About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dealing with sagging skin and unwanted fat on the abdomen can be frustrating and challenging. Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging are the primary reasons why someone may not be able to regain a tighter and slimmer tummy. An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that reshapes the stomach area and produces amazing results for patients. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andre Y. Levesque performs abdominoplasty that is tailored to the individual's cosmetic goals. This popular procedure at Levesque Plastic Surgery allows both women and men the chance to get a redefined physique and restored confidence. Learn more about how a tummy tuck can improve your look by scheduling a consultation at our Austin, TX office.
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Ideal Candidates
Abdominoplasty can be successful for men and women alike. If you battle sagging skin and unwanted fat in the abdominal region, this cosmetic surgery can help grant you a tighter and slimmer physique. Dr. Levesque suggests you to be at a stable weight prior to surgery. Abdominoplasty is not a procedure to help you lose weight — it addresses loose skin. However, liposuction can be used during surgery to remove stubborn fat pockets. If your tummy section has healthy skin tautness but you are still unhappy with the appearance of your midsection, you may be a better candidate for liposuction. Women considering this treatment should be past their planned pregnancies to ensure their surgical outcomes are not affected.
Surgical Technique
Body contouring of the abdomen is performed with general anesthesia. There are various techniques that can be employed to perform this procedure, which is tailored to the patient's specific goals. The incision length is chosen based on the amount of excess skin. Some patients with extensive sagging skin may require a full tummy tuck. A full or extended tummy tuck places the incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic region. Other patients with minimal skin looseness may be better suited for a mini tummy tuck. These individuals still benefit from skin tightening but will receive a smaller scar.
What to Expect
Following this procedure, you will be monitored overnight. The following day, you will be released with a compression garment to help control swelling. Walking upright will be difficult at first, so you should rest for a few days. Standing becomes easier once the tightness subsides and the incisions begin to heal. Most patients can resume everyday functions after around two weeks. Exercise can resume later, which is usually after two months or when you are cleared by Dr. Levesque. The abdomen will feel tight and uncomfortable for some time, but you will look and feel normal again once your recovery is complete. See our Before and After photos .
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levesque will develop your unique treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals before discussing costs. He will be better able to estimate your costs when the type of tummy tuck has been selected. Levesque Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods and can help you find low-interest financing if necessary.
What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are three primary types of tummy tuck procedures: full, mini, and extended. During your consultation, Dr. Levesque will ask about your needs and goals before examining your stomach. Then, he can better decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results. A full tummy tuck is suitable if you want to correct issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is better for those who only have issues below the belly button, like a "pooch." An extended tummy tuck is designed to improve the abdomen as well as the hips and upper thighs.
What will my scars look like?
Surgical incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which type you are getting. For all tummy tucks, Dr. Levesque makes the smallest incisions possible to limit scarring. He also makes the incisions in less visible areas (such as in the pubic region or belly button) so they can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear. After your surgery, it's important to follow your scar care instructions so your stitches heal flat and blend into your natural skin.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter your results. Dr. Levesque recommends that you be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before you consider a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, a second surgery can be performed to refresh your results.
Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
A lot of patients add another surgery with a tummy tuck to give them more dramatic improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Levesque, talk to him about your concerns so a unique treatment plan can be developed that matches your goals. You may combine a tummy tuck with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for body contouring. If you are trying to improve your body after pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.
GET a Tighter Tummy
Many factors can lead to a stretched-out abdomen that creates hanging folds of skin. We know it can be a daily struggle for some. Thankfully, abdominoplasty can help you overcome this. If you are embarrassed by the hanging skin on your abdomen, no matter how minimal or severe, tummy tuck surgery by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Levesque in Austin, TX can allow you to get the look you desire. Contact Levesque Plastic Surgery to learn more.