Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck—also known as an abdominoplasty—is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and loose tissue from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. For patients who have a tummy bulge or “pooch” that persists despite dieting and exercise, tummy tuck surgery may be an ideal solution.

Our Nacogdoches plastic surgeon —Dr. Gregory Wittpenn—has been helping patients achieve the firmer, flatter abdomens they desire for many years. He develops a customized treatment plan for every patient in order to ensure the procedure optimally addresses their goals. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the informative sections below to learn more about the procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Both men and women can benefit from an abdominoplasty if they have excess skin, loose tissue, or stretched musculature in the abdominal region. The procedure is commonly sought by those who have experienced significant weight loss and women who want to improve the appearance of their abdomen after pregnancy. A tummy tuck can be performed as a standalone treatment or it can be combined with other cosmetic enhancement procedures as part of a mommy makeover or body lift.

Optimal tummy tuck candidates should be non-smokers who are in good health and at a stable body weight. Having a tummy tuck typically does not interfere with a woman’s ability to get pregnant, but pregnancy can compromise abdominoplasty results, so ideal candidates should also be done having children before seeking a tummy tuck.

What Can I Expect During the Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with most procedures taking between two and five hours to complete. Incisions will be placed from hip to hip along your bikini line so that loose skin and other redundant tissues can be pulled down and removed. A secondary incision is made around your belly button, which is then reconstructed after your abdominal skin is pulled down. Stretch marks on the lower abdomen can be eliminated when extra skin is removed, although tummy tuck surgery does not typically address upper abdominal stretch marks. The underlying muscle tissues can also be tightened during the procedure, and umbilical hernia can be corrected, if necessary.

For those who are having multiple procedures performed as part of a comprehensive body rejuvenation plan, the surgeries can often be completed in one session. For instance, liposuction is often incorporated into the tummy tuck treatment process to address stubborn fat and improve body definition. For those looking to restore their pre-pregnancy figure, a breast augmentation or lift can often be performed concurrently with your abdominoplasty.

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What is Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery Like?

The initial recovery after a tummy tuck typically takes about two weeks, after which time most patients are able to resume normal, non-strenuous daily activities. You may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling after surgery, but these concerns are typically manageable with pain medication and adequate amounts of rest. Patients will also likely be instructed to wear compression garments or dressings for a few weeks to help support the surgical site and keep swelling to a minimum.

Light exercise can generally be resumed around 4-6 weeks after surgery, but it is important to consult with your surgeon beforehand. Most patients report feeling completely back to normal after about 2-3 months. Surgical scars should continue to fade for 6-12 months.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Dr. Wittpenn creates a custom treatment plan for every patient, so the precise cost of a tummy tuck will vary based on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the procedure and whether any other treatments are being performed concurrently. Once Dr. Wittpenn has had the chance to consult with you regarding your goals, we can provide you with a personalized price quote based on your unique needs. In order to make the cost of treatment as affordable as possible for our patients, we partner with CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® Credit—trusted healthcare lenders who offer low- and no-interest financing for qualified patients. To learn more, please reach out to our office today.

Book Your Consultation

If you are considering a tummy tuck or have questions about the abdominoplasty procedure, please contact us today. A member of our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Wittpenn.