Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, many men and women struggle with loose abdominal skin and weak muscles. If you’re looking for a smoother, firmer abdomen, a tummy tuck could be the solution. Dr. David Bauer and Dr. Zachary Young offer consultations to discuss how this procedure help you achieve your goals.
Schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck in Little Rock—take the first step toward a more confident you.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles to create a firmer appearance. The procedure involves making an incision across the lower abdomen, removing surplus tissue, and tightening the muscles.
Ideal Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery
While tummy tucks offer significant benefits, it’s important to understand who the best candidates for this cosmetic surgery are:
- Post-Pregnancy Patients: Women after pregnancy often find their muscles and skin remain stretched, even with diet and exercise. A tummy tuck can help restore a flatter, tighter appearance to the abdomen.
- Individuals with Significant Weight Loss: People who have lost significant weight may have stubborn excess skin. Our tummy tuck procedure in Little Rock can remove this excess skin and improve abdominal contour.
- People with Stubborn Abdominal Fat: This procedure smooths and contours the abdomen fat that persists despite a healthy lifestyle.
Who Should Consider Other Options?
If you fall into any of these categories, please explore alternative body contouring procedures to achieve your goals:
- Women Planning Future Pregnancies: It is generally advised that women who are considering future pregnancies postpone the surgery. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin again, potentially compromising the results of the tummy tuck.
- Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions: People with severe heart disease, diabetes, or poor general health may not be suitable for the surgery. Discuss your complete medical history with your cosmetic surgeon to determine if a tummy tuck is safe for you.
- Those Who Are Not at a Stable Weight: Candidates should ideally be at or near their target weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Significant weight fluctuations post-surgery can affect the results and increase the risk of complications.
- Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. We advise smokers to quit before the surgery and during the recovery period to ensure optimal healing and results.
To learn whether our tummy tuck procedure in Little Rock is right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team will help you explore your options and determine the best approach to achieving your goals.
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck Procedure
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. This incision provides access to the underlying abdominal muscles and tissues. The surgeon removes excess skin and fat to refine the abdominal contour. Then, they tighten the underlying muscles, resulting in a firmer and more toned appearance.
Tummy Tuck Results
A tummy tuck significantly enhances the appearance of your abdomen by creating a flatter, more toned profile. It removes excess skin and fat, tightens loose abdominal muscles, and contours the area for a smoother, firmer look. This procedure can effectively reduce stubborn bulges and sagging, giving you a more defined and sculpted stomach.
A tummy tuck also strengthens your core and supports better posture, which contributes to overall stability and confidence. This transformation tackles issues that diet and exercise alone may not fix. It results in a rejuvenated, more appealing abdominal appearance.
The Recovery Process for Abdominoplasty
The recovery process after an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is crucial for achieving the best results. Immediately following the surgery, a small tube will drain excess fluid from your abdomen to minimize swelling. It’s important to limit physical activity during the first two weeks to support proper healing and avoid complications.
Swelling generally subsides within 2 to 3 months. Light activities can resume within a few days; avoid more strenuous exercises for up to two weeks. We recommend wearing a light compression garment for about four weeks to help reduce fluid retention and support abdominal reshaping. Scarring will gradually improve, taking six months to a year to fully flatten and fade.
Overall, the recovery period typically lasts 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery. During this time, you may experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling, which usually diminish over time. Some numbness or tingling in the abdominal area is normal and will resolve as healing progresses. Following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully will ensure a smoother and more effective recovery.
Potential Negative Side Effects
Not adhering to post-operative recovery instructions can lead to various negative side effects. These include increased risk of infection and delayed healing. Serious complications such as blood clots may also occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Failure to follow activity restrictions may prolong swelling, lead to excessive scarring, and result in suboptimal cosmetic outcomes.
It’s crucial to diligently follow all post-operative guidelines to minimize these risks and promote a smooth recovery after a tummy tuck.
Transform Your Abdomen with Arkansas Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Little Rock and want to learn more about this procedure, don’t wait. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you to a smoother, firmer abdomen. Take the first step toward a more confident you—reach out now and start your transformation!
TUMMY TUCK FAQS
Our tummy tuck patients often have questions about their upcoming procedure, many regarding cost, what to expect, and more. Please review the questions and answers provided by our surgical staff below. If you have further questions, please contact the Arkansas Plastic Surgery team.
Is the tummy tuck procedure painful?
Each plastic surgery procedure carries a different level of discomfort and requires different methods of anesthesia. The procedure itself is not painful. Our patients undergo general anesthesia, so they remain unconscious during the entire procedure.
Post-operative discomfort is common with any surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to manage it effectively. Do not consume other medication before consulting with your doctor or a professional.
Will I have a scar?
Since abdominoplasty requires an incision, it will leave behind some scarring. The surgical team places the incision carefully to ensure undergarments or a swimsuit conceals any scarring. We can also recommend products to use that could help minimize the scarring. Over time, the scar can fade drastically until it is barely visible.
How can I maintain my results?
You can maintain your tummy tuck results by following a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. Avoid weight gain, as it may reverse the effects of the surgery. Many patients stay in shape after their tummy tuck, as their amazing results motivate them.
How long does the surgery take?
A tummy tuck typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual patient considerations. A full abdominoplasty, involving extensive skin removal and muscle tightening, typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Mini tummy tucks, which address a smaller area, may be completed in about 2 to 3 hours. Your surgeon will provide a more precise estimate based on your specific needs and surgical plan.
WHY CHOOSE ARKANSAS PLASTIC SURGERY
It is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. For over 20 years, Arkansas Plastic Surgery has served the central Arkansas region. You can trust us to provide you with the natural and long-lasting results you’re looking for. Begin your discussion today!
