Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) With Liposuction in Dallas | Plano | Fort Worth
Childbearing, weight gain/weight loss, or simply aging can all contribute to development of a loose, “flabby” appearance to the trunk and abdomen. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an aesthetic surgical procedure designed to flatten and firm the abdomen. Though many surgeons perform tummy tucks, the vast majority perform these procedures in isolation without appropriate liposuction contouring of the trunk. This older method of abdominoplasty often leaves patients with an unappealing “boxy” appearance whereby their abdomen is flat, but the flanks and back still appear oddly out of proportion. Furthermore, the surgical scars are often not low-lying (or sometimes too low) and may be difficult to hide in a traditional bathing suit or lingerie.
Dr. Ali Abtahi is a surgical artist who offers “Colombian-Style” tummy tuck surgery with liposuction in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Plano, TX area to women and men who want to look and feel their absolute best. Dr. Abtahi takes a personal interest in every patient, designing a treatment plan that is specifically suited to them. He does not believe in a “cookie cutter” approach, recognizing the uniqueness in every person’s story and every individual’s anatomy. He values getting to know his patients and enjoys listening to their goals for self-improvement. With his medical expertise, compassionate bedside manner, and extensive surgical experience, he tailors the plastic surgery experience to bring out the best in his patients, from the inside out.
To learn more about how tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Abtahi can make you look and feel better, read on below, or contact Amor Propio Aesthetics Surgery to schedule a consultation in Plano.
The Amor Propio Difference
At our practice, tummy tuck surgery involves three very essential components that work synergistically to maximize results:
- Aggressive liposuction of the entire trunk in 360 degrees (lateral abdomen, flanks, and upper and lower back) to contour the waistline and “snatch” it into a beautiful hourglass shape
- Two-dimensional plication of the abdominal muscles (like an internal corset) to restore the strength and integrity of the abdominal wall after its been stretched by pregnancy or weight gain/weight loss
- Excision of excess skin with a low lying incision that hides well in the bikini or panty line.
Occasionally, a fourth modality may be added such as energy based skin tightening, to get rid of back and flank rolls that can persist after traditional liposuction techniques.
Images obtained from the public domain are for educational purposes only
An abdominoplasty with lipocontouring is among the most transformative plastic surgery procedures we perform. By flattening, smoothing, and firming the abdomen and trunk, patients look younger and feel healthier; they gain new pride in their body and a boost in self-confidence; and most importantly, they feel inspired to adopt active lifestyles and good eating habits that provide long-lasting results!
Why Might I Consider Dallas-Fort Worth Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Some changes that occur with massive weight gain or pregnancy are permanent and cannot be fixed through diet and exercise alone. How flat the abdomen appears is the result of three anatomical components:
- The skin and subcutaneous fat layer (fat just below the skin)
- The integrity and shape of the abdominal wall muscles, and
- The amount of fat inside the abdomen that surrounds the organs.
Furthermore, for some patients, achieving an incredibly lean, chiseled physique is particularly challenging, especially when attempting to drop below 15% bodyfat. By combining liposuction with a tummy tuck, we can:
- Remove resistant bulges of fat from your belly, back, and waist
- Use harvested fat for transfer to other areas such as the hip dips, buttocks, or breast
- Restore the integrity (aka “flatness”) of the abdominal wall by correcting rectus diastasis
- Excise excess saggy skin and stretch marks
- Contour the trunk into an “hourglass” shape with a slim waist and curvy hips
- Repair umbilical hernias that may be distorting the shape and contour of the belly button
- Provide a buttock lift with an “extended” tummy tuck (incision wraps around to the back)
Meet Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc
Dr. Ali R. Abtahi, DO MSc is a highly skilled surgeon with extensive training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Comprehensive Aesthetic Surgery, and General Surgery. Through his artistic vision and sincere passion for plastic surgery of the utmost quality, Dr. Abtahi is dedicated to delivering an elite, personalized experience.
Why Choose Dr. Abtahi for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
Dr. Abtahi is a highly trained plastic surgeon who specializes in transforming the body through lipocontouring and abdominoplasty surgery. He provides attentive, personalized care to create results that delight his patients. Dr. Abtahi enjoys taking the time to educate his patients on the power of plastic surgery, but more importantly, he is honest and transparent about what a procedure can and cannot do. He keeps his patient’s best interest in mind and is not swayed by financial gain. This personal, caring, results-oriented approach sets Dr. Abtahi apart from his competitors who often put profitability ahead of their patient’s goals.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You are probably a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are in good health, below a 31 Body Mass Index (BMI), and have any of the following concerns:
- Loose, sagging skin on your belly with or without stretch marks
- A belly that bulges out due to rectus diastasis (weakened abdominal muscles)
- Stubborn pockets of fat on your abdomen, waist, or back
- Umbilical hernia distorting your belly button
You may NOT be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
- Have a health condition that could make the surgery risky (poorly controlled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, wound healing disorders, or heart problems)
- Are significantly overweight with a high BMI (over 35)
- Have a large amount of visceral (internal) fat
- Smoke (unless you are willing to abstain from all nicotine products 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery)
- Engage in heavy alcohol or recreational drug use
- Anticipate having more children (subsequent pregnancies can undo the tightening effects of abdominoplasty)
The ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery:
- Has realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot do
- Is ready to commit to a lifestyle change after surgery that will maintain or even improve their results
- Is financially stable
- Has a supportive network of people who will help the patient during the recovery period (usually about 2-3 weeks)
What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Entail?
Abdominoplasty is a procedure performed under general anesthesia. When you are asleep, Dr. Abtahi will first perform liposuction contouring of your back, waist, and abdomen.
He will then make an incision across the lower part of your abdomen low enough to hide within your bikini line. The incision can vary in length depending on the planned procedure (mini-tummy tuck [short scar] vs standard tummy tuck [hipbone to hipbone] vs extended [wraps around to the back to snatch the waist and lift the buttock])
The abdominal skin is then elevated toward the ribs, exposing the abdominal muscles. At this time, an incision is also made around the belly button to keep it for use later.
Dr. Abtahi then repairs the diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) using a two dimensional internal plication stitch to pull them together. This acts like a corset and ensures a truly flat abdominal wall contour and slimmed waistline.The abdominal skin is then redraped and pulled down in order to trim the excess. The skin is tensioned to remove stretch marks, wrinkles, and sagging and then cut to create a gentle curve dipping to just above the pubic area.
He then pops the native belly button through an incision made in the re-tensioned upper abdominal skin and sutures this in place. After he has made all the necessary changes, Dr. Abtahi will close the incisions with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring.
Tummy tuck surgery alone typically takes about three and a half to four hours and when combined with liposuction of the entire back, flanks, and abdomen, can be up to six hours. Dr Abtahi takes extreme pride in his work and therefore performs 100% of the essential steps himself without assistance from nurse practitioners or other providers. He uses qualified and experienced first assists only for assistance with incision closure, which is done directly under his close supervision.
Upon completion of your procedure, Dr. Abtahi will escort you alongside anesthesia to the postoperative unit where you will complete your recovery. Depending on your preoperative consultation, general health status, and any other combined procedures, you may either be discharged home or transferred to the observation unit for an overnight stay with nurse assistance.
What to Expect in Tummy Tuck Recovery
After surgery, some generalized discomfort is to be expected, but tolerable. Dr Abtahi uses an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol that incorporates the best evidence-based practices for pain control and rapid return to your daily activities. He prescribes a specific cocktail of mostly NON-narcotic, NON-addictive medicines in addition to using nerve blocks that provide excellent pain control without making patients overly drowsy, nauseous, or constipated. Patients spend the first few days resting quietly at home with at least one person available to assist with ordinary personal and household tasks for the first week. Most patients take approximately 2-3 weeks off from work and can begin cardio (jogging, elliptical, stair stepper, stationary bike, etc.) at 3 weeks and heavy weight lifting at 6 weeks.
In addition to these general guidelines, Dr. Abtahi will provide you with specific guidance about the following:
- How to prepare your home for recovery
- Best practices for nutrition to optimize wound healing
- Which activities are safe and which ones you should avoid
- Skin perfusion checks and how often to remove your compression garment
- Wound and drain care
- Infection prevention
- Methods to manage post-operative swelling and discomfort
- When to follow up with the office
Dr. Abtahi will also provide instructions on what to do in case of emergency and how to reach him and his staff after hours if you have any concern.
Schedule Your Dallas-Fort Worth Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
If you’re interested in a full body transformation using the most cutting edge techniques in body contouring, contact Amor Propio Aesthetic Surgery. Dr Abtahi has a proven track record of incredible, life-changing results that has made him a rising star in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For your convenience, he offers both virtual and in-person consultations through his primary office location in Dallas, Texas.
If you’re looking for beautifully customized, natural-looking results, look no further! Call us at (469) 293-2533 or reach us online today.
Tummy Tuck in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX FAQs
As previously stated, a Dallas tummy tuck can be appropriate for both men and women. More specifically, regardless of gender, it’s imperative for the individual to be in good health, and not have any serious or pre-diagnosed medical conditions.
Further, it’s necessary to be both mentally and emotionally stable, as this procedure will require a lot of patience. After all, it will take time to fully heal and recovery from the surgery.
When you schedule your surgery, you should be close to your ideal weight, meaning you don’t plan on losing any more weight. Losing more weight post-surgery could result in excess skin, which would then need to be removed via another surgery.
There is no best or ideal age to pursue a tummy tuck. Though, as mentioned, women should consider waiting to have a tummy tuck procedure performed until after they’re done having children.
It’s critical to begin with light activities a day or so after your surgery. You shouldn’t return to the gym, however, until six weeks after the operation. Even then, it’s important to gradually return to your regular workout routine. That will probably take another two weeks. You shouldn’t do any core training for at least two months.
While tummy tuck scars remain after surgery, most are low on the abdomen. This allows a patient to hide them beneath their undergarments or bathing suit. You should remember that scars fade gradually over time, but it can take 6 months to a year to flatten, fade, or soften. We are body contouring procedure specialists who perform our incisions in the least conspicuous area. We will also provide helpful details on how to treat your incisions to minimize the appearance of scars in the long term.
A tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and resolves stretch marks below your navel. Stretch marks above the belly button can be repositioned to a more discreet area.
While individual experiences may vary, the results of a tummy tuck are generally long-lasting. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can help to prolong the results.
Yes, it’s possible for your belly to grow back after a tummy tuck. If you gain a significant amount of weight, your belly may become larger. However, maintaining a healthy weight and following your doctor’s post-surgery guidelines can help to minimize the risk of weight gain.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. They will evaluate your overall health, body composition, and goals to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Factors such as your skin elasticity, muscle tone, and desired outcome will be considered.
It’s generally recommended to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. This helps to ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of complications. However, your surgeon can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances.
There are several different tummy tuck techniques available, including:
- Full abdominoplasty: This involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the abdominal muscles.
- Mini abdominoplasty: This is a less invasive procedure that addresses excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen.
- Anchor abdominoplasty: This technique combines elements of full and mini abdominoplasties to address specific concerns.
The best technique for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you and recommend the most appropriate approach.
The recovery period for a tummy tuck varies from person to person, but it typically takes several weeks to fully heal. During this time, you will need to follow your surgeon’s instructions for aftercare, which may include:
- Resting
- Wearing a compression garment
- Avoiding strenuous activity
- Taking prescribed medications
Tummy tuck scars are typically placed along the lower abdomen, and they may be visible. However, over time, the scar will fade and become less noticeable. The appearance of your scar can also be influenced by factors such as your skin type and healing process.