Which Type of Tummy Tuck is Right For You?

A tummy tuck is the plastic surgery procedure that is intended to remove saggy, excessive skin around your tummy area. While it can be combined with liposuction, this procedure is not a weight loss treatment. Patients need to have realistic expectations and have clear communication with their board certified surgeon about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. Patients in Lubbock can talk to their doctors about three forms of tummy tuck surgery and decide which one is best for them.

 

Mini Tummy Tuck

 

This type of tummy tuck is often referred to as the “scarless tummy tuck.” The incision for this procedure is relatively small compared to a standard tummy tuck. And, this tuck removes less skin. This procedure is the best choice for individuals with that small “pooch” that just won’t respond to diet and exercise. This option is for those who are in general good health, have a slender or fit physique, and who are looking to tighten up the belly. This procedure is made with an incision in the lower abdominal wall that reaches the navel. Unlike other tummy tucks, the navel itself typically does not need to be repositioned during a mini tummy tuck. After making the incisions, the surgeon will “tuck” the skin and abdominal muscles. Because this procedure is a less invasive plastic surgery, Lubbock patients typically experience a quick recovery. Patients are usually back to their everyday activities within a week’s time and can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications.

 

Standard Tummy Tuck

 

This level of treatment is the traditional tummy tuck Lubbock residents typically think of for this surgery. Like the mini tummy tuck, it is recommended that this surgery is performed on men and women in good physical health. Unlike the mini tuck, however, individuals seeking this surgery have a more sizable excess of skin to remove. Patients with weakened abdominal muscles due to past pregnancies or who have experienced a tremendous loss of weight will benefit from a traditional tummy tuck. For this surgery, the surgeon makes a larger surgical incision. The incision runs in a straight line between the hip bones. Your doctor can suggest if you need to have some liposuction to remove fat at this point before the surgeon tucks the abdomen. With a larger portion of the skin removed during this tuck, the belly button is repositioned. Patients get back on their feet and into regular routines in around 2-4 weeks after surgery. A prescription pain medication is typically recommended. It’s important to rest as much as possible in the first few weeks and not try to jump right back into your life’s activities too quickly.

 

Extended Tummy Tuck

 

As you can assume, an extended tummy tuck addresses surgical needs beyond that of the standard tummy tuck. A Lubbock plastic surgery patient wanting to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen as well as their hips and “love handles,” the sides of their lower back, may be recommended the extended tummy tuck approach. The incision for this procedure is longer than the traditional tummy tuck, covering all areas being addressed–abdomen, hips, lower back. This procedure is nearly always paired with liposuction for a better contouring results. Again, the abdominal muscles are tightened, targeted skin is excised, and the navel is repositioned. The more extensive your surgery, the longer your recovery time will be. Always give yourself plenty of time to allow your body to heal properly.

 

The more information you have about your plastic surgery options, the better decisions you can make for your body. Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock who takes the time to explain procedures along with recovery and result expectations thoroughly. If you are feeling like you are tired of carrying around that extra pooch of baggy skin in your abdominal area, schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Rowley today.

Find more information about plastic surgery options and the caring staff at Rowley Plastic Surgery at www.rowleyplasticsurgery.com

Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

liposuction, Lubbock

 

A tummy tuck, officially called abdominoplasty, tightens the muscles and trims stretched or loose skin and excess fat from the abdomen giving the midsection of the body a flatter and more toned appearance. This procedure is occasionally paired with liposuction of the abdomen or other areas and is often associated with a “mommy makeover” to restore a pre-pregnancy body shape. Beyond pregnancy situations, many patients requesting tummy tucks or liposuction are correcting and trimming loose skin after experiencing extreme weight loss in a short period of time.

 

Although the primary reason people undergo a tummy tuck in Lubbock is to improve appearance, there are several additional benefits to the procedure.

 

Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence

For those getting a post-pregnancy “mommy makeover,” a tummy tuck can correct more than the stretched skin left after delivering a baby. After a vaginal delivery women can develop a bladder control issue known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) where they experience uncontrollable urinary leakage when coughing, sneezing, exercising, or simply laughing, and a tummy tuck can aid in the recovery of SUI by creating a slight soft tissue bladder obstruction near the pelvic area.

 

Hernia Relief

Procedures like liposuction will help with fat reduction, but a tummy tuck can help correct weakened abdominal muscles and pressure on the skin caused by a hernia. A doctor may choose to combine the tummy tuck procedure with that of the hernia correction which is not only a safe approach; it can save time and money in surgeries and recoveries.

 

Better Posture

By tightening the weak abdominal muscles that are associated with lordosis, or swayback, the muscles will be better able to support the spine. This will improve posture and can relieve certain types of back pain.
Overall, getting a tummy tuck from Dr. Rowley here in Lubbock will not only help you look great, but it will help you feel great from all of the added benefits of the surgery. Call today for a no-obligation consultation. Find more information at rowleyplasticsurgery.com

What to Expect with a Tummy Tuck

Lubbock

 

With swimming suit season right at its peak, you may be feeling the discouragement of a body that doesn’t quite look the way you want it to. If sit-ups just aren’t cutting it, and diet just can’t rid you of that excess flab or skin in your mid-section, abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, may be the right fit for you. A tummy tuck is much more traumatic on your body than liposuction, but also yields more impactful results.

Tummy tucks are a major surgery and should be considered carefully with lots of education and counsel from Dr. Jane Rowley to ensure it is right for you.

 

What to Expect Before the Surgery

 

  • A preliminary evaluation with Dr. Jane Rowley in her Lubbock office prepares you for what to expect, as well as ensure your health and body are right for the procedure.
  • Your weight should be stable. A diet healthy and sustainable is essential for a healthy recovery and lasting results.
  • Nicotine can interfere with the healing process. Expect to refrain from smoking, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum for several weeks before and after the surgery.

 

What to Expect on the Day of the Surgery

 

  • Surgery is done with general anesthetics. You will need a driver to take you home.
  • Depending on how extensive your surgery is, it can take anywhere from one to five hours.

 

What to Expect After the Surgery

 

  • You should not spend your first night alone, make sure you have someone to help you throughout the night.
  • Your incision will be stitched and bandaged. It is important that you follow Dr. Rowley’s specific care instructions to ensure a healthy recovery.
  • Moving will be tough during your recovery. Plan on wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Make sure your phone is in reach if you need it. A hand-held shower head and bathroom chair are ideal.
  • Plan for several weeks of recovery, and take off plenty of time from work for an uninterrupted recovery time. Too much activity following the surgery before you are completely healed can complicate your recovery. Give you body the time it needs to rest and heal.

 

Meet with Dr. Jane Rowley in her Lubbock office and get the details that are right for your body and your goals so that you can have a happy and healthy experience with your plastic surgery. Schedule your consultation today.

Can Other Plastic Surgery Techniques Compliment a Tummy Tuck

Lubbock plastic surgery

 

With patients in Lubbock, plastic surgery plans are as individual as the patients are. A tummy tuck is known as a skin procedure to help reduce sagging skin around the abdomen.  It is also a significant procedure that involves the entire core of the body. A tummy tuck not only tightens loose skin but also tightens and contours the abdominal wall and muscles. For the right patient, the results are exceptional. It is also common for patients to consider having other procedures performed in tandem with a tummy tuck for even greater cosmetic effect. Especially patients who have experienced drastic weight loss, a combination of procedures have a dramatic effect to help improve their changed bodies. Some procedure combinations may include:

 

  • Breast Augmentation, Reduction, or Breast Lift— Popularly called a Mommy Makeover, a tummy tuck is combined with one or two breast procedures, breast reduction, augmentation, or lift.

 

  • Liposuction— Removing excess fat at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure will give added contour to your shape in those places with stubborn fat pockets.

 

  • Extended Tummy Tuck or Lower Body Lifts— When a person loses a significant amount of weight, he or she can have sagging skin around the thighs, hips, and buttocks that can be helped with a lower body lift. An extended tummy tuck will also affect your entire waistline.

 

Whether on its own or combined  with other procedures, a tummy tuck with its contouring and tightening effect gives your body a slimmer look that can help you feel more confident in your body and more comfortable in your clothing. Choosing the best surgeon is paramount to having the best possible results from your surgery. In Lubbock, plastic surgery procedures are at their best at Rowley Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jane Rowley is your board certified surgeon who carefully consults with each patient to understand his or her individual cosmetic goals and needs. You can expect confidence, competence, and communication at Rowley Plastic Surgery. Call today and schedule your consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck

 

Deciding whether or not to have a tummy tuck requires careful consideration and honest discussion with your doctor. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a very successful procedure to help people who want to tighten loose skin and weakened muscles in their abdominal area. It is not considered a weight loss surgery, but can be an excellent way to refine your shape and regain a more youthful appearance and body contour.

 

If you are wondering if a tummy tuck is right for you, try laying down on your back and seeing what your stomach bulge does. If your stomach flattens, then it’s a good guess that your bulk is on the outside of your stomach muscles. A tummy tuck can strengthen muscles and tighten loose skin giving you that flatter, healthier stomach appearance. If your stomach still looks rounded when you are laying flat, your stomach bulk is possibly inside your abdomen and surgery may not be the right option for you. It’s important to consult with a board certified surgeon who takes the time to explain the procedure thoroughly and knows how accurately to assess if you will benefit from a tummy tuck. Your surgeon should also carefully listen to your aesthetic goals to understand your expectations of any cosmetic surgery.

 

Ask yourself these questions to help determine if a tummy tuck is a good option for you:

 

  • Are you in generally good health, physically and mentally?
  • Do you have realistic expectations for your surgical results?
  • If you are a woman, are you finished having children?
  • Have you lost weight but plan on your weight being stable after the procedure?
  • Does the skin around your midsection look droopy?
  • Do you feel you have weakened stomach muscles?

 

If you are an adult in good health with that belly pooch or sag that just won’t respond to diet and exercise, you can take that next step and schedule a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon to discuss options for a new contoured you.

 

Rowley Plastic Surgery offers Lubbock patients expert, caring options in plastic surgery. You are in good hands with doctors and staff who have over two decades of abdominoplasty experience.  Schedule your consultation today.