Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in High Point, NC
Are you struggling to achieve the firm and toned abdominal contour you desire?
Weight loss, pregnancy, and genetic traits can cause excess tissue around the abdomen that detracts from the attractive figure underneath. Tummy tuck surgery is designed to reshape the abdomen and provide a more slender, toned midsection.
What Is Tummy Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that sculpts the midsection by targeting loose skin, excess fat, and separated abdominal muscles. During this body contouring treatment, loose skin is surgically trimmed, localized pockets of fat are reduced or removed, and weakened or separated abdominal muscles are brought back together and tightened (much like an internal corset). The result is a flatter, firmer, and better-defined abdominal contour.
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you are in good health and feel that your abdomen lacks tone, a tummy tuck can help. Candidates for the procedure often have loose skin, excess fat, and/or stretched abdominal muscles.
We tailor your abdominoplasty to enhance your physical characteristics and give you the body shape you desire. You will work closely with your surgeon to determine which elements are necessary for your procedure.
Tummy tuck surgery may cause patients to lose a small amount of weight, but weight loss is not the goal. Any weight loss is likely to be minimal, rarely exceeding five pounds. This will depend on the amount of excess fat, skin, and other tissues removed. It is important that patients understand this before undergoing surgery. Abdominoplasty is ideal for patients who have already lost weight or are at a healthy weight and looking to improve their appearance.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is most suitable for patients with minimal abdominal weakness and skin laxity below the navel.
During a mini tummy tuck, a single incision is created along the bikini line. Weakened muscles are tightened through this incision, and abdominal skin is trimmed to create a more defined contour.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
Traditional abdominoplasty is ideal for people with laxity in the upper and lower abdomen. This generally develops in the form of skin looseness and muscle weakness.
The traditional technique involves creating two incisions: one low in the pubic area and a second around the navel. Excess skin is trimmed away, and sutures are used to tighten the muscles.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is typically reserved for people who have undergone dramatic weight loss that has left them with folds of excess skin. This procedure may be combined with post-bariatric body contouring surgeries to achieve optimal results.
The extended technique requires a longer incision that runs along the pubic area, over the hips, and possibly onto the back. Your plastic surgeon will use this incision to remove excess skin and enhance your body shape.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, and the length of the procedure will vary depending on the type of correction needed. Most patients are put under general anesthesia for their operation, but other sedation techniques may be used.
All aspects of your tummy tuck are customized to your body and aesthetic goals.
Should I Combine My Tummy Tuck With Another Plastic Surgery Procedure?
Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Patients with significant excess fat in the abdomen and/or bothersome fat in other areas often choose to combine liposuction treatment with their abdominoplasty. Both liposuction and tummy tuck are body contouring procedures, but they accomplish different goals. Liposuction surgery removes excess fat deposits, and tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and tightens loose muscles. They can be performed together, but neither procedure replaces the other.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover
Tummy tuck surgery is often combined with breast lift surgery, breast augmentation surgery, and breast reduction surgery. Any combination of breast and body procedures is known as a Mommy Makeover procedure.
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in High Point, NC?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery in North Carolina varies depending on the technique you choose. Extensive abdominoplasty procedures tend to take longer and cost more. The price of a tummy tuck can also vary based on the fees charged by the surgeon, anesthesia personnel (CRNA), operating facility, and more. You will receive a customized tummy tuck price quote from Dr. Willard at the end of your consultation.
Financing options are available.
How Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
Before surgery, patients should ensure they have someone to drive them home after the operation. Patients will need significant assistance with daily tasks during the first two to five days after surgery. To help alleviate this, we suggest patients do whatever they can around the house ahead of time and arrange to have someone help them.
Good examples of how to prepare for your abdominoplasty include:
- Clean the house
- Meal prep: cook and store a week’s worth of meals
- Prepare your recovery area with blankets, books, electronics, snacks, and other things you might want on hand
What Do I Need to Bring to My Consultation?
Preparation is a large part of the plastic surgery process, and this starts before your consultation with Dr. Willard. It is smart to bring a friend or family member to the consultation for support. We also suggest preparing a list of your questions, so you do not forget anything during the consultation.
Should I Quit Smoking Before Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Smoking at any time poses health risks, becoming more pronounced when you smoke around the time of a surgical procedure. We recommend quitting all nicotine use at least two weeks before and three weeks after your tummy tuck to help reduce the risk of complications.
Are There any Supplements That Reduce Side Effects Such as Bruising and Swelling?
Arnica and bromelain are often recommended to take beforehand as they can help with recovery.
What Should I Bring to the Office Surgery Center on the Day of My Tummy Tuck?
When arriving for your tummy tuck, be sure you have any necessary paperwork. Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily put on without adding stress on your abdomen. Loose shirts that button in front are good choices. Be sure to bring your compression garment and any medication. Having these will help guide you into the recovery process.
How Long Is My Tummy Tuck Recovery?
You will experience bruising, swelling, and soreness around the incision sites following your tummy tuck procedure. Wearing a compression garment throughout your recovery will help minimize swelling and maximize your results.
Most patients can return to light work within two to four weeks and resume their regular exercise routine at six weeks.
We offer our patients the option to stay the night after surgery at Comfort Cottage with a nurse available for any necessary assistance.
Are There Risks With Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Abdominoplasty poses minor risks during the healing process, including infection, hematoma, blood clots, scarring, and seromas. Once your initial recovery is over, your risk of complications is low.
Will My Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?
All plastic surgeries result in scarring, and abdominoplasty is no exception. Fortunately, the scars caused by tummy tuck surgery are easy to conceal beneath clothing and bathing suits.
Most patients will find that their surgical scars fade and become hard to notice within a few years. Scars fade faster with proper treatment, including keeping the scar tissue out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Will My Tummy Tuck Results Be Permanent?
Most patients will see initial results in four to six weeks as swelling fades. Final results should become visible within six months.
To maintain your new physique, we recommend a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and adequate exercise. While your tummy tuck results are long lasting, they are subject to change if you experience significant weight fluctuations, including a subsequent pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery also does not stop the aging process, and you can expect that your results will gradually change with time.