HomeTummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in McAllen, TX

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in McAllen, TX

TUMMY TUCK

For patients who would like to achieve a firmer, smoother abdomen, we recommend a tummy tuck. This popular procedure sculpts the stomach and produces a more contoured appearance. RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center offers tummy tucks and other cosmetic procedures to women and men living in McAllen, the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, and all of South Texas.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to firm and smooth your abdomen. A flat and trim abdomen is one of the main features we identify with youthfulness, physical fitness, and beauty. Flabby, loose skin, and a bulging abdomen may make it difficult to wear the clothes you want and may make you self-conscious about revealing your body at the beach, in the gym, or even in the bedroom. A protruding abdomen is often the result of stretched abdominal muscles from pregnancy, or repetitive cycles of weight gain followed by weight loss. We often describe a tummy tuck as a trade off – trading the loose saggy skin and stretch marks from the lower abdomen for a tighter, flatter stomach with a smaller waist and a low, well-placed tummy tuck scar.

What’s The Difference Between A Mini Tummy Tuck And A Tummy Tuck?

In addition to a traditional tummy tuck, we also perform mini tummy tucks. A mini tummy tuck is a great option for patients who don’t require a full tummy tuck, as it leaves a smaller scar and requires a much shorter treatment and recovery time. However, a mini tummy tuck only targets fat and excess skin below the belly button. It removes less skin than the full tummy tuck, making results slightly more subtle and having less of an effect on stretch marks. Patients looking for a treatment to address their entire abdomen may want to consider a traditional tummy tuck.

Can A Tummy Tuck Be Used For Diastasis Repair Or An Umbilical Hernia?

Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles have stretched and separated. This condition is similar to an umbilical hernia, which occurs when tissues bulge between the abdominal muscles as a result of their separation, creating an “outie” belly button. Both of these conditions can be effectively treated with a tummy tuck. This is done by removing excess abdominal skin and tightening the underlying muscles and tissue. The result is a more youthful, firmer, and flatter abdominal contour with smoother skin.

How Is A Tummy Tuck Performed?

An abdominoplasty can be performed within two to four hours, depending on the individual circumstances and the extent of tissue to be excised. We perform all of our surgery under light general anesthesia administered by a certified anesthesia provider, and we administer additional local anesthesia during the procedure to minimize any post-operative discomfort. Our approach permits more aggressive liposuction throughout the upper abdomen, flanks, and waist as part of the procedure, and decreases the amount of trauma to the tissues. The excess skin is removed from the lower abdomen, separated muscles are tightened with sutures, and any abdominal hernias are repaired. This results in a firmer abdominal wall and a narrower waistline. The skin is re-draped and tightened over the abdomen, and the navel is restored to its normal location through a new incision in the abdominal skin. Existing stretch marks in the lower abdomen are often removed in the process, and any remaining stretch marks tend to be flattened and improved.
In the case of a full abdominoplasty, a gently curving incision is made between the hipbones and above the pubic area, below any preexisting C-section scars and below the bikini line. The length of this incision depends upon the amount of excess skin to be removed. A second incision is made around the navel, the abdominoplasty flap is developed, and the muscles are tightened. The skin is then stretched tight and a new opening is made to reconstruct the belly button. All incisions are carefully closed with absorbable sutures and surgical tape.

What Is Recovery Like After A Tummy Tuck??

After your tummy tuck, you can expect to feel tightness, and most patients experience almost no pain whatsoever. If you are experiencing any pain, it can usually be handled with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you through the first night following your surgery. We encourage patients to get out of bed periodically for short walks in order to promote circulation and to facilitate deep breathing. A mild amount of swelling and bruising is normal. You will be sent home with a compression garment that should be worn 24 hours a day for six weeks, and should be removed only for showering. You will be restricted to light activities for the first seven to 10 days after surgery while your body heals. Allow at least one to two weeks to recuperate before returning to non-strenuous work; sexual activity should be avoided for at least two weeks. Most patients may resume light to moderate exercise three to four weeks after surgery. We want you to have the best appearing scar possible, and we will give you specific recommendations for scar care after your procedure.

How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost?

To determine the cost of your tummy tuck, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
A tummy tuck is an effective treatment that produces long-lasting results for patients looking to achieve a more toned and contoured abdomen. Residents of McAllen, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas can trust RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center for all of their cosmetic procedures. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your initial consultation.