Are you struggling with excess skin or stubborn fat around your midsection that won’t go away, no matter how much you diet and exercise? Many people face this issue, especially after weight loss or pregnancy. If you're tired of feeling self-conscious about your abdominal area, abdominoplasty is a transformative procedure that can give you a flatter, more toned stomach.
Dr. Earl E. Ferguson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing abdominoplasties and other body contouring procedures. He has a reputation for creating natural-looking results that enhance his patients' unique physiques. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to patient safety ensure that you are in expert hands throughout your surgical journey. Dr. Ferguson helps patients in San Antonio, Texas, get the look they've always wanted at Ferguson Plastic Surgery.Â
The Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Procedure
The tummy tuck procedure typically takes about two to five hours and is performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery:
- Two incisions are made: one from hip to hip near the pubic area and another around the belly button.
- Dr. Ferguson lifts the skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and stitches them together to create a firmer stomach.
- The skin is pulled back down over the tightened muscles.Â
- Dr. Ferguson removes the excess skin and repositions the belly button.
- Finally, the incisions are closed, and the area is covered with sterile dressings.
Benefits of Abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck offers a multitude of benefits, including:Â
- A flatter, toned abdomen
- Improved posture and core strength
- Reduced back pain
- Elimination of excess skin and stretch marks
- Better confidence and body image
- Long-lasting results with a healthy lifestyle
- Looking great in clothes
- Can be combined with other procedures
Recovery After Abdominoplasty
After your tummy tuck, Dr. Ferguson may place a temporary tube to help drain excess fluid from the surgical area. You might need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your recovery.Â
It can take a while for the swelling to go down, so be patient while waiting for your final results. Your timeline to full recovery can range anywhere from two weeks to two months.Â
Tummy Tuck Results
You’ll notice significant improvements in how your abdomen looks and feels after your surgery. The results can last for years as long as you keep a stable weight and stick to a healthy lifestyle.Â
You’ll have a scar across your lower abdomen from hip to hip, though it’s low enough to be hidden by a bikini. The scar will fade over time, but it will be permanent. It should typically be low enough to be hidden by underwear or swimwear.
Can a Tummy Tuck Help With Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is where your abdominal muscles separate along the midline due to pregnancy, obesity, or other strains. This separation can cause a noticeable bulge or "pooch" in the belly area. It can also weaken your core which often causes lower back pain and poor posture. Some people experience digestive problems, such as bloating, and in severe cases, the separated muscles can increase the risk of developing a hernia.
Abdominoplasty is often recommended specifically to treat this condition. It's not just for cosmetic purposes, but also to restore the strength and function of your abdominal muscles.
FAQ
An abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that helps people achieve the desired appearance of their abdomen. The procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon who surgically removes all excess skin and fat from the abdomen. From there, the surgeon will tighten the abdomen’s connective tissue with sutures, and the skin will be repositioned to achieve a more toned appearance.Â
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with fat and/or loose skin that diet and exercise can’t fix. This can happen if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or if your skin and muscles were stretched during pregnancy.Â
Abdominoplasty isn’t right for everyone. Certain factors can disqualify you from being an ideal candidate for the procedure, including these:Â
- You have underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or obesity.
- You have an increased risk of surgical complications.
- You currently smoke.
- You have not reached your ideal weight.Â
- You are planning to have more children.
- You have unrealistic expectations regarding the procedure.
Dr. Ferguson will determine whether you are a good candidate during your consultation.
Before you can have this procedure performed, you need to consider whether or not the pros outweigh the potential risks.
Below are the risks of getting an abdominoplasty:
- Uneven or asymmetrical results
- Unfavorable cosmetic outcome
- Visible or unattractive scarring
- Persistent loose skin
- Loss of sensation in the skin
- Potential need for corrective surgery
If you've had previous abdominal surgery, a tummy tuck can make your scars more raised, stretched, or generally more visible. A scar revision procedure could help reduce their appearance and improve their overall look.
Dr. Ferguson will go over the full list of risks with you during your consultation, and you will be asked to sign consent forms before the procedure begins. These forms indicate that you fully understand the potential risks and complications.Â
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option for you if you have mild excess skin and fat below your belly button. It requires a smaller incision and shorter recovery time than a full tummy tuck.Â
If you're happy with the appearance of your upper abdomen but want to fix sagging or bulging in the lower area, this could be the right choice for you. Dr. Ferguson will help determine if a mini tummy tuck suits your body type and cosmetic goals during your consultation.
For more comprehensive body contouring results, abdominoplasty can be combined with other procedures like:Â
- Liposuction:Â Removes excess fat around the waist and hips.
- Breast Lift:Â Helps balance your appearance after significant weight loss.
Dr. Ferguson can recommend other body contouring procedures based on your specific goals.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Your Abdominoplasty?
Choosing the right surgeon will help you get the best results from your abdominoplasty. Dr. Ferguson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to deliver natural-looking results have made him a trusted choice for abdominoplasty.Â
Patient safety and satisfaction are extremely important to us. We give everyone personalized care and support throughout their surgical journey. Dr. Ferguson’s expertise, combined with our state-of-the-art facility, provides a welcoming environment for all patients.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation
Are you interested in getting an abdominoplasty in San Antonio, TX? Contact us at 210.290.9078 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Earl Ferguson today!