Why a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen caused by excess fat and/or loose skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. It is particularly helpful for improving your appearance if:
- EYou are a man or woman who is in relatively good shape.
- EYou are a woman who, through pregnancy, has stretched your abdominal wall and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
- EYou are a patient who has lost skin elasticity through weight loss.
Your Initial Tummy Tuck Consultation
At your initial tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Steely will evaluate your health, determine the level of fat deposits in your abdominal area, and carefully evaluate your skin and abdominal wall tone. Be sure to tell him if you are a smoker, and if you are on any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be forthright in discussing your expectations with Dr. Steely and he will be equally honest with you, describing the types of tummy tuck procedures available and their associated risks and limitations.
If your fat deposits are mainly below the navel, you may need the less complex mini abdominoplasty (or mini-tummy tuck) which can be performed on an outpatient basis. On the other hand, if you have more extensive and wide spread fat deposits and tissue laxity, full abdominoplasty may be the better body contouring solution, especially when combined with liposuction of the hips.
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Costs?
Dr. Steely will recommend the procedure that is best for you and will produce the most desired body contour. He will tell you about the anesthesia that he will use, where the surgery is to be preformed and all associated costs.
All inclusive pricing for Mini Abdominoplasty begins at $7,500 dollars. Pricing for a full Abdominoplasty ranges from $8,500 – $14,000.
Dr. Robert Steely specializes in plastic surgery and strives to deliver world-class tummy tuck surgery in Houston, TX. Dr. Robert Steely can provide you with a beautiful and natural-looking appearance.
Preparing for your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Steely will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for your tummy tuck surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.
- ENo smoking at least one to two weeks before surgery (and do not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing).
- EAvoid overexposure to the sun, especially to your abdomen and do not go on a strict diet, as both these factors can inhibit healing. If you catch a cold or infection of any kind, Dr. Steely will probably postpone your surgery.
- EIf you catch a cold or infection of any kind, Dr. Steely will probably postpone your surgery.
- EIf you are in top physical condition and have strong abdominal muscles, recovery will be much faster.
- EArrange for transportation home after surgery and for help a day or two at home, if needed.
Mini and Full Abdominoplasty Surgery Procedures
When performing a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Steely typically makes an incision in your bikini line, immediately above the pubic area. Then a second incision frees the navel from surrounding tissue for repositioning. With mini abdominoplasty, he makes a much shorter incision and he may not move the navel. Dr. Steely also performs a specialized abdominoplasty for patients who need more than a mini tuck, but do not have enough skin for a full abdominoplasty. In the floating umbilical abdominoplasty, appropriate candidates avoid the incision around the belly button, yet still reap all of the advantages of a full abdominoplasty.
Next, Dr. Steely separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. He tightens these muscle creating what amounts to an internal corset– giving a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline.
Dr. Steely then stretches the skin flap down and removes the extra skin. He creates a new site for your navel. Finally, he closes all incisions, applies the dressings, and may insert a temporary tube to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
With a mini abdominoplasty, Dr. Steely separates the skin only between the incision line and the navel, tightens any loose muscle tone, and excises any excess skin.
Some patients are candidates for a special kind of abdominoplasty called the floating umbilicus abdominoplasty which can give the benefits of a full tummy tuck without incisions around the navel.
Full abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Mini abdominoplasty typically takes an hour or two.
After Your Tummy Tuck
- ENo smoking at least one to two weeks before surgery (and do not resume smoking for at least two weeks after your surgery as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing).
- EYou will likely feel some discomfort for which Dr. Steely will prescribe medication. He also infiltrates your tissues with a special long acting anesthesia that greatly helps with postoperative discomfort.
- EDepending how extensive your surgery is, you may be released from the hospital within a few hours or you may need to remain for one or two days.You may feel some discomfort for which Dr. Steely will prescribe medication. He also infiltrates your tissues with a special long acting anesthesia that greatly helps with postoperative discomfort.
- EDr. Steely generally allows patients to shower the following day after abdominoplasty.
- EThe dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
- EYou may need a few weeks to feel normal again. Some return to work after just a few days; others may take two weeks to rest and recuperate.
- EStart walking as soon as possible. Light exercise actually helps you heal better. If you have never exercised before, it is advisable that you begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. You should, however, avoid vigorous exercise until you can do it comfortably.
- EWhile the tummy tuck incision will never disappear completely, it will flatten out and lighten in color over the next few months. Dr. Steely always takes time and care when performing your abdominoplasty procedure to ensure the incision is very thin and not visible under clothing, even bathing suits.
Ideal Candidates For A Tummy Tuck
Dr. Steely will perform an assessment of your body as a whole and ask you about your medical history to help determine if the tummy tuck surgery is right for you.
Candidates must have no pregnancy plans for at least one to two years after the procedure for lasting results. Patients should not be pregnant or breastfeeding to be candidates for a tummy tuck procedure. Patients who have reached their ideal weight and plan to maintain it are excellent candidates.
Testimonials
– Jessica Bell
Houston Tummy Tuck and Abdominoplasty FAQ
My Friend Had Kids and Only Needed Liposuction To Get A Great Looking Tummy- Why Can’t I have That Instead?
Dr. Steely will examine the condition of your abdominal wall and skin to determine if liposuction alone will be enough for you to get back to your ideal body shape. If not, a tummy tuck will be recommended.
I Have Seen Some Horrible Scars After Tummy Tuck Surgery- What Can Be Done To Avoid This?
The extent of scars will be assessed after the patient has completely healed from the tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Steely may recommend a cosmetic procedure designed to effectively minimize or eliminate post-surgical marks.
I Have Seen Some Tummy Tuck Scars That Are Very High And Cannot Be Covered With a Swimsuit- Does Dr. Steely Keep His Incisions Low?
You can have your tummy tuck procedure without worrying about how to hide your surgical marks, since Dr. Steely will consider this when choosing the incision area. This will be discussed during your consultation.
Can I Still Exercise After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Exercise is not only allowed, but necessary to maintain your new shape. You must be committed to following a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and regular exercise, to maintain your ideal body shape for lasting results.
Does Dr Steely Perform Liposuction With His Abdominoplasty?
This will be discussed during your consultation, so you will be aware of this before your scheduled tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Steely will take your goals into consideration when developing the treatment plan.
Contact Our Office
Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Steely will happily walk you through the entire process and answer any of the questions you have along the way. Your journey to the body you’ve always wanted begins with a consultation.
Call 713-622-6500 or email Dr. Steely for a complimentary initial appointment or for more information relating to the tummy tuck procedure.
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