A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an operation performed in Dallas or Plano that improves the contour and appearance of the abdominal wall by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles.

Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging all affect the tissues and appearance of the abdominal wall. Muscles are stretched, creating a split (diastasis) between them. This results in a bulging abdomen that often makes one look still pregnant. Loose skin – again from pregnancy or weight loss – can hang down in front as an apron (pannus) of skin. Rashes are common. It can be hard to exercise, find clothes to fit, and feel comfortable in intimate situations.

Abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the rectus muscles. The scar is typically a low, curved “smiley face” at the level of a C-section scar. This is a more involved operation, and most patients will spend the first night after surgery in the hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Often patients will have an abdominoplasty at the time of gynecologic or urologic procedures.

Tummy tuck in weight loss patients is best performed when the patient has been at a stable weight for at least a year and does not anticipate further weight loss. Abdominoplasty after massive weight loss can result in dramatic improvement in appearance.

Recovery

There is more pain and restriction of activity involved with a tummy tuck than with other procedures, and most patients are off work for two to three weeks. By six weeks, one should be back into normal life, but it will take three to four months to able to resume “core” exercising and heavy lifting.

Related Procedures

Breast Reduction

Breast Augmentation

Breast Lift

Thigh Lift

Next Steps

Call 972-981-7144 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kerner, or email us.

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