What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure best performed by the board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Shenaq, to obtain a firmer, flatter abdomen. If you struggle with excess belly fat despite a healthy lifestyle, this procedure can help you achieve the desired body contour. Ideal candidates have excessive, loose abdominal skin, fat, or weakened muscles due to pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss. Dr. Shenaq employs a discreet bikini incision across the lower abdomen during this popular surgery. Schedule your consultation at our Sugar Land or Galleria Area office in Houston, TX to discuss your goals and create a personalized treatment plan. Regain confidence and transform your physique with Dr. Jay Shenaq's expertise.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
Our Houston, TX patients who receive tummy tuck procedures enjoy a number of advantages from their treatment, including a renewed sense of physical well-being and the opportunity to embrace life with enhanced confidence. Additional benefits include:
- Reversal of age-related cellulite, sagging, and loose skin
- Reduction of persistent pockets of fat that resist treatments such as diet and exercise
- Boost in self-confidence and enjoyment of your appearance
- Strengthened core, which alleviates pressure put on hips and spine
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Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are individuals in good health who have achieved or are close to their target weight. It's crucial to note that tummy tuck surgery is not intended for weight loss but serves as a method to enhance midsection tone following the attainment of weight loss objectives. Good candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who experience:
- Excess skin around the belly button.
- A weakened abdominal wall.
- Sagging or loosened skin on the abdomen.
- Persistent pockets of fat that resist traditional methods.
- Stretch marks or muscle laxity due to pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss.
how is a tummy tuck performed?
In the course of the procedure, the surgeon will create a horizontal incision, usually positioned between the belly button and pubic area, to eliminate excess fat and tissue from the abdomen. The fascia, the tissue beneath the skin, will be tightened and should the belly button require moving, it will be brought out through a small incision and repositioned. Additionally, excess skin will be excised, and the incision along the pubic area will be meticulously stitched. The outcome is a discreet scar along the bikini line, ensuring easy coverage. The duration of the procedure is approximately 3 hours, contingent upon the specific aesthetic goals of the individual.
What to Expect After a tummy tuck
After undergoing abdominoplasty, it is common to experience swelling and bruising around the abdomen and belly button. In the initial days post-procedure, drainage tubes may be utilized to remove any blood and fluid from the incision site. Some patients might be prescribed antibiotics to mitigate infection risks. Expect normal abdominal discomfort, and be aware that the swelling may persist for 6 weeks or more. Careful movement is crucial during the initial months post-surgery, and regular follow-up appointments at our office are imperative for ongoing progress checks.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Shenaq will develop your personalized abdominoplasty plan based on your unique concerns and goals before estimating costs. He will be able to better estimate your costs when the type of abdominoplasty is decided, what technique will be used, which anesthesia you will need, and other factors. To make sure you get great results from an experienced plastic surgeon, Plastic Surgery of Houston helps to make your tummy tuck easy to afford by accepting several payment methods and giving you information on low-interest medical financing.
What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are three main techniques for abdominoplasty: full, extended, and mini. In your initial consultation, Dr. Shenaq will ask about your needs and goals before performing a physical exam. Then, he can better decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results. A full abdominoplasty is better if you want to fix issues in both the lower and upper stomach, whereas a mini tummy tuck is good for concerns under your belly button, such as a "pooch." An extended tummy tuck is designed to improve the stomach as well as the hips and upper thighs.
What will my scars look like after a tummy tuck?
Incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which type you are getting. During all tummy tucks, Dr. Shenaq uses the smallest, thinnest incisions needed to limit scars. He also places incisions in less visible areas ( through the belly button or in the public region ) so they may be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit. After your surgery, it's important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your incisions heal flat and eventually blend into your natural skin.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you can get pregnant after an abdominoplasty, it will likely affect your results. Dr. Shenaq strongly encourages you to be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before you get a tummy tuck. If you do become pregnant after a tummy tuck, another surgery may be performed to refresh your stomach.
Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Many patients get a second body surgery with a tummy tuck to see more dramatic improvements. At your initial consultation with Dr. Shenaq, talk to him about your concerns so a personalized treatment plan may be developed that matches your goals. You may combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or other areas for custom body contouring. If you are trying to rejuvenate your body after having children or losing a significant amount of weight, you might be a good candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.
How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
Results are generally long-lasting if a stable weight is maintained. However, significant weight changes or pregnancies can affect the results. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain the outcomes.
get Flatter, more Toned Abs
If you want to attain a flatter, more attractive stomach and have tried a healthy diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may help get you to your desired results. Tummy tuck surgery can help you with the confidence you need to walk the beach without a cover-up and show off the body that you’ve worked so hard to attain. Schedule a consultation with our office today and learn how a tummy tuck can transform you.
