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TUMMY TUCK IN AUSTIN

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Introduction

Tummy Tuck

Considering having a tummy tuck in Austin, TX? Personique® has performed thousands of tummy tuck procedures with consistently stunning results! This procedure, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a very popular procedure that removes loose skin and excess fat from the lower abdomen region to restore a flat, contoured midsection. It is especially great for tightening muscle laxity in stomach muscles that have been stretched beyond the limits of natural repair as a result of pregnancy.

Our patients find that we offer some of the best tummy tuck results in Austin, TX while striving to exceed expectations and practicing patient safety. Below, we’ve included our guide to the surgery, but if you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!

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BODY CONTOURING BASICS

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) aims not only to remove excess fat deposits from the stomach but also has the additional element of repairing and tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess, hanging skin. As we get older, there are a number of things that can wreak havoc on our midsection, particularly weight fluctuation and childbearing.

These circumstances can make it incredibly difficult to regain tone and tightness in the abdomen, regardless of how many sit-ups we do or calories we cut. This is most likely because the abdominal muscles have been damaged or weakened, causing the stomach to protrude. This frequently happens during pregnancy when the stretching of the stomach causes the abdominal muscles to separate.

Once this happens, no amount of diet or exercise will deliver the results you desire, not until the muscles are repaired. Often, the skin of the upper abdomen is also stretched beyond the limits of natural repair during pregnancy and significant weight loss or fluctuation, leaving the individual with loose, hanging skin.

A tummy tuck procedure addresses all of these issues by streamlining and sculpting the midsection, restoring your stomach to a more youthful state.

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Tummy Tuck Basics

To get a better understanding of getting a tummy tuck in Austin, TX, it’s best to start with the basics.

  • Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Austin: Between $4,000 – $12,000
  • Surgery Time: 2-3 Hours
  • Recovery: Patients typically return home the same day of surgery
  • Return to Work: Patients typically return to work 2 weeks following surgery
  • Results: Immediately. *Final results after swelling
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Our Tummy Tuck Expertise in Austin

The plastic surgeons at Personique are authorities in tummy tuck surgery in Austin, our expertise includes:

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Mini-Tummy Tuck

A Mini-Tummy Tuck is the same procedure as a full tummy tuck, just performed on a patient with less fat and skin to remove. The “mini” refers to the amount of fat and skin removed.

During a mini-tummy tuck, your Personique plastic surgeon will make a small incision similar to the incision made during a cesarean section. Through this incision, they will tighten loose abdominal muscles, remove excess fat, and remove excess skin to flatten and smooth your abdominal wall.

The incision, typically just a few inches long, will be made along your bikini line. Scars from this procedure are small and easily concealed by underwear and swimwear. There is also less scarring because, unlike a full tummy tuck, your belly button will not be moved or reconstructed.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This technique is similar to a standard Abdominoplasty, but the procedure also targets fat on the flanks and lower back. An extended tummy tuck is generally recommended for patients with excess tissue around the entirety of their waist, as opposed to just the stomach.

Your surgeon will make an incision under your stomach from the back of one hip bone to the other. They will make an additional incision around your navel so that it can be repositioned in a way that complements your new form. Extraneous fat and loose skin are surgically removed from your abdominal area, in addition to any undesirable tissue along your hips or behind them.

Your underlying muscles will also be tightened to create smoother curves, as will your skin, and when the contouring process is complete, your navel will be properly positioned. Once complete, your incisions will be stitched up. Many doctors recommend an overnight stay following an extended tummy tuck surgery, so please make necessary preparations ahead of time if this is discussed.

This surgery is more extensive than the traditional technique, so patients should expect a significant change in their waist size and proportions. For patients hoping to remove a larger degree of fatty tissue, liposuction may also be used for a more comprehensive body contouring procedure.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK?

Some of the many benefits of the Tummy Tuck that our Austin patients have discovered are:

  • Better control over bodily functions
  • Improved overall flexibility
  • Minimizes certain medical risks
  • Prevents hernias
  • Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
  • Relieves stress urinary incontinence
  • Stronger core and abdominal muscles

Who are the Best Candidates for a TUMMY TUCK procedure?

The best candidates for a Tummy Tuck are anyone who is:

  • A nonsmoker
  • Bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
  • Committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure
  • Physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • Realistic in their expectations of the procedure
  • Used to be obese but has since lost a substantial amount of weight and possesses leftover stubborn fat deposits and loose abdominal skin

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?

If you are in the Austin area and are interested in a Tummy Tuck, the first thing you will need to do is schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. During this consultation, you will be able to discuss your desires for the surgery, ask any questions, and will receive a personal evaluation. The doctor will also ask about your medical history and lifestyle.

When you are in this portion of your Tummy Tuck consultation, we strongly encourage you to be honest with your doctor. Transparency allows your surgeon to make the best surgical plan for you, as well as prevent any potential risks.

Once you agree with the plan made for you, you will need to schedule your surgical date with our Patient Coordinator. They will also be providing you with some instructions to follow before your surgery to have the best outcome.

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What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Personique® performs tummy tucks in Austin on both men and women alike. Several different tummy tuck techniques range from a mini-tummy tuck to full abdominoplasty surgery. The technique that is best for you will depend on your situation and how much excess skin and fat needs to be removed.

Once the anesthesia has been administered, a horizontal incision is made just below the bikini area. The length of this incision depends on the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. The incision can typically be concealed under most swimsuits and undergarments.

Your surgeon will then place sutures in the fascia of the abdominal muscles. The muscles are then pulled and stitched back together at the body’s mid-line to create a flatter tummy shape.

Once the muscles have been repaired, excess fat is removed either by liposuction, manual extraction, or both.

Next, the skin is pulled down over the incision line, and the excess skin is excised.

At this point, your surgeon will cut a hole in the re-draped skin and suture it around your navel to fashion a new belly button.

Finally, once the skin is secured in place, your incisions are closed up.

The result is a tighter, flatter midsection.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Most of our tummy tucks are performed on an outpatient procedure and patients can return home the same day of the surgery. You will need to arrange for a family member or trusted friend to pick you up from the clinic. It is recommended to have someone stay with you for the first day or so to help out during this time.

The Abdominoplasty recovery process will likely consist of minor bruising and swelling for the first week. Some pain and discomfort may be experienced in the first few days, which can be controlled with medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Your level of pain will depend on the extent of your tummy tuck procedure, as well as your pain tolerance. After a few days, pain and swelling will begin to dissipate. Some bruising may remain but this will go away with time as well.

You will be given instructions on showering and changing your dressings post-op. Most doctors will recommend that a surgical compression garment should be worn the first few weeks after surgery to reduce swelling. You may also be instructed to wear a compression hose for a period of time to reduce the risk of clots forming in the legs.

Though you should minimize physical activity for the first few weeks, patients are encouraged to begin light walking as soon as they can to promote the healing process and prevent clots. However, too much exercise initially can hinder tummy tuck recovery.

As long as you follow your surgeon’s post-op directions, your tummy tuck recovery should go smoothly and most patients are back at work within 10 days. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for after your procedure. These appointments will provide your surgeon with feedback on your tummy tuck recovery and you can get answers to any questions or concerns you may have regarding your tummy tuck recovery period.

The first follow-up appointment is typically for drain removal, which may or may not coincide with the removal of your sutures. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty procedure, your surgeon may require you to come in more or less frequently.

Your new weight loss and figure may be visible within a week of your surgery and will continue to improve over time as the swelling goes down, achieving a smoother contour.

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HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK COST IN AUSTIN?

The cost of a standard tummy tuck in Austin, TX varies from patient to patient and depends largely on the extent of the procedure. For instance, a mini tummy tuck will generally be less expensive than a more complicated full tummy tuck that requires more time in surgery and additional work for the surgeon.

Why Choose Personique?

Personique has years of specialized training combined with decades of experience that have allowed our Austin board-certified plastic surgeons to refine and develop their skills and techniques to a high level of professionalism and expertise. For the last 4 decades, we have continued to be recognized as one of the top plastic surgery centers in America. Through a blend of advanced surgical skills and an innate sense of artistry, our doctors have earned the trust of many satisfied patients.

TUMMY TUCK FAQs

Is a Tummy Tuck painful?

In the first few weeks following your Tummy Tuck, you can expect to experience some medium-level pain, or at least some discomfort, during the first week. Your belly will be sore and swollen but may be more comfortable if you continue to use compression garments.

How many appointments will I need?

Most patients will have between 3 to 6 follow-up appointments after their Tummy Tuck surgery. These appointments are usually at week 1, week 2, and week 6. Post-op pictures are typically taken during the 3rd check-up. Your doctor will be able to give you a better idea of how many times you will need to return and how often.

How long until I see results?

Depending on the technique performed for your Tummy Tuck, your general health, and skin laxity, most patients see their finalized results around 2 – 3 months.

Can I combine a Tummy Tuck with other procedures?

Many of our patients will combine their Tummy Tuck with other body contouring procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, or Thigh Lift; the Tummy Tuck is a frequently used procedure in a Mommy Makeover. If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please discuss your desires with the plastic surgeon during your consultation. They will be able to recommend the best cosmetic procedures, to help you obtain your preferred appearance.

What are the risks associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Every surgery has its potential risks and side effects, and despite our doctors’ best efforts to provide positive outcomes for every procedure, these are the following risks associated with a Tummy Tuck:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Asymmetry
  • Bleeding
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Infection
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Persistent pain
  • Poor wound healing
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Recurrent looseness of skin
  • Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
  • Skin loss
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result
  • Unfavorable scarring

If you begin to experience concerning reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately.

Will my Tummy Tuck scar be visible?

While scarring is practically inevitable with any invasive surgery, our team does our best to hide the incisions in your body’s natural creases. When performing a Tummy Tuck, these incisions are often made in your pubic area where any scarring can be discreetly hidden by a bathing suit or underwear line.

We will provide you with post-op instructions that include scar treatment to help assist the scars in becoming less visible. The scars will be firm and pink for approximately six weeks, and then will gradually fade and flatten six months to a year after surgery.

What is the difference between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

This is a common question among our patients, but there is a major difference between the two procedures. Where a Tummy Tuck reconstructs the muscles underneath and removes excess skin, Liposuction only removes excess fat and will not remove or reduce loose, hanging, or excess skin. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of fat in the abdominal area.

When can I work out again after a Tummy Tuck?

You will be encouraged to start moving and walking in the first-week post-tummy tuck surgery, however, working out will need to wait until you have more time to heal. Most patients generally heal to the point where they can begin working out after six to eight weeks of recovery time.

What’s the Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

Overall, the cost of tummy tucks in the U.S. typically ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, with averages usually falling in the $5,000 – $7,000 range. However, depending on the type of tummy tuck procedure, prices can be higher. Most plastic surgery clinics have different financing options available to help patients break the cost of tummy tuck surgery into more affordable monthly payments. Healthcare financing plans like those offered through CareCredit.

What’s Included in the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

The overall cost is an aggregate of several different costs, which include the surgeon’s fee, general anesthesia itself, operating room as well and follow-up visits. The amount of the surgeon’s fee depends on the extent and complexity of the tummy tuck procedure, as well as the experience and skill of your plastic surgeon. Surgeons who are highly qualified and well-known for achieving exceptional results with tummy tuck surgeries might charge higher fees since they tend to be in higher demand. While choosing a highly qualified plastic surgeon with an excellent reputation may run a bit higher, the extra cost is usually worth it when it comes to surgical procedures like a tummy tuck.

Should I choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for my Tummy Tuck?

We highly recommend patients select a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons to perform their tummy tuck. This ensures the surgeon has the expertise and training to confidently perform the operation. You should also select a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as they meet certain criteria as a surgeon.

How to find the best Tummy Tuck Surgeon?

Most of our patients type in Tummy Tuck near me or Tummy Tuck in Austin to find us. We highly recommend ensuring the tummy tuck surgeon you select is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a proven track record of successful surgeries.

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SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

If you are in the Austin area, or are planning on being in the area, and are looking into a Tummy Tuck, please call us at 512-459-6800 or schedule an appointment through our website and one of our team members will get back to you shortly. Our team of board-certified professionals will be able to help you get a flatter, firmer stomach in no time!

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