Tummy Tuck
For many people, diet and exercise are not enough to deliver a flat, toned midsection. This is especially true for women who have been through pregnancy and weight fluctuations, which can result in excess skin and separated abdominal muscles. Houston Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Berry Fairchild intimately understands the changes that a woman’s body goes through and she is dedicated to helping her patients feel comfortable and confident. She offers customized tummy tuck surgery, which can be combined with liposuction or a comprehensive mommy makeover plan.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove sagging, excess skin from the mid and lower tummy. After pregnancy, many women suffer from a condition called diastasis recti which is a separation of the abdominal muscles that causes a belly bulge that can’t be fixed with exercise or diet. During a tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Fairchild can repair and tighten the abdominal muscles for a firmer, more toned look.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
The cosmetic, emotional, and overall health benefits of tummy tuck surgery
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Four medical benefits of a tummy tuck
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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include
:
- Flatter, slimmer and more youthful looking stomach
- Improved muscle tone and core strength
- May eliminate stretch marks
- Increased confidence
- Better posture
Abdominoplasty: What to Expect
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Deciding that you deserve to feel your best is the first step; the next step is a consultation with Dr. Fairchild. She will review your medical history, examine you, and discuss your concerns and goals. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions and learn more about your options. If Dr. Fairchild determines that you are a candidate for tummy tuck surgery, and you decide to move forward, she and her team will review pre-surgical instructions with you.
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Fairchild will create a treatment plan that is customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. The incision placement and size will depend on your unique treatment plan. Dr. Fairchild will take great care to place incisions where they can be easily hidden, typically just above the pubic area and below the bikini line and, if needed, around the perimeter of the belly button. She will then tighten the abdominal muscles and excise loose skin and fat.
Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery
You will need to plan for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first day or two. You will be given a compression garment to wear for several weeks after surgery—this is important to minimize swelling and give you the best results possible. Dr. Fairchild usually recommends lymphatic massage as part of the healing process. You should plan to take at least one week off of desk work and several weeks off of strenuous activities. Dr. Fairchild will advise you on pain medication during your recovery and she will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini-abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen only. A mini tuck may be a good choice if you are primarily concerned with loose skin on the lower stomach and you do not have any issues with ab muscle separation.
Full Tummy Tuck
The full, or standard, tummy tuck includes repair of the abdominal muscles as well as tightening of skin on the mid and lower abdomen.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Designed for patients who need more comprehensive skin removal, an extended tummy tuck involves incisions that extend beyond the hip bones.
Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
By adding liposuction to a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Fairchild can use her artistry and skill to provide natural-looking body contouring. Liposuction around the waist, love handles, and lower tummy are often part of a tummy tuck treatment plant.
Tummy Tuck with Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a customized set of procedures to help women regain confidence after the changes of pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding. In a mommy makeover, a tummy tuck is often combined with breast augmentation or breast lift surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
If you are bothered by loose abdominal skin or tummy bulges that don’t respond to diet or exercise, a tummy tuck may be right for you. The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are in good health and at a stable weight.
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
You can look forward to a smaller waistline and leaner looking stomach after a tummy tuck, but it is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. People who have lost a significant amount of weight may reward themselves with tummy tuck surgery to remove loose skin and pockets of excess fat. A tummy tuck can be a powerful way to complete your weight loss journey, but you should be at a healthy and stable weight before surgery.
What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications, but rest assured that Dr. Fairchild will prioritize your safety every step of the way and she will review common side effects and risks with you prior to your surgery. While rare, potential
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Tummy Tuck
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risks
of abdominoplasty include pain, bleeding, infection, blood clots, or seroma (fluid accumulation).
What will my scars look like after tummy tuck surgery?
Before your surgery, Dr. Fairchild will review incision placement with you. Tummy tuck scars are usually easily concealed below the bikini line and Dr. Fairchild will take great care with the incision site. She will also recommend products and routines to help with proper wound healing and to minimize scarring.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck will not prevent future pregnancies, but Dr. Fairchild advises women to plan their tummy tuck surgery after they feel that their family is complete since weight gain and skin stretching may compromise your results.
Contact Dr. Berry Fairchild
As part of her dedication to personalized care, Dr. Fairchild loves educating patients on their options. If you want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation at her Houston plastic surgery practice.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Four medical benefits of a tummy tuck. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/four-medical-benefits-of-a-tummy-tuck Accessed January 24, 2023
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Tummy Tuck. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/safety Accessed January 24, 2023