Tummy Tuck in Weston, FL
The tummy tuck, also known as an “abdominoplasty,” is a cosmetic procedure for men and women that sculpts the abdomen into a more flattering shape. This procedure removes excess skin and fat in the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, resulting in a slender, firmer abdominal appearance.
Dr. Messa offers tummy tuck surgery for his patients in Weston, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is a customizable plastic surgery procedure performed on men and women to help contour and sculpt the midsection. Patients who choose abdominoplasty often enjoy the following benefits:
- Tightens loose, sagging, or hanging skin
- Reduces chafing from loose skin
- Reduces excess fat in the lower abdomen
- Combines easily with liposuction to reduce fat in the surrounding areas
- Repairs and tightens loose or separated abdominal muscles, correcting diastasis recti
- Repairs areas of weakness or defects in the abdominal wall, such as an umbilical hernia
- Reduces instances of stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
- Removes stretch marks if located on the skin removed during the procedure
- Helps patients easily exercise and comfortably fit into the clothing they desire to wear
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Candidates for tummy tuck surgery are women and men who:
- Have experienced changes to your body due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or childbirth
- Have loose skin and excess fat in the lower abdomen
- Are in overall good health
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations for your results
What Is a Tummy Tuck Consultation Like?
Dr. Messa strives to create customizable plastic surgery experiences for all of his tummy tuck patients.
This starts at the consultation. During your initial meeting with Dr. Messa, you will have a chance to explain your frustrations and wishes regarding your abdominal contour and ask any questions you may have about the surgical process. Dr. Messa will evaluate your abdomen, take measurements and photos, review your medical history, and advise you on the best surgical techniques for your needs. This may include a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or liposuction alone.
He will also provide you with your tummy tuck cost estimate and a list of instructions regarding how to prepare for your surgery.
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck?
The cost of your Weston, Florida, tummy tuck will vary depending on several factors. The total price of your procedure will depend on:
- The type of tummy tuck performed
- The extent of correction needed
- Combination procedures
- Geographical location
- Anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees
- Facility fees
- Surgeon’s fees
- Preoperative tests
- Postoperative appointments
You will be provided with an accurate cost estimate after your consultation. Financing options are available.
Would you like to learn more about your options for tummy tuck surgery? Call Dr. Messa at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117 to set up a consultation.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Mini Tummy Tuck
If desired, the woman can choose to have a mini tummy tuck if the skin laxity is localized to the lower abdominal region, which results in a smaller scar and a shorter recovery.
This technique cannot provide the same results of a full tummy tuck but is ideal for men and women with a lesser degree of laxity.
Full Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck improves the overall abdominal appearance by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat.
During a full tummy tuck, an incision runs from hip to hip just above the pubic region. From here, loose skin and fat are removed, and loose abdominal muscles are tightened.
Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy may completely change the appearance of a woman’s abdomen. The abdominal muscles stretch and become loose or can separate, the skin sags, stretch marks may form, and fat collects more easily in the lower abdomen.
A tummy tuck is the ultimate procedure for mothers because it targets all of these concerns and is a major component of a Mommy Makeover.
Addressing Your Concerns
What Is the Recovery Time After a Tummy Tuck?
The initial recovery from a tummy tuck will last about two weeks, after which time most patients are comfortable enough to return to work at a desk job. After this point, they will still have to be careful when sitting and standing, and they will need to avoid bending and heavy lifting.
Swelling in the abdomen can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the body’s ability to heal. Complete recovery should occur within six to eight weeks. At that time, the patient should be cleared to resume strenuous exercise and activity.
For a more in-depth guide to tummy tuck recovery, read our blog here.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
You will start to see the results of your tummy tuck early in your recovery; however, your final results will take time to form due to the bruising and swelling present. Most patients see their end results within three to six months.
Tummy tuck surgery provides long-lasting results barring significant weight gain or subsequent pregnancies. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and nutritious diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I choose a tummy tuck?
Weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, and aging can affect the appearance of the abdomen. The skin may appear loose or stretched due to excess fat that created an unflattering silhouette, or the skin quality itself may have led to sagging over time. Some patients may literally have to “tuck” their skin into their clothing and wear a tight compression garment to avoid chafing.
Tummy tuck surgery helps all of these conditions and helps you sculpt a flattering and more youthful silhouette.
Want to learn about more benefits from tummy tuck surgery?
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What type of patient gets the best results from tummy tuck surgery?
Those who achieve the best results with a tummy tuck are at or near their ideal weight and have maintained that weight for at least three months. The tummy tuck procedure is not a weight-loss surgery, but it can remove fat when paired with liposuction.
Most patients who consider this procedure wish to have excess skin removed from the abdominal area. Patients who have significant visceral fat (deeper fat that surrounds the organs) may not get the smooth and slender results they desire until they reduce their visceral fat through diet and exercise. A personal consultation with Dr. Messa will help determine if you are a good candidate for superior results with the tummy tuck procedure.
Need to lose weight before your tummy tuck? Read our blog to learn more helpful tips.
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Can I just have liposuction?
Liposuction alone may be appropriate if you are displeased by localized fat pockets in the lower abdomen but have otherwise good skin elasticity. Liposuction is unmatched in its ability to remove excess fat; however, it cannot tighten or remove loose skin.
If you have lax skin, undergoing liposuction alone may actually worsen this laxity. In these cases, a tummy tuck is necessary.
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Is tummy tuck surgery painful?
Dr. Messa performs tummy tuck surgery with the patient under general anesthesia, so the patient will feel no pain during the procedure. After surgery, the patient may feel some discomfort, puffiness, or tightness, which subsides with time. Following Dr. Messa’s postoperative instructions and taking the prescribed medication will decrease discomfort significantly. Compression garments will also help to reduce swelling and pain.
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Are there any risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with the tummy tuck, including anesthesia risks, infection, bleeding, blood clots, fluid accumulation, and poor wound healing. These risks are rare and are typically correctable.
Following Dr. Messa’s postoperative instructions will help ensure the safest and quickest recovery. Contact his office immediately if these side effects persist or get worse.
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Will I have scars after my tummy tuck?
Scars result from any surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the skin. This scar for a full tummy tuck will extend along the lower abdomen very close to the pubic hairline. The length of this incision will depend on the amount of loose skin present beforehand. There will also be a small scar around the navel.
The mini tummy tuck involves a shorter incision in the pubic region. These scars can be easily hidden beneath most styles of swimsuits and underwear and will continue to fade significantly over time. Most patients agree that the resulting scars are worth the confidence and improved appearance they get from this procedure.
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Does insurance cover tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is considered an elective procedure; therefore, it is not covered by health insurance. Weston Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options for patients.
