Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that tones and flattens the abdomen. It removes loose, sagging skin and excess fat from the midsection. It can also tighten the abdominal muscles.
Candidates who may be considering a tummy tuck procedure often have questions about how their belly button will be affected. The belly button, also known as the umbilicus or navel, plays a significant role in the overall appearance of the abdomen. During a tummy tuck procedure, the belly button may be repositioned or revised to achieve optimal results and is considered a key aspect of the overall aesthetics of the procedure.
If you want a revitalized figure with a beautiful midriff, an abdominoplasty could be the right choice for you. Ricardo Bonnor M.D., F.A.C.S is a double board-certified surgeon who offers tummy tuck procedures at Texas Surgical Arts. For more information about the services we offer in Houston, call (281) 579-5638 or contact us online.
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About Aesthetic Abdominoplasty
Do you find yourself bothered by weak muscles, loose skin, or persistent excess fat that’s affecting the beauty of your abdomen? These aesthetic concerns may arise from various factors, including pregnancy, genetics, aging, heredity, and significant weight loss. While some may experience positive changes through diet and exercise, these methods are not universally reliable.
Enter the game-changer – abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. This procedure stands out as one of the most commonly performed in the cosmetic arts, offering an effective solution to stubborn aesthetic issues. By directly addressing excess skin and fat, coupled with skin tightening, a tummy tuck brings forth a masterpiece of abdominal transformation.
Why consider this remarkable procedure? Picture yourself reveling in a flat midsection that you can proudly flaunt in the clothes you’ve always wanted to wear. Beyond the physical enhancements, a tummy tuck has the power to elevate your confidence and self-esteem to new heights.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Aesthetic abdominoplasty involves a surgeon making incisions from hip to hip, above the pubic mound. They lift the skin and tighten the underlying musculature with sutures. They remove excess fat with liposuction or direct excision and then pull the skin tight toward the bottom of the abdomen. (2) Finally, they remove the excess skin and then suture the abdomen in its tighter form.
A skilled tummy tuck surgeon, like Dr. Bonnor, thinks very carefully about your belly button when planning your tummy tuck surgery. Your navel is the most central, most eye-catching feature on a belly and that’s why it is so important for Dr. Bonnor to create this in the most natural looking way. A belly button that looks too round or circular can be an immediate giveaway of your surgery, while a well crafted one can serve as the perfect finishing touch. Usually an attractive natural appearing youthful belly button in a tummy tuck is one that is slightly oval in shape rather than round and well positioned in the abdomen .
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
Candidates for a tummy tuck are those who are bothered by one or more of the following:
- Excess abdominal skin: Individuals with sagging or stretched skin due to weight loss, aging, or genetics can benefit from a tummy tuck.
- Muscle laxity: Pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can cause the abdominal muscles to separate or weaken, a condition known as diastasis recti. A tummy tuck repairs and tightens these muscles, creating a firmer and flatter abdomen.
- Stubborn belly fat: Despite dedicated efforts through diet and exercise, some individuals struggle with localized pockets of stubborn fat in the abdominal area. A tummy tuck can include liposuction techniques to remove these resistant fat deposits, enhancing overall body contour.
A good candidate for abdominoplasty will be in good health and close to their target body weight. Those who do not smoke are most likely to experience a successful surgery with a straightforward recovery process. Candidates should also have realistic expectations about what an abdominoplasty can do for them.
Preparation
We will provide personalized instructions on how to best prepare for your procedure. These may include changes in your medications based on your medical history and your current health condition. If you smoke, you should stop six weeks prior to your surgery.
Avoid blood-thinning substances like anti-inflammatory drugs and certain herbal supplements two weeks before your procedure. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for two weeks before your surgery. You will needt to be disoriented immediately following your treatment, so you should arrange for a trusted family member or friend to give you a ride home from our facility after your surgery and be supervised the night of the procedure.
Recovery
You can expect minor swelling, soreness, and bruising in the treatment area in the initial stages of your recovery. We can prescribe you medication to help alleviate these symptomsThese side effects will subside over the course of a few weeks as your abdomen forms to its new contours and your incisions heal. Most patients require two weeks of downtime away from work. You can resume strenuous activity after about eight weeks.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Texas Surgical Arts offers procedures that Dr. Bonnor can perform alongside or in addition to your tummy tuck.
Liposuction
Dr. Bonnor typically includes 360 liposuction as a step in the abdominoplasty procedure. It is a cosmetic surgery that can remove pockets of excess fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
How Much Does Aesthetic Abdominoplasty Cost in Houston?
Aesthetic Abdominoplasty is a highly customizable procedure that can vary in cost depending on an individual patient’s treatment plan. To find out how much a tummy tuck costs at Texas Surgical Arts, call (281) 579-5638 or fill out this form.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does recovery from abdominoplasty take?
Recovery time from abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. The exact time you will need to recover depends on the intensity of your procedure and how your body reacts to surgery. Most patients feel back to form after around six weeks and back to work after two weeks.
What is recovery from abdominoplasty like?
Recovery from abdominoplasty requires a significant amount of downtime. Some patients require several weeks of rest before they can return to work. Patients experience mild tenderness, swelling, redness, and bruising in their treatment area for days to weeks after their procedure. Patients should not participate in strenuous physical activity for up to eight weeks afterward.
Are tummy tuck procedures covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies consider abdominoplasty to be an elective cosmetic procedure. For this reason, it is typically an out-of-pocket expense.
What is a mini tummy tuck?
A “mini tummy tuck” is a less invasive abdominoplasty technique that can address moderate skin sagging in the midsection. It involves a shorter incision and has less impact on the body overall. This makes for a quicker recovery and less potential discomfort during recovery.
How long does a tummy tuck take to complete?
How long an abdominoplasty takes to complete depends on how complicated the particular procedure is, which varies from patient to patient. They can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete.
References
- Ramirez AE, Hsieh TY, Cardenas JP, Lao WW. Abdominoplasty: My Preferred Techniques. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2021;86(3S):S229. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000002639
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Gardani M, Palli D, Simonacci F, Michele Pio Grieco, Bertozzi N, Edoardo Raposio. Umbilical reconstruction: different techniques, a single aim. PubMed. 2019;90(4):504-509. doi:https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v90i4.7539