Tummy Tuck Overview

Tighten and Tone Your Midsection With a Tummy Tuck in Austin

Most of us would love to naturally have a flat, well-defined midsection. Unfortunately, going through things like pregnancy, childbirth, and weight changes can often lead to sagging skin, stubborn fat, and muscle laxity around the abdomen. Although maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce these unwanted bodily changes, diet and exercise alone aren’t typically enough to effectively reverse them. If you truly want to eliminate sagging abdominal skin and achieve a firm, toned belly, the best option may be a surgical procedure called a tummy tuck.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to tighten and tone the abdomen. Specifically, the procedure is used to target loose, sagging skin, stubborn excess fat, and weakened or detached abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is a customizable procedure, and our plastic surgeons will always personalize the surgery depending on the unique needs and aesthetic goals of the patient. Typically, a tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and/or fat as well as the tightening of abdominal skin, tissue, and muscles using sutures.

What Are the Benefits of an Abdominoplasty?

When performed by one of our expert plastic surgeons, a tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure offering all of the following benefits:

  • A firmer, more toned abdomen
  • Stronger abdominal muscles
  • Enhanced midsection definition
  • Removal of loose, sagging skin
  • Removal of excess fat
  • Improved mobility and athletic performance
  • Increased wardrobe options
  • A slimmer, more proportionate physique
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results
  • Improved self-confidence
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How Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?

Proper preparation before your tummy tuck is essential for a smooth surgical experience and successful recovery. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions based on your specific medical history and lifestyle. General recommendations for preparing for a tummy tuck include:

  • Adjusting Medications: If you’re taking medications like blood thinners, you may be asked to stop them a few weeks prior to surgery.
  • Quit Nicotine: Smoking and the use of any nicotine products can hinder your body’s ability to heal, so you’ll need to quit at least six weeks before surgery.
  • Arranging Post-Surgery Help: For the week or so following surgery, you’ll need assistance getting home and with daily activities.
  • Setting Up a Recovery Space: Prepare a comfortable area at home with easy access to essentials, including soft clothing, pillows, and entertainment to make your recovery more relaxing.

What Can I Expect During My Tummy Tuck in Austin?

Your abdominoplasty process begins with your initial consultation, during which your surgeon will perform a complete, in-person examination of your health, your goals, your medical history, and your lifestyle to determine your suitability as a tummy tuck candidate. If abdominoplasty is appropriate for your needs and will not put your health at risk, your surgeon and her staff will work with you to create a customized surgical plan, schedule the surgery, and help you begin planning for your recovery.

Before your tummy tuck in Austin, you’ll be administered general anesthesia, which will keep you peacefully sleeping throughout the procedure. To begin, your surgeon will make a horizontal incision low across your abdomen, between the hip bones, and just above the pubic region. Then, depending on the specifics of your treatment plan, they will begin excising excess skin, removing stubborn fat deposits, sculpting tissue, and/or tightening the abdominal muscles.

After addressing your underlying abdominal issues, your surgeon will drape your remaining skin over your midsection so that it appears smooth and taut. Finally, they will suture the abdominal skin to secure its new position before closing your incision and bandaging the treatment area. Once the procedure is finished, we’ll keep you around for monitoring for a couple of hours to ensure that you don’t experience any complications. After that, a friend or family member can drive you home.

Tummy TuckBefore & After Photos

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The Tummy Tuck Recovery Process

We typically advise that patients take at least two weeks to rest and recover after abdominoplasty before returning to work. It’s also important to wait at least six to eight weeks to engage in strenuous physical activity, and you’ll need to wear a special compression garment for approximately six weeks. During your recovery, you should expect to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness, but these symptoms should gradually subside over several weeks. To promote quality healing, be sure to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet.

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Tummy Tuck Patient Testimonial

Hi! I'm a cosmetic surgery patient of Dr. Dumestre. I went to her for a tummy tuck / fat graft to my breasts. Dr. Dumestre treated me with kindness, compassion, professionalism, and care. She is very knowledgeable and experienced, and was patient and thorough in answering all of my pre and post surgery questions.

I am very happy with my results - not only aesthetically, but functionally as well since my diastasis was repaired during surgery.  I'm so glad I can look back on this entire experience positively. I genuinely miss seeing Dr. Dumestre and all of her amazing staff for follow-up appointments. Thank you all so much for taking such great care of me before AND after - it means the world.

N.H.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty in Austin?

Any adults dealing with a significant amount of loose, sagging skin, excess fat, and/or muscle laxity around the abdomen could be good candidates for a tummy tuck. Oftentimes, the best candidates for the procedure are looking to restore their slim midsection after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the effects of aging. To be an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty in Austin with our team, it’s also important to meet the following criteria:

  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have gone at least six months since having a baby
  • Be relatively close to your ideal weight
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to temporarily quit
  • Have reasonable expectations
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Why Choose Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery for Your Tummy Tuck in Austin?

At Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, your tummy tuck procedure will be administered by one of our highly skilled and experienced female plastic surgeons. They will go the extra mile to get to know you personally and gain a complete understanding of your unique needs and goals. With this information, they’ll fully personalize the abdominoplasty procedure to provide high-quality, natural-looking results and help you attain the toned, youthful figure you crave. To learn more about what we offer or schedule your initial consultation, just give us a call at (512) 815-0123 today.

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Tummy Tuck FAQ

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

How long does a tummy tuck take?

When will the final results be visible?

Are there any risks associated with a tummy tuck?

Will a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?

Will I have scarring after my tummy tuck?

Is the recovery going to be overly painful?

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, it’s common for a tummy tuck to be combined with other cosmetic procedures. For example, the surgery may be combined with liposuction and either a breast lift or breast augmentation as part of a full mommy makeover procedure. During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your unique situation and goals to help you determine your ideal treatment options.

How long does a tummy tuck take?

Every tummy tuck is unique, and depending on the extent of the procedure, the surgery can take anywhere from two to five hours.

When will the final results be visible?

As the swelling and bruising gradually fade, you should notice your stomach becoming flatter, firmer, and more defined around three to four months after your abdominoplasty. However, it can take up to a year for the full results of the procedure to be visible.

Are there any risks associated with a tummy tuck?

Yes, like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck has potential risks, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, fluid accumulation, and scarring. Choosing a highly skilled surgeon significantly reduces the risk of complications. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these risks and how they will be minimized through careful planning and attention to detail.

Will a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, especially those located on the lower abdomen. By removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal area, many patients see an improvement in the appearance of stretch marks. However, the procedure may not fully eliminate any stretch marks above the belly button. Your surgeon can assess your skin to provide a realistic outlook on how your stretch marks will be impacted.

Will I have scarring after my tummy tuck?

Yes, scarring is a natural part of the tummy tuck process, as the surgery requires an incision across the lower abdomen. However, our skilled surgeons place the incision low on the abdomen, where it is easily concealed by clothing and swimwear. With proper care, the scar will fade significantly over time. Our team will also provide guidance on scar management techniques, such as silicone sheets and scar creams, to help promote optimal healing.

Is the recovery going to be overly painful?

Discomfort after a tummy tuck is normal, especially during the first few days post-surgery, but it is manageable with prescribed pain medications. Most patients report that the pain decreases steadily each day. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, resting adequately, and avoiding strenuous activities will all help you manage discomfort and support a more comfortable recovery.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

The results of a tummy tuck are designed to be long-lasting. Once excess skin and fat are removed and muscles are tightened, your toned midsection should remain intact, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Major weight fluctuations or pregnancies can affect the outcome, so it’s best to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing the procedure.

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