and stability.
- Excess Skin Removal: The next step involves removing excess tissue while reshaping the abdominal area.
- Closure: The remaining skin is then pulled taut, and the incisions are stitched closed.
Recovery
You will notice a difference immediately after surgery but you will be very swollen and the results will improve with time as the swelling goes down. You should not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for at least 2 weeks after surgery. You should walk around immediately after surgery and NOT stay in bed. This is important to prevent blood clots. You should eat a healthy diet and as much protein as possible to promote good healing.
You will walk a little bent over at first but by the end of the first week, you should be standing straight up like normal so you don’t strain your back. Dr. Lee sees all the patients the next day after surgery. He will remove the bandages and you can shower after these bandages have been removed. You should not lift anything over 5 pounds in the first 2 weeks of recovery. However, most patients return to work within 1 week, especially if they have light duty at work. You may drive and return to work when you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine.
Remember that everyone is different. Recovery times and progression are not the same for everyone. The times stated are typical for healthy individuals healing from this surgery. The normal progression of healing may be different for those with health problems, smokers, and those who have unforeseen complications after surgery.
Results
Your abdominoplasty will result in a flatter, firmer belly with an improved appearance of stretch marks. You will look great in your clothes and bathing suits. Individual results may vary.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover is a comprehensive set of cosmetic surgeries that aim to rejuvenate the postpartum body by addressing areas that can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The most common components of a mommy makeover include breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, a tummy tuck, and liposuction.
If you are interested in a mommy makeover, please tell Dr. Lee at your consultation.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck in San Antonio
The cost of a tummy tuck can vary according to several factors, such as the type of tummy tuck performed and the specifics of each patient’s unique situation. At the time of your consultation, our team will present a detailed estimate that considers all components of your surgical plan. Understanding the financial aspect of the procedure allows you to make informed decisions regarding your aesthetic goals.
If you wish to discuss costs or financing options, please contact New Life Cosmetic Surgery by filling out our form or calling your nearest location.
FAQ
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is less invasive and generally focuses on the area below the belly button, requiring a shorter incision. In contrast, a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen and includes tightening the abdominal muscles.
Will there be scars after tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck incisions leave scars, but they are typically placed low on the abdomen to be easily concealed. Over time, scars tend to fade significantly.
Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks may be removed if they fall within the excised skin area. However, those above the incision line are typically not affected.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Results can last for many years, especially when maintained with a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise.
References
- Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/
- Vidal P, Berner JE, Will PA. Managing Complications in Abdominoplasty: A Literature Review. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2017;44(5):457-468. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.5.457
- Daniel El Israwi, Watfa W. Rectus Muscle Plication in Mini-abdominoplasty with Umbilicus Preservation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2023;11(5):e4998-e4998. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004998
- Friedman T, Coon D, Michaels J, et al. Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty: A Safe Alternative to Traditional Abdominoplasty for the Massive Weight Loss Patient. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;125(5):1525-1535. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181d6e7e0
- Soteropulos CE, Edinger KM, Leibl KE, Siebert JW. Improvement in Back Pain Following Abdominoplasty: Results of a 10-Year, Single-Surgeon Series. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;40(12):1309-1315. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa032
