Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Quintessence Plastic Surgery is proud to serve Austin, West Lake Hills, Davenport, Rob Roy, Steiner Ranch, Northwest Hills, and surrounding areas.
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is the perfect option for those looking for a more defined waistline or sculpted abdomen. Do you have loose abdominal skin after weight loss? Are your abdominal muscles stretched out after having a baby? If so, an abdominoplasty in Austin may be your ideal solution.
A perfectly sculpted body is a blessing, but not every person is blessed with it. While some have to work hard to gain it, others are burdened with loose skin around the abdomen, making it difficult to sculpt their body. There are many reasons why you may be burdened with stretched-out skin on your abdomen, such as pregnancy or dramatic weight loss.
Abdominoplasty is a surgery to flatten the abdomen. It removes the extra fat and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall to shape it. The surgery permanently removes any extra skin around the belly as well and is ideal to restore the lost firmness in the area.
A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and is frequently combined with other procedures such as liposuction to optimize results. When a tummy tuck is combined with a breast rejuvenation procedure like breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a breast reduction, it is known as a “Mommy Makeover.” This combination is performed to restore a mother’s physical appearance after delivery.
Are You a Candidate for an Abdominoplasty?
Are you a suitable candidate for this surgery? The procedure is not for everyone, and Dr. White will be able to help you determine whether the procedure is right for you.
An ideal candidate for this procedure:
• Has a healthy lifestyle and no underlying health issues
• Has a stable weight
• Is a non-smoker or is someone who is willing to quit before the surgery
• Has had one or more pregnancies and needs to tighten their abdominal muscles after giving birth once or multiple times
• Used to be obese and has lost a substantial amount of weight but has leftover stubborn fat deposits and loose abdominal skin
• Has realistic expectations in terms of results
• Is bothered by their abdomen’s loose and saggy skin
Based on your present health condition, medication, medical history, family medical condition, and allergies, Dr. White will determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
The best abdominoplasty candidates have an understanding of their expected results. Having realistic expectations means viewing abdominoplasty before and after photos from past patients.
View Abdominoplasty Gallery
Abdominoplasty Techniques
There are a number of available tummy tuck techniques, and the best option for you will depend on your needs and goals. The following techniques are available:
Full Tummy Tuck – This is the standard abdominoplasty procedure. It features a curving horizontal incision from hipbone to hipbone and may also involve an incision around the belly button for greater access higher up the abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck – Also called a partial abdominoplasty, this technique is ideal for patients who specifically need a lower-abdomen rejuvenation. A mini tummy tuck’s incision is much shorter than that of a full abdominoplasty.
Extended Tummy Tuck – The extended abdominoplasty technique provides additional contouring on the sides of the abdomen and flanks. The incision extends past each hipbone.
How Is an Abdominoplasty Done?
The procedure will start with a consultation with Dr. White, who will determine whether you are an ideal candidate. Dr. White will also conduct a physical examination before creating a treatment plan that is suitable for you.
On the day of the surgery, the procedure will begin with the treatment area being cleaned with an antiseptic. Then, general anesthesia will be administered to ensure that you are unconscious and comfortable during the operation. As per the treatment plan, an incision will be made that extends from one hipbone to the other. An incision around your navel is also made.
Excess fat will be removed first via liposuction. Dr. White uses tumescent liposuction when she does liposuction with her abdominoplasty. Afterward, the skin will be lifted and tightened. Excess skin will be removed using a scalpel, and drooping abdominal muscles will be tightened and rejoined with the help of internal sutures.
Your incisions will be stitched closed and bandaged. Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin to carry out excess fluids in order to prevent fluid buildup. Based on your health and the intensity of the surgery, a compression garment or an elastic bandage is wrapped around your abdomen to minimize swelling, as well as to offer support. A compression garment helps you heal better following the surgery.
The Healing Process
Recovering from an abdominoplasty surgery, like any other surgery, differs from one person to another. Your drainage tubes will be removed a few days after the surgery. Stitches will be removed after the appropriate degree of healing has taken place.
There will be post-surgical swelling and bruising that will decrease over the next week after the procedure. You may have to wear an elastic bandage or compression garment for a time. These are helpful for minimizing swelling.
Following Dr. White’s orders on how to position yourself while sitting and lying down is important. She will also give you directions on how to best take care of your incisions as they heal.
Patients can expect a partial recovery time of one to two weeks and can resume any physical activities that are strenuous within six to eight weeks.
Dr. White did an excellent job on a tummy tuck for me. Dr. White and her staff were very helpful throughout the process and ensured that all of my questions and concerns were addressed. I had a lot of questions and Dr. White was very patient and made sure I understood everything. I am very satisfied with the care provided and the results from the procedure. If you are in the Austin area I highly recommend Dr. White as I can not say enough good things about her and her staff.
– Self-verified patient of Dr. Aisha D White
Abdominoplasty Cost
The tummy tuck procedure in Austin varies in price. A general price range is anywhere from $8,000 – $10,000. The final abdominoplasty cost will depend on the total time required to perform the procedure, the exact techniques used to achieve abdominal sculpting, and many other variables.
Find Out More About Abdominoplasty test
Dr. Aisha White, a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, will be available to tell you more about abdominoplasty in Austin during a consultation. As part of your consultation, the two of you will discuss your aesthetic goals and the details of the recovery process. If you would like to schedule your informative and helpful consultation, contact our office today.