Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tucks are one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures. After childbirth or weight loss, you can be left with loose skin, a bulging belly, stretch marks, or damaged abdominal muscles. Diet and exercise are often not enough to correct these.
A tummy tuck from Dr. Hayley Brown at Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center could help put the finishing touches on the flat, toned stomach you've worked so hard to achieve. Dr. Brown serves Las Vegas, Henderson, and nearby areas of Nevada. Call 702-260-7707 today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.
Common Reasons For Getting A Tummy Tuck
It's common for your metabolism to decrease as you age. This, combined with the loss of skin elasticity that accompanies aging, can make it more difficult to maintain a flat, toned stomach through diet and exercise alone.
In addition, the following factors can make it harder to achieve the abdomen you want:
- Weight loss:Â Significant weight loss leads to stretched, loose, hanging skin around your abdominal area. While some of this may recede naturally, most of it is only removable through surgery.
- Pregnancy:Â In addition to the stretch marks and C-section scars that you may have as a result of pregnancy, the process can also stretch and separate your abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck will repair and tighten them.
- Genetics:Â Some people are predisposed to store fat in their midsection, regardless of their diet or how much they exercise.
Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck
Dr. Brown has had four pregnancies. She can identify with mothers who worked hard to have and raise children, yet struggle to regain the body they had before childbirth. A tummy tuck can provide benefits such as:
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- A flat, toned stomach
- Restored appearance following birth or weight loss
- Improved appearance in bikinis, lingerie, and form-fitting clothes
- Narrower waistline
- Repaired abdominal muscles
- Removed stretch marks and C-section scars
- Lifts the pubic area
- Eliminated rashes and irritation from overhanging folds of abdominal skin
Am I A Tummy Tuck Candidate?
In general, good tummy tuck candidates:
- Are in good overall health
- Have maintained a stable weight for a year or more
- Have excess abdominal skin or diet-and-exercise-resistant fatty deposits
- Want to restore their pre-pregnancy body
- Have lost weight and want to complete their aesthetic transformation
- Want to repair stretched and bulging abdominal muscles
- Have stretch marks or abdominal scars they want to eliminate
- Don't smoke, or are willing to quit smoking two months before the procedure, as well as throughout recovery. Nicotine constricts small blood vessels and restricts blood supply to tissue that is vital for your healing process. Nicotine also increases your risk of developing an infection or other complications.
Tummy Tuck Before And After
Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss
It's important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. If you have abdominal protuberance related to intra-abdominal distention, commonly known as a "beer belly," your bulging abdomen is the result of fatty deposits building up around your organs. A tummy tuck will not be able to correct that.
Instead, a tummy tuck is the ideal procedure for someone who's already lost a significant amount of weight. That may lead to loose, hanging skin in your abdominal region, which no amount of diet or exercise will be able to fix. A tummy tuck can help eliminate that skin and put the finishing touches on your efforts.
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy And Childbirth
Your tummy tuck will address many of the physical changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to eliminating loose skin, stretch marks, and C-section scars, the procedure can repair abdominal muscles that were stretched or damaged throughout the childbearing process.
You should also talk to Dr. Brown if you plan to have children in the future. This is still possible after undergoing a tummy tuck, but it's generally best to wait for the surgery until you're finished having kids. A tummy tuck will have no adverse effects on your pregnancy. However, your bodily changes during those nine months can undo many of the results that your procedure achieved. You may need a corrective touch-up after you give birth.
What Is The Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure performed in a fully accredited surgery center. It takes about two to three hours, and you'll be under general anesthesia provided by Dr. Steve Brown. Dr. Brown and her assistants will make you as comfortable as possible. The procedure will generally follow these steps:
- Dr. Brown will make a horizontal incision across your lower abdomen, as low as possible below any C-section scar and just above your pubic region. The length of the incision will depend on how much excess skin Dr. Brown is removing.
- She will also make an oval incision around your belly button to separate it from your abdominal skin. It remains attached to your muscles, so it is your same belly button.
- Once Dr. Brown lifts your abdominal skin, she'll repair any stretched or separated muscles using permanent sutures to get the muscle layer as flat as possible.
- As needed, Dr. Brown will liposuction adjacent areas such as your hips, flanks, or pubic area to remove excess fat deposits.
- Dr. Brown will pull your abdominal skin down and trim the excess. She'll eliminate any C-section scars and stretch marks below your belly button. Stretch marks above your belly button will be significantly less visible as they are lowered.
- A pubic lift is sometimes necessary to make sure the lower abdomen is smooth with a youthful and attractive transition to that area.
- Then, she'll suture your abdominal skin back to your pubic area and create a new opening for your belly button.
- Dr. Brown will pop your belly button through the new hole, then suture it into place, hiding the scar along the inner shadow of the belly button.
- The goal is to be able to cover the scar across your lower abdomen with underwear and for you to be confident in a full coverage bikini bottom.
Full Vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
Dr. Brown performs two different tummy tuck procedures. A full tummy tuck will address issues with your entire abdominal area. It will involve a bigger incision, longer recovery, and larger scar, but the results will be more dramatic.
A mini tummy tuck is useful if you have a very small amount of excess skin in the lower abdomen only, or a contour irregularity near a previous C-section scar. It will have a smaller incision, less prominent scar, and shorter recovery period than a full tummy tuck.
Dr. Brown recommends mini tummy tucks for patients who:
- Have minimal amounts of loose, sagging skin localized to the lower abdominal area only, just above the pubic area
- Are primarily concerned with addressing the region below the belly button
- Don't have loose or wrinkled skin around the belly button or above it
- Have little excess fat
- Have redundant skin or a fold around a C-section scar
How Long Does It Take To Recover After A Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Brown will install a pain pump immediately after your surgery to provide a constant slow drip of numbing medication. She'll also prescribe you oral painkillers and muscle relaxers. An abdominal compression garment is worn for a minimum of six weeks to help with swelling. You will also have drain tubes installed for about one week to help keep fluid and swelling out of your abdomen.
For the first week after your procedure, you should walk slightly hunched over to help keep tension off the incision area. Most patients sleep in a recliner for the first week. If you don't have a recliner at home, we can arrange to have one dropped off at your house.
There will be some discomfort and swelling after your procedure. The pain should subside after 1-2 weeks. The swelling may persist for months. As your swelling diminishes, your results will become more and more apparent. The scar will gradually fade and Dr. Brown will advise scar treatments to minimize the appearance of the final scar.
You'll need to take some time off from your workout routine, but as soon as you feel up to it, start going for light walks every three or four hours. This will help prevent the formation of blood clots and speed up your recovery. After six weeks, you'll be able to resume your fitness regimen gradually.
Typical recovery time is about 2 weeks. Most of Dr. Brown's patients return to work two to three weeks after surgery. If you have a physically demanding job, you may need to take more time off. If you're getting your tummy tuck following childbirth, you may also need help caring for your children for the first week or two after your procedure.
Beyond these general guidelines, tummy tuck recovery can vary from person to person. Dr. Brown will discuss it with you extensively, and it's essential to follow her instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Combining A Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures
Tummy tucks can be combined with other cosmetic surgeries to help give you a full-body rejuvenation. Depending on the changes your body went through during pregnancy and childbirth, you may be interested in a mommy makeover, which is a customized set of procedures designed help to restore your pre-pregnancy body.
Mommy makeovers typically include a combination of the following procedures:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift
- Liposuction
- Breast reduction
- Breast implant revision
- Tummy tuck
What Is The Cost Of A Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty surgery ranges from $10,000-$20,000. If you combine a tummy tuck with other procedures, the total price will be different, please schedule a consultation for a personal price quote for your particular situation and needs.
Expanding Your Understanding of Tummy Tuck Surgery at Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center
Choosing Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center for your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure means opting for a practice that prioritizes patient-focused care in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Dr. Hayley Brown, a board-certified female plastic surgeon, brings a wealth of experience and empathy, particularly to patients seeking transformative post-pregnancy or post-weight loss surgeries. Our center is dedicated to guiding you through the journey to achieve your aesthetic goals while ensuring your comfort and safety.
Why Choose Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center
When considering a tummy tuck, selecting the right practice and surgeon becomes crucial to your overall experience and outcome. Here's why Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center stands out:
- Expertise and Empathy: Dr. Brown's personal experience with pregnancy and her extensive professional experience provide a unique perspective on post-pregnancy body restoration.
- Comprehensive Care:Â From your initial consultation through to your recovery, our team offers compassionate, comprehensive care. We understand the journey is as important as the destination.
- Tailored Solutions:Â Recognizing that each patient's body and goals are unique, we offer customized plans, including full and mini tummy tucks, to match your specific needs.
Understanding the Procedure and Its Benefits
A tummy tuck not only removes excess skin and fat but also repairs and tightens abdominal muscles, offering a more toned and contoured abdomen. This procedure can significantly enhance your body image and self-esteem, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy has left you with changes that diet and exercise alone cannot reverse.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck comes with potential risks and side effects, including swelling, discomfort, and a recovery period that may require time off from work and physical activities. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Brown minimizes these risks and ensures a recovery plan tailored to your specific needs.
Financing Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
Understanding the financial aspect of tummy tuck surgery is crucial. At Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, we strive to make the process as accessible and stress-free as possible. We offer various payment and financing options to accommodate your financial situation, ensuring that your decision to undergo a tummy tuck is driven by your desire for transformation and not hindered by financial constraints.
Finding a Qualified Tummy Tuck Surgeon
The success of your tummy tuck surgery heavily relies on the expertise of your surgeon. Dr. Brown's board certification and years of specialized experience in breast and body contouring surgeries make her an exceptional choice for those seeking a qualified tummy tuck surgeon in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas.
Longevity of Tummy Tuck Results
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While the procedure offers permanent removal of excess skin and fat, maintaining these results requires a commitment to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
In choosing Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, you're not just selecting a surgeon; you're choosing a dedicated team committed to your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. Our focus on patient education ensures you're fully informed about your tummy tuck journey, from the initial consultation through recovery and beyond. Let us help you achieve the flat, toned abdomen you desire, restoring your confidence and enhancing your quality of life.
FAQ
What Qualifies You For a Tummy Tuck?
Since tummy tucks are a surgical procedure, you need to be considered a suitable candidate.
You are a viable candidate for a tummy tuck if you meet the following criteria:
- You are in good health
- You are a stable weight
- You do not smoke
- You have realistic expectations regarding the operation
- You are not comfortable with the appearance of your abdomen
Tummy tucks are an extensive operation and must be given a lot of thought before going ahead with it.
How Painful is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can help you achieve your ideal appearance, but there is significant downtime once the procedure is over. You will not feel anything during the initial procedure as you will be under general anesthesia. During your recovery, you may feel somewhat fatigued and experience mild to moderate pain for the first few days. However, the pain you feel will gradually subside.
You must give yourself time to rest and heal, as it can take up to six months to make a full recovery. However, you should be able to return to work and resume your daily activities after the two-week mark. If the pain does not subside or feels like it is getting worse, contact the doctor immediately.
How Much Weight Do You Lose With a Tummy Tuck?
Getting a tummy tuck can help you lose a small amount of weight. On average, it can help you lose four to 15 pounds. You can lose more weight if you combine this procedure with liposuction. However, it is important to note that a tummy tuck and liposuction are not weight loss procedures. They are simply for removing excess fat. In order to achieve your ideal weight, you will need to eat a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine once you have recovered from the operation.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Dr. Brown is dedicated to helping her patients look and feel their best. She and her team are energetic and compassionate. They want you to have a tummy you're proud to show off. Dr. Brown serves Las Vegas, Henderson, and nearby areas of Nevada. Call 702-260-7707 today or submit an online contact form to schedule a consultation.
