WHAT IS AN ABDOMINOPLASTY OR TUMMY TUCK?
An abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck”, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the lower abdominal area while restoring and tightening the abdominal wall musculature. The goal of this surgery is to create a more contoured, smoother, and flatter abdomen. Often times, we combine his procedure with liposuction to treat trouble areas on the waist line and flanks.
Abdominoplasties are usually performed and pregnancy or significant weight loss in men or women. This procedure can be combined with other cosmetic surgeries and intra-abdominal surgeries, such as a hysterectomy.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are people who are at or near their ideal weight and are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. Good tummy tuck candidates have realistic expectations in terms of results and are in good overall health.
Non-smokers are excellent candidates for abdominal contouring, because smoking decreases skin elasticity and prolongs the healing process. Patients who smoke must quit a number of weeks before the procedure and must continue to avoid smoking while recovering from surgery.
Patients who are planning to lose weight or become pregnant must postpone their abdominoplasty procedure. This is because weight loss and pregnancy can negatively affect the results of the tummy tuck surgery.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
During your initial consultation for a tummy tuck, you will meet with one of our board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals and expectations. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed explanation of the body lift procedure, answer your questions, and determine a surgical plan of care based on your expected outcome. After performing an exam and reviewing pertinent health history, your surgeon may order lab work and other pre-operative tests as deemed necessary. Lastly, you will meet with a surgery coordinator to discuss fees, surgery scheduling options, and make a pre-operative appointment to meet with the nurse for final preparation prior to surgery.
Before and After
Surgery
Your surgery will be performed in our AAAASF accredited office surgical suite with qualified anesthesia. Operative time for an abdominoplasty alone is usually 2-3 hours. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients are discharged home the same day.
Recovery
Your nurse will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions at your pre-operative visit and will review them again prior to your discharge home. Recovery time will vary, but most patients take pain medication for 3-5 days. Patients can typically return to work within 1-2 weeks, but heavy lifting, pushing or pulling should be completely avoided for the first 10-12 weeks following your surgery.
Your abdominoplasty procedure will be performed in Bourgeois Freel Plastic Surgery‘s surgery center located in Baton Rouge, LA.
TESTIMONIAL
“Dr. Freel and his staff are AMAZING! They made me feel completely comfortable and excited about my surgery. I had a mommy makeover which consisted of a breast lift and a tummy tuck. He was very informative throughout the entire process, and went above and beyond when it came to answering questions from a very nervous mom! As for my results, OMG!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!”
HOW MUCH DOES A TUMMY TUCK COST?
The cost of a tummy tuck surgery depends on the specific techniques that were used, along with the time required to perform the surgery. Additionally, the price of an abdominoplasty procedure can be affected by factors like anesthesia fees.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
For more information regarding the tummy tuck, Baton Rouge patients can contact Bourgeois Freel Plastic Surgery for a consultation. Schedule your appointment today to get the firm and tight tummy you’ve been hoping for.
By Dr. Bourgeois
By Dr. Freel
