After losing or gaining a lot of weight, the belly can sag down with extra skin. This is also a problem for women who have recently been pregnant. One way to correct this issue is through a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin to create a sleek, contoured midsection.* J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery performs tummy tucks in Dallas to help you have a flatter abdomen.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery is an excellent way to get rid of stubborn sagging skin that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. During the procedure at our Dallas office, Dr. Hopkins will cut away this excess skin to help flatten the lower stomach and create a more pleasing contour. He can also take this opportunity to tighten the abdominal muscles, which is especially crucial for women who have just undergone childbirth. The result is a tight, flat stomach that can:
Make it easier to fit into certain types of clothing.
Make it easier to exercise.
Improve a person’s appearance.
Improve a person’s self-esteem.
Furthermore, because of Dr. Hopkins’ experience, he can place the incisions for the procedure along the bikini line, meaning that any scarring won’t be visible in most cases.
Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Many Dallas patients are candidates for a tummy tuck. Generally, the patient must have tried diet and exercise to smooth their tummy first. They should also not have too much fat in the area and a BMI below 30, as Dr. Hopkins will not touch this during the procedure. Most candidates are:
Healthy enough for surgery and recovery.
Don’t smoke.
Aware of the limitations of the procedure.
As mentioned above, most candidates for the procedure are men and women who have recently lost or gained a lot of weight, as well as mothers who have just given birth. Patients can learn for sure if they are candidates by scheduling a consultation at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery.
Why having a BMI below 30 is important
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of having complications with your heart or lungs during surgery. An excessive BMI (body mass index) may result in a heart attack, difficulty breathing, and blood clot formation in the legs. Ensuring you are at an ideal BMI will offer a safer surgery and recovery.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure, so it’s impossible for Dr. Hopkins to provide an accurate estimate without seeing the patient first. That being said, our Dallas office is pleased to offer financing options in the form of CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. We’re willing to work with everyone to help them get the sleek, contoured tummy they’ve always wanted.
What Is the Recovery After a Tummy Tuck?
Because a tummy tuck is a major surgery, patients will need to take two to four weeks off work and/or school. During this time, they’ll need to rest and wear compression garments to facilitate healing. They will also need to avoid lifting anything that weighs more than five pounds until their wounds are healed. Most patients can get back to physical activity that doesn’t involve the abdomen after three to four weeks (it’s best to wait six weeks for abdominal exercises).
The Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
A tummy tuck is major abdominal surgery, and as such, requires a careful recovery process. Our team at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery guides our patients through the recovery process to promote safe, successful results.
The exact amount of time it will take for you to recover will all depend on your individualized surgical plan and the work that Dr. Hopkins performs. Typically speaking, Dallas tummy tuck patients require 2-4 weeks off work or school for rest and recovery.
In order to speed up your recovery, and make it easier, Dr. Hopkins recommends his tummy tuck patients:
Rest! Rest! Rest!
Wear the compression garments provided by Dr. Hopkins and do not remove them until he has cleared you to do so
Ask friends and family to assist at home and with children
Take at least 2 weeks off from social activities
Carefully follow the post-op instructions provided at discharge
<img class=”aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-8147″ src=”https://drjhopkins.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tummy-tuck_medication-Icon_Dallas_J-hopkins-plastic-surgery-17-150×150.jpg” alt=”” width=”150″ height=”150″ />
<p class=”text-center”>Take their prescribed pain medication on the recommended schedule, without missing a dose</p>
Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after surgery
Do not lift anything that weighs more than 5 pounds
Avoid submerging your incisions in water until Dr. Hopkins has given you the okay to do so
As mentioned above, all physical activity, including heavy lifting (small children included), walking and riding a bike, should be limited during your initial recovery process. At about 3-4 weeks post-op, you can usually return to non-abdominal exercises.* Most tummy tuck patients can resume abdominal exercises about 6 weeks after their surgery.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
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Will the results of my tummy tuck be permanent?
Generally, tummy tuck procedures only have to be performed once, as long as the patient maintains a stable weight. While your skin will still age, and will probably lose some elasticity, it’s not likely that it will ever get back to the degree at which it was prior to your procedure. But remember, to maintain your tummy tuck results, you’ll also need to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
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How can I know if a tummy tuck will work for me?
The only way to know whether or not a tummy tuck procedure will help your specific “problem,” is to call J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Hopkins. During your appointment, he will be able to fully examine your abdomen and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and body type.
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What should I do to prepare for a tummy tuck?
During your consultation, Dr. Hopkins will let you know what you must do to prepare for a safe, successful procedure. This might involve abstaining from certain supplements, pausing certain medications, or giving up your use of tobacco products.
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What is tummy tuck surgery like?
An incision is made along the lower abdominal area during a tummy tuck surgery. Excess fat and skin are then removed from the abdomen area, and the abdominal wall muscles are tightened. Dr. Hopkins may also reposition loose abdominal skin. After this has been done, the skin is then stretched downward and sutured together. Finally, a drainage tube may be inserted to help remove fluid from the surgical site for a week or two post-procedure to lessen swelling and discomfort.
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What should I expect during tummy tuck recovery?
Following your tummy tuck, you will need to rest and heal for one to two weeks. You can anticipate significant swelling in your abdominal area, which you can control by wearing a compression garment. You can also expect some physical discomfort, including tenderness around the incision site, but this can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
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Are there any risks involved with getting a tummy tuck?
While every surgical procedure involves some risk, you can significantly curb your risk level by choosing a well-credentialed surgeon and carefully following the aftercare instructions.
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Will I need to request time off from work for a tummy tuck procedure?
It is important to take at least one to two weeks to rest and heal after tummy tuck surgery. During this time, you should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise that could cause strain on your abdominal area. After the healing period, it’s wise to start with light exercise and slowly build back up over six weeks to allow your body more time to adjust.
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Are there any scars from a tummy tuck?
Dr. Hopkins will make an incision along the lower abdominal so that they are hidden when you are clothed. While scarring is a common side effect of any surgery, the incisions are placed in such a way that they are not too noticeable.
