Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A flat and toned abdomen is a common objective of many diet and exercise programs, but even with the most dedicated efforts, patients can't always reach their desired goals. For Houston residents, tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Camille Cash. Patients are thrilled with their results and often report a 1 to 3 size reduction in clothing. They no longer have to make wardrobe decisions based on how to best camouflage a bulging mid-section. Dr. Cash's patients love being free to wear form fittings shirts, low-waisted pants and even two piece bathing suits.
Dr. Cash recalls a patient she saw recently, six months after the Houston woman's tummy tuck and liposuction. She was an average-size person who went from a size 14 to a size 8. Her self-confidence is now through the roof! Not only has her sex life with her husband improved, but they now often shop for lingerie together.
Request an appointment online with Dr. Cash today in Houston, and see how a tummy tuck can help you change your body and help you into a new wardrobe.
Tummy Tuck in Houston with Dr. Cash
A tummy tuck, or in medical terms an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that re-contours and reshapes the torso for patients who have developed loose or sagging skin and a weakened abdominal wall.
During pregnancy, the skin of the abdomen stretches and the muscles separate to accommodate the growing baby. Following childbirth, sometimes the body can regain its pre-pregnancy shape but often it cannot. The same is true for both men and women who gain and lose significant amounts of weight. The skin stretches to accommodate the gain, but just can't bounce back after weight loss.
Other patients who seek abdominoplasty in Houston are men and women whose genetic makeup granted them a troublesome mid-section they've been frustrated with much of their lives.
Unlike other procedures that only treat the surface, with a tummy tuck all three layers of the abdomen are corrected: the skin, fat and muscle. The surgery involves the use of an incision that is hidden beneath the patient's panty line and removes the redundant skin and its underlying fat in the lower abdomen. The muscle layer is tightened and the remaining skin in the upper abdomen is then released, smoothed and pulled down to the patient's bikini line. The result is a dramatically improved abdomen that is flatter and more toned. Unlike other procedures, tummy tuck is long-lasting as it permanently removes the excess skin and fat.
The procedure itself takes about 3-4 hours and is often combined with liposuction of the love handles or sides.
Candidates for Abdominoplasty
Men and women who have excess abdominal skin and a loose abdominal wall are candidates for a tummy tuck. The best candidates are otherwise in pretty good shape and are maintaining a fairly stable weight.
Women who have a large amount of over-hanging skin and fat in the abdomen due to weight gain or loss, and are not going to become pregnant within the next 12 months may be a candidate for a modified tummy tuck. With this procedure the skin and fat are removed but without tightening the muscle layer. Patients who have a small amount of loose skin in their lower abdomen only are candidates for a mini-tummy tuck.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure and Recovery
Abdominoplasty surgery typically takes three hours or longer and is typically performed under general anesthesia.
After surgery, drains will be placed beneath the skin of your abdomen and will normally stay in place for 7-10 days. Depending on your type of job, 1-3 weeks off from work is recommended to allow your body to heal properly. You will be able to begin light exercise after four weeks but it will take six weeks before you can resume strenuous activity or lifting weights.
Most patients find that they will not have to perform sit-ups or any other abdominal exercises after tummy tuck surgery. Their midsection will be flat and smooth.
Common Questions About Abdominoplasty
What is a mini-tummy tuck and am I candidate?
A mini-tummy tuck is a procedure in which the incision used is shorter than one for a standard or full tummy tuck. The surgery addresses the skin of the lower abdomen only. There is typically no incision around the belly button and the skin around the belly button is changed minimally.
Candidates for this procedure can not have loose skin or muscle weakness in the upper abdomen or they'll have a better result with a standard tummy tuck.
How much pain will I have?
Most patients describe their discomfort as moderate to severe. However, Dr Cash uses post-operative pain pumps to significantly decrease your discomfort following surgery. With a pain pump, thin catheters are place directly underneath your skin and bathe the surgical area with a local anesthetic similar to lidocaine. They stay in place for 3-5 days and are easily removed by a family member.
Where is the surgery performed?
Depending on the length of surgery, any medical conditions you may have and your family support at home, Dr. Cash may recommend an accredited hospital in Houston for your abdominoplasty where you can stay 1-2 nights, or you may have the procedure done in an accredited surgical center and go home several hours after surgery.
Will I have a scar?
Scars are inevitable with any surgery, unfortunately, but there are precautions that can be taken to give you the best outcome possible. Dr. Cash will close all incisions meticulously with suture material that has an antibacterial coating and is absorbed by your body. Other remedies ranging from over-the-counter products to silicone sheeting can be also be used.
What are the possible complications with this surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery has potential risks associated with it as do all surgeries, such as infection, bleeding and possible infection. These complications are rarely occur and are often minor and resolve easily.
Very rarely patients will desire a revision to improve the appearance of a scar.
Visit Dr. Cash in Houston for an abdominoplasty consultation at 1315 St. Joseph Parkway, #1305. Make an appointment by calling 713-571-0600 today.