It can be challenging to achieve a flat stomach and tight abs. Even when you eat a healthy diet, work out all the time, and do countless crunches, these efforts can fall short. Factors such as genetics, aging, prior pregnancies, and weight fluctuations may limit how much you can change on your own.
If you feel like your workouts simply aren’t delivering results, a tummy tuck can help you get the toned stomach you desire. Call 214-416-9836 today to learn about tummy tuck surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Zachary Farris.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular body contouring procedures performed at Farris Plastic Surgery. Dr. Farris will remove excess fat and skin while tightening loose abdominal muscles in order to help you restore a more fit appearance in your stomach region. Many of our patients comment that their tummy tuck makes them feel more confident, which translates into every aspect of their life.
- Common Reasons for a Tummy Tuck
- Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
- Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
- Abdominoplasty after Pregnancy or Weight Loss
- Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
- Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck
- Drainless Tummy Tuck - Progressive Tension Suture Technique (PTS)
- Procedures That Can Be Combined With a Tummy Tuck
- Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck Results
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Should I Choose Dr. Farris for My Tummy Tuck?
- Contact our Dallas Plastic Surgeon
Common Reasons for a Tummy Tuck
As part of the aging process, your metabolism usually starts to slow down. It becomes increasingly difficult to burn off fat in certain areas of the body, including your abs. This, combined with weakened muscle tissue and a loss of skin elasticity, often causes your midsection to expand with age.
In many instances, diet and exercise can only do so much to combat these effects of aging, and a tummy tuck may be your best option to put the finishing touches on your workout efforts.
The following factors may also combine with the aging process to make it challenging for you to achieve a toned, flat stomach:
- Weight loss: Significant weight loss often results in stretched abdominal muscles and loose, hanging skin in your midsection.
- Pregnancy: Your abdominal muscles become stretched and often separate during pregnancy. It’s also common to experience stretch marks following childbirth.
- Genetics: Your genetics play a major role in your body type. Some people are simply predisposed to store fat in their midsection, and even the most rigorous workout regimen is often unable to override your genetic makeup.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, a tummy tuck can help you achieve your desired abdominal appearance.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can bring you plenty of benefits, including:
- A more toned and contoured stomach region
- A more balanced and proportional figure
- Tighter abdominal muscles
- Elimination of loose, hanging skin that commonly results from weight loss or pregnancy
- Improved appearance of stretch marks
There are also several psychological benefits associated with a tummy tuck, like more self-confidence and a better self-image. You may also find that you have a new-found motivation to live a healthy lifestyle to make your beautiful results last.
Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
In general, good candidates for a tummy tuck:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure
- Have loose or stretched abdominal muscles that would benefit from tightening
- Have excess fat and/or skin in the abdominal area
- Are able to maintain a stable, healthy body weight
- Are active and physically fit
If you are planning on having children in the future, you should discuss these plans with Dr. Farris during your consultation. While future pregnancies won’t prevent you from undergoing a tummy tuck, it is generally best to wait until you are finished with this phase of your life since pregnancy and childbirth can undo many of the results achieved by your procedure.
If you’re a smoker, you will need to quit prior to surgery and throughout the recovery period. Nicotine constricts small blood vessels and diminishes the blood supply to tissue. If nicotine is in your system, it would increase the risks of developing an infection or other complications. Dr. Farris recommends that you stop smoking about two to three months before surgery. The longer nicotine is out of your system, the better your chances are to heal without complications.
Abdominoplasty after Pregnancy or Weight Loss
A tummy tuck can address many of the changes to your abdominal region commonly caused by pregnancy and childbirth. By tightening loose or stretched muscles and removing excess skin and fat, you are more easily able to regain the toned stomach you enjoyed prior to having children. For this reason, Dr. Farris often includes a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover.
Similarly, a tummy tuck is a great way to put the finishing touches on your weight loss efforts. After massive weight loss, you may be left with loose, hanging skin in the abdominal region. A tummy tuck can help eliminate this excess skin in order to provide you with the toned appearance you’ve worked so hard to achieve. As a result, Dr. Farris often recommends abdominoplasty as part of post-bariatric body contouring surgery.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Depending on your specific needs and aesthetic goals, you can choose from several types of tummy tucks, each designed for different situations. Here’s a closer look at the traditional (full) tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck:
Traditional (Full) Tummy Tuck
- Who It's For: Ideal for those who have excess skin and fat around their abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles due to factors like pregnancy or significant weight changes. Perfect if you're looking to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen over a large area.
- Benefits: Offers the most dramatic transformation, removing a substantial amount of excess skin, fat, and tightening muscles across the entire abdomen.
- Limitations: Involves a longer recovery time and a horizontal scar extending from hip to hip just above the pubic area.
Mini Tummy Tuck
- Who It's For: Best for individuals who are generally in good shape but struggle with a persistent “pooch” or bulge below the belly button. This less invasive option focuses on refining the lower abdomen.
- Benefits: Features a shorter incision and quicker recovery period, effectively smoothing and enhancing the contour of the lower belly.
- Limitations: Does not address issues above the belly button and is not suitable for correcting weakened or separated muscles in the upper abdomen.
Extended Tummy Tuck
- Who It's For: Tailored for individuals with excess skin and fat extending around the flanks and lower back, often following significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.
- Benefits: Provides the most extensive reshaping and tightening, enhancing not just the abdomen but also the waist and upper lateral thigh for a dramatically improved body contour.
- Limitations: Requires the longest incision, which wraps around the hips to the lower back, leading to a more substantial scar and a longer recovery period.
Dr. Farris will help you choose the procedure that best fits your body and goals.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Depending on the specifics of your procedure and whether you undergo a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck, it may take anywhere between two to three hours to complete the surgery.
Dr. Farris will make an incision from hip to hip (for a full tummy tuck) in addition to an incision that releases your belly button. The skin and fat layer is then lifted off the underlying abdominal wall up to the level of the ribs. Any loose or stretched abdominal muscles will be tightened, and excess skin and fat will be removed. The incision is closed using sutures.
During your procedure, stretchmarks located below your belly button will disappear. The stretch marks higher up may still be visible but should look much better.
Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck
As part of the tummy tuck, Dr. Farris will typically perform liposuction as well. The liposuction is performed first and helps to eliminate stubborn subcutaneous pockets of fat at the abdomen, flanks and near the hips. This will result in thinning of the skin layer and will trim the waist line. Liposuction combined with a tummy tuck will also improve the shape and contour of the trunk, giving a more hourglass figure. For men, it will provide a more muscular shape.
Drainless Tummy Tuck - Progressive Tension Suture Technique (PTS)
Traditional tummy tuck techniques require drains because they are needed to drain the fluid that accumulates after the surgeon has separated the skin/fat layer and the underlying abdominal wall. This separation is called undermining, and it’s required to free up the loose belly skin. Drains are placed to collect this fluid, preventing seroma (fluid collection) formation.
Using a newer method called the progressive tension suture (PTS) technique, Dr. Farris can perform the tummy tuck without the need for drains. With this technique, he places multiple stitches between the undersurface of the skin/fat layer and the underlying abdominal wall, getting rid of the large open space that would collect fluid and eliminating the need for drains. You won't have the discomfort associated with drains and won' t have to worry about managing them.
Drainless Tummy Tuck Benefits:
- Avoid drain-associated pain and maintenance
- PTS technique improves the contour of the abdomen
- PTS technique reduces tension on lower incision, improves scarring
- Reduces risk of infection associated with prolonged drain use
- Easier recovery, fewer follow-up visits
Procedures That Can Be Combined With a Tummy Tuck
A number of different procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck. For women, this is called a mommy makeover. Here is a full list:
Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Farris and his team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Follow these carefully to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.
You should plan on having someone drive you home after surgery due to the lingering effects of the anesthesia. It’s also a good idea to make sure someone is home to assist you for the remainder of the day.
You’ll experience some mild bruising and swelling, which will gradually subside as you heal. Dr. Farris will prescribe medication to help you manage any discomfort you experience. We recommend only taking this medication when you have pain.
Specific instructions on activity and positioning will be provided. You will be given a compression garment to wear for the first few weeks. For the first week, you should walk slightly hunched forward (bent at the hips). Sleep with your hips bent and your head elevated with several pillows. Recliners work great. Stitches are placed underneath the skin during surgery, so there is nothing to remove in the office.
Avoid prolonged exposure of the scars to sunlight for four to six months, and use sunscreen as necessary. You may use vitamin E cream and scar products beginning three weeks after surgery to help heal your scars. Scars change in appearance and improve over time up to 12 months.
Tummy Tuck Results
Preliminary results will begin to appear as bruising and swelling subsides. However, it may take several months before you see your final results. Live a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise in order to maintain your results for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can I Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
Begin light walking as soon as you feel up to it in order to facilitate blood flow and prevent the formation of blood clots. You may resume most light activities after one week, and you should generally be able to return to work after one to two weeks, especially if your job doesn’t involve any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
Exercise can usually be resumed after six to eight weeks. Avoid any strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, straining, or climbing multiple stairs immediately after surgery, as this may increase your risk for bleeding.
How Do I Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Before your surgery, you should be in good general physical health. You should also be prepared mentally – you should have realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure, and you should be prepared to live a healthy lifestyle after the procedure to maintain your tummy tuck results.
There are some things you should do before your surgery to ensure a quick and successful recovery:
- Stop smoking: Quit two to three months before surgery. Nicotine diminishes blood supply to tissue, which can increase the risk of complications and infection as you recover.
- Stop taking certain medications: This includes anti-inflammatory medication, which can cause excessive bleeding.
- Stay healthy: Eat a good diet and continue to exercise in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
- Have help ready: Make sure you have someone to help you around the house in the first few days after your surgery, especially if you have children.
Dr. Farris will have other specific instructions for you to follow in the period leading up to your surgery.
How Can I Prolong My Tummy Tuck Results?
Maintaining the results of a tummy tuck involves a commitment to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. Here are some strategies to help ensure your newly contoured abdomen remains firm and toned long-term:
- Maintain a Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations can stretch the skin and affect the firmness of the abdominal area.
- Follow a Nutritious Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can lead to weight gain and negatively impact your overall health.
- Exercise Regularly: Incorporate both cardiovascular and strength training exercises into your routine. Cardio helps burn fat, while strength training, particularly core exercises, will keep your abdominal muscles firm.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin elasticity and overall health.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking impairs blood flow to the skin, which can slow down the healing process and worsen the appearance of scars.
- Follow Post-Surgery Instructions: Carefully follow all postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including wearing compression garments as advised and attending follow-up appointments.
- Monitor Changes with Your Doctor: Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon can help address changes or concerns that may come up after your surgery.
Does a Tummy Tuck Leave a Scar?
Because incisions are required for a tummy tuck, there will be scarring. If you opt for a full tummy tuck, which corrects issues with the entire abdominal area, a longer incision is required, which will leave a larger scar. A mini tummy tuck takes care of issues in the area below the belly button. In this procedure, a smaller incision is necessary, leaving a smaller scar.
You can help minimize the appearance of scars: avoid exposing the scars to sunlight for four to six months, and make sure to use sunscreen when you do go outside. Vitamin E cream and scar products can help to optimize scar healing; you should start using these about three weeks after surgery.
Can I Have a Baby After a Tummy Tuck?
There is no medical reason why you can’t have a baby after a tummy tuck. However, it is best to wait to have a tummy tuck until after you are done having babies, as changes to your body during pregnancy can undo the results of the procedure.
When you are done having children, a tummy tuck can be a part of a mommy makeover, which is a combination of procedures to help you get your pre-baby body back. Dr. Farris can discuss this more with you during your consultation.
What Are the Risks and Complications Associated With Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck does come with potential risks and complications, although these are generally rare when the surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Common concerns can include reactions to anesthesia, infection, or bleeding. Some patients might also experience slow healing or scarring. Dr. Farris is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and will discuss all potential risks during your consultation.
Can I Finance My Tummy Tuck Surgery?
We provide several convenient financing options to help manage the costs of your surgery, which include:
- PatientFi: Apply easily with a soft credit check that won't affect your credit score, and pay over time with flexible monthly plans.
- CareCredit: Instant approval for financing, with options including 0% interest plans and extended payment plans with low, fixed rates.
- ALPHAEON Credit: Special financing options available to help you meet your wellness and beauty goals. Quick application process.
These options allow you to focus on your recovery and results rather than financial stress.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Farris for My Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Zachary Farris studied at New York University and received his MD from Drexel University College of Medicine, after which he trained with some of the best plastic surgeons in New York City. He is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, which means he has undergone extensive training and has passed rigorous tests from both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has been recognized as one of the Top Doctors in Dallas by Castle Connolly, one of the Rising Stars in Plastic Surgery by Super Doctors, and one of the top 1% influencers in plastic surgery by RealSelf.
Beyond this training and these honors, Dr. Farris believes in providing personalized, individual care to each of his patients and helping them achieve the exact results they want from their plastic surgery.
Call Farris Plastic Surgery for Your Tummy Tuck Procedure!
Please contact Farris Plastic Surgery using the form on this page or call 214-416-9836 today to schedule your tummy tuck consultation. We serve patients in the Dallas, Texas area.
