Tummy Tuck
A bulging tummy is a source of angst for many, many people. You diet and exercise, but still you have a pouch where your stomach was once flat and athletic, a very frustrating physical problem.
Schedule Initial ConsultationWhat is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to tighten the skin and muscles of the abdomen. The result is a restoration of the smooth, flat stomach of your youth.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
Your self-esteem
and body image
Tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Robert Whitfield understands the importance of resolving an unsightly tummy bulge in restoring self-esteem and confidence in your body image. He is sensitive to the fact that you lead a busy life and may not be able to afford a long recovery time. Historically, the downside of a tummy tuck is the long recovery. For certain qualified patients, Dr. Whitfield offers a drainless and painless tummy tuck, a modern technique that significantly reduces recovery time.
Your tummy tuck consultation: Should I have a tummy tuck?
During your abdominoplasty consultation, Dr. Whitfield will perform a full physical exam to assess:
- Skin elasticity, level of excess hanging skin or tissue
- The quantity of underlying fat lodged at the abdomen
- The strength and condition of your abdominal
- Muscles
- Waist fat (love handles)
- Stretch marks
Dr. Whitfield will listen to your goals and discuss your current lifestyle. This comprehensive evaluation and in-depth discussion results in the development of a custom treatment plan to address all physical issues with the abdomen, including excess fat and hanging skin, and split muscle structure.
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Advanced Tummy Tuck Technique
Most tummy tuck procedures performed by Dr. Whitfield are drainless & painless. During surgery, Dr. Whitfield injects a long-lasting analgesic called Exparel into your abdomen. The benefit of Exparel is that you will be in considerably less pain during your early recovery as the painkiller stays active for about three days.
Exparel is injected into a specific layer of the abdomen while the patient is still safely under general anesthesia, therefore there is no injection pain or needles to worry about for patients that have a fear of needles. Exparel makes early recovery far more comfortable than ever thought possible, thereby reducing tummy tuck pain in the first few days after surgery, when pain tends to peak. The decreased discomfort makes it possible for you to be up and moving quicker, hastening recovery. Another benefit is that you will not need as many if any, post-op narcotics - many patients are fine with just Tylenol. Not only is this better for your recovery, but it means that you can return to your normal life much faster.
It's True, Your Behind Can Benefit From A Tummy Tuck!
Watch the video to find out how
What type of tummy tuck is right for me?
With several options available, Dr. Whitfield will determine which procedure will be most effective in your case. All procedures for a tummy tuck in Austin are customized to suit the patient.
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Mini tummy tuck
Most patients want a mini tummy tuck because it sounds less invasive. However, not all patients are good candidates for this procedure. A mini-abdominoplasty is designed mostly for mild cases where loose muscles and excess fat and skin are strictly on the lower abdomen, below the belly button. To be a good candidate, you should have little skin laxity or the presence of stretch marks.
Rectus plication (muscle separation above the belly button) is a common problem for mothers and requires more surgical correction than a mini tummy tuck delivers. However, for the right patient, a mini combined with liposuction can deliver a nicely re-contoured abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is not addressed in this procedure. Most patients have loose skin or abdominal muscles on the upper and lower part of the abdomen. Yet you may still consider a mini-abdominoplasty if the upper abdomen is not a concern to you. Additionally, this procedure is excellent for addressing the hanging flap of skin that is left after a c-section birth. Another benefit is that the Austin mini tummy tuck cost tends to be less costly than more extensive cosmetic surgeries of the abdomen.
Rectus plication (muscle separation above the belly button) is a common problem for mothers and requires more surgical correction than a mini tummy tuck delivers. However, for the right patient, a mini combined with liposuction can deliver a nicely re-contoured abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is not addressed in this procedure. Most patients have loose skin or abdominal muscles on the upper and lower part of the abdomen. Yet you may still consider a mini-abdominoplasty if the upper abdomen is not a concern to you. Additionally, this procedure is excellent for addressing the hanging flap of skin that is left after a c-section birth. Another benefit is that the Austin mini tummy tuck cost tends to be less costly than more extensive cosmetic surgeries of the abdomen.
Full tummy tuck
Most women who have had children will require a full abdominoplasty. It is the only procedure that addresses both loose skin and stretched muscles on the upper and lower abdomen, providing a complete abdominal transformation. An abdominoplasty will lift and trim the excess skin and underlying muscle in the entire abdominal region, both above and below the below button
If necessary, Dr. Whitfield can also correct the appearance of split muscles, technically called rectus plication. A full abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction to smooth the contours of the hips, thighs, back, and bra roll. Women often choose the procedure after a past pregnancy or weight loss. Men who have undergone significant weight loss may also be good candidates for a full abdominoplasty.
If necessary, Dr. Whitfield can also correct the appearance of split muscles, technically called rectus plication. A full abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction to smooth the contours of the hips, thighs, back, and bra roll. Women often choose the procedure after a past pregnancy or weight loss. Men who have undergone significant weight loss may also be good candidates for a full abdominoplasty.
Drainless tummy tuck
In the past, a tummy tuck surgery left the patient with drains. The drains remove the fluid buildup triggered by the skin and muscles separation during surgery, assisting with recovery, and helping to avoid complications. Most patients find drains to be one of the most unpleasant parts of a tummy tuck.
For many patients, Dr. Whitfield uses an advanced technique, with a medical product called TissuGlu to reduce the space between the abdominal wall flap and the underlying muscle. The result is a drainless tummy tuck. Not only does this speed the healing process, but it means that you can start wearing your regular clothes much faster.
For many patients, Dr. Whitfield uses an advanced technique, with a medical product called TissuGlu to reduce the space between the abdominal wall flap and the underlying muscle. The result is a drainless tummy tuck. Not only does this speed the healing process, but it means that you can start wearing your regular clothes much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery from any surgical procedure is dependent on your individual healing process. Almost everyone can expect to return to all usual activities within two to four weeks after surgery. The most difficult section is the first few days, but Dr. Whitfield's use of the long-lasting analgesic has led to a far easier recovery, less pain, less stress, and a happier, easier recovery.
An Austin tummy tuck cost varies in price. No, it’s not because your surgeon wants to keep their tummy tuck pricing a secret or because he wants to charge different patients different prices for no reason. The truth is, it is hard to give an accurate answer to this question without meeting the patient for an in-person consultation. The reason is that there are many different types of tummy tucks. Each requires a different length of time in the operating room.
For example, performing a tummy tuck with liposuction or a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover surgery can result in an increased tummy tuck cost, as compared to less extensive procedures such as a mini tummy tuck. Extended tummy tucks and fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty are more involved procedures that can substantially increase operating room time as well. Without a consultation to see the extent of loose skin, it is virtually impossible to say how much the tummy tuck would cost online or over the phone. Dr. Whitfield strives to offer fair and accurate tummy tuck pricing in Austin that reflects his level of skill and expertise as a tummy tuck surgeon with 20 years of surgical experience.
For example, performing a tummy tuck with liposuction or a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover surgery can result in an increased tummy tuck cost, as compared to less extensive procedures such as a mini tummy tuck. Extended tummy tucks and fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty are more involved procedures that can substantially increase operating room time as well. Without a consultation to see the extent of loose skin, it is virtually impossible to say how much the tummy tuck would cost online or over the phone. Dr. Whitfield strives to offer fair and accurate tummy tuck pricing in Austin that reflects his level of skill and expertise as a tummy tuck surgeon with 20 years of surgical experience.
Add-on options such as a tummy tuck with liposuction may cost more. However, for patients that want to remove areas of fat along with loose skin, the results of the price increase are well worth the small added expense. While not all patients require surgical fat removal on the abdomen with liposuction, it can greatly improve the results of the procedure. Liposuctions allows your surgeon to shape and define the abdominal contours with better precision than simply removing excess skin alone can achieve. Liposuction is not indicated for all patients. For example, very thin women and those that simply do not wish to add liposuction to a tummy tuck procedure do not have to get it. Dr. Whitfield is pleased to discuss the various options with you, along with the complete pricing for different services, prior to making the decision to have a tummy tuck procedure. There is no pressure or obligation to pursue add-ons unless you want them.
Schedule your consultation with Austin plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Whitfield today!
Sitting down for a talk with Dr. Whitfield is the first step on the path to the body you want. No matter your desired results, Dr. Whitfield’s years of experience and research into the latest developments in plastic surgery will help you along your journey. Contact us for a consultation today, and you’ll see why Dr. Robert Whitfield is widely regarded as a “Texas Super Doctor.”
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