Why Choose Tummy Tuck Surgery Near Lubbock, TX

Has pregnancy or significant weight loss left you with excess abdominal skin? Tummy tuck surgery near Lubbock, TX, is a procedure designed to turn a loose, sagging belly into a flat, well-toned midsection. Board-certified Dr. Jane Rowley has more than 20 years of experience performing tummy tucks, and knows exactly what is required to produce exceptional results with a quick tummy tuck recovery.

Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery Near Lubbock, TX

Many men and women find it difficult to achieve a smooth, firm abdominal profile. A healthy diet and proper exercise can only help so much when other factors can influence the condition and proportions of your midsection. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) website lists common causes for a protruding, drooping belly include:

• Aging
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Prior Surgery
• Significant fluctuations in weight

Before pursuing a tummy tuck, it is important to evaluate the timing of such a significant surgery. The ASPS website further suggests:

“Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.”

Tummy Tuck Surgical Techniques

Dr. Rowley performs tummy tuck surgery near Lubbock, TX typically as an outpatient surgery using general anesthetics. The surgery takes place in either an office operating suite or an outpatient surgical center where 24-hour observation is available. She develops a customized treatment plan beforehand for each one of her patients so they can know what to expect from surgery and during their tummy tuck recovery. Dr. Rowley explains:

“An abdominoplasty is done through a long, lower abdominal incision. I tell everybody the longer the incision, the more skin I can excise. When you do a full abdominoplasty, you lift everything up to the belly button, then you cut around the belly button and your belly button is still connected on the inside, but you’re going to go ahead and lift everything all the way up to the rib cage. We often tighten the muscles while we’re there. After having kids, you get what we call diastasis, separation of the muscle that gives you that pooch you can’t get rid of. Tightening of the muscles really gives you that effect of what you do sucking in. We pull the skin down like a window shade, and generally on a full abdominoplasty, I can get quite a bit of skin off … from your pubic hair to your belly button that skin mostly goes away. Stretch marks will get pulled down. Sometimes I can excise almost all your stretch marks. Everything’s pulled down tightly, kind of with you in a flex position. The belly button is brought out through a new incision, drains are placed, you’ll feel tight, you’ll feel like you can’t stand up for a couple days straight, and you’ll have a scar around the belly button and underneath. The drains generally stay in about a week. I put two in, one stays in about two days, one stays in a week.”

What to Anticipate During Tummy Tuck Recovery

Because tummy tuck surgery near Lubbock, TX is one of the more complex cosmetic surgeries, Dr. Rowley explains at length to her patients the risks and complications associated with such a procedure. She wants them to understand it is always best to give the body ample time to heal during the tummy tuck recovery period. She says:

“Average time off work is two weeks, and even then, I tell people just realize you’re going to be tired, you’re going to get worn out more frequently for those first few weeks. Six to eight weeks to be up to full speed. As far as activity, it’s a gradual increase in activity. Golden rule, if it hurts, don’t do it. For two or three days, you’re really pretty much doing nothing. Give you good pain pills, good muscle relaxants, try to keep you as comfortable as we can, and then gradually increase your activity after that. No abdominal exercises when we plicate that muscle. I don’t want you doing any abs for three or four months. But satisfaction-wise, it is a long scar, but the contour of your abdomen will be so much better, flat in your clothes.”

Watch this educational video to learn more about tummy tuck surgery near Lubbock, TX.

Whether to Receive a Tummy Tuck

Not sure if you need a tummy tuck? Begin with a private consultation with Dr. Rowley to discuss your personal circumstances. She will take the time to help you determine the best route for your body and individual needs. If you have questions or concerns, she has answers. Dr. Rowley is dedicated to making sure her patients feel comfortable and confident before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure. Don’t wait to schedule your no-obligation consultation. Call 806-792-3715 today.