Answering Your Top Questions about Tummy Tucks

Posted on by Dr. Y Anthony Nakamura

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you probably have several questions about the procedure and recovery process. You’ll have a chance to ask all of these questions during a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, but most tummy tuck candidates tend to have similar questions about the procedure. Here are answers to some of your top tummy tuck questions.

Can you gain belly fat after a tummy tuck?

Typically, a tummy tuck includes liposuction to permanently remove fat and sculpt the abdominal area. Fat cells do not regenerate, which means that it is not possible for the belly fat removed during a tummy tuck to be regained. However, you can still gain weight after having a tummy tuck. This fat will likely be stored in other areas such as the hips, thighs, arms, or buttocks.

Does a tummy tuck make your waist smaller?

It is possible for a tummy tuck to make the waist smaller as excess fat and loose skin are removed. If shrinking the waist around your hips and through the back is one of your goals, Dr. Nakamura may recommend that you consider a waist tuck.

Can you ruin a tummy tuck?

It’s possible to disrupt or lose the results that you achieved through a tummy tuck by gaining a significant amount of weight. However, fluctuations of about 10-15 pounds should not significantly change the results of a tummy tuck. To maintain your results, it’s best to stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine. If you’re choosing a tummy tuck after pregnancy, it’s recommended to wait until you are no longer having children to have the procedure so your results are long-lasting.

How do I get my stomach flat after a tummy tuck?

Immediately after a tummy tuck, you will experience some swelling. This can be alleviated by wearing a compression garment as directed and following all aftercare instructions carefully. For women in particular, you may see a curve in the abdominal region due to your anatomy, which cannot be reversed even with a tummy tuck. Dr. Nakamura will explain reasonable expectations for your results after a consultation.

Can I get a six-pack after a tummy tuck?

While an abdominoplasty does tighten the abdominal muscles, the surgery alone isn’t designed to give you the appearance of a six pack. However, it is typically possible for the patient to achieve this look through an exercise routine once their recovery process is complete.

What is the fastest way to recover from a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck recovery period generally lasts about six weeks before you will feel back to your previous energy and endurance level. However, you can encourage a fast and simple recovery period by eating nutritious foods, walking and getting light exercise, sleeping in an inclined position, and following Dr. Nakamura’s directions.

How long does the tightness last after tummy tuck?

A tightening sensation in the abdominal region is a normal part of the healing process. For most patients, this symptom lasts for 6-12 weeks.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Fort Worth Texas?

The final cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on the extent of your surgery and other factors, but in general, a tummy tuck costs between $7,000-10,000 in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you still have questions regarding your tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura at Accent On You. Call our Arlington, TX office at (817) 417-7200 or request your appointment through our online form.

How to Achieve a Sculpted Waist

Posted on by Dr. Y Anthony Nakamura

Hoping for a sculpted, toned waist drives many people to the gym or new diet plans. However, sometimes genetics or other factors such as the effects of pregnancy make it difficult to achieve the body contour you’re looking for no matter how much you exercise. For these patients, there are several procedure options available that offer a sculpted waist. Depending on whether you’re dealing with stubborn fat, loose skin, or both, your surgeon may recommend one treatment over another to help contour your waist.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure chosen when the midsection has loose skin, damaged tissue, and excess fat. This is commonly caused by the rapid change in size during pregnancy or significant weight loss. During a tummy tuck, a long horizontal incision is made from hip to hip, as well as around the belly button so it can be repositioned and remain natural looking after the procedure is complete. Excess skin throughout the abdomen is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a smooth, tight, and toned appearance. Excess fat can also be removed during a tummy tuck using liposuction.

Mini Tummy Tuck

For patients with less extreme loose skin or excess tissue through the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck is available. A mini tummy tuck is focused on the lower abdomen alone, and reduces excess skin only below the belly button. The main benefit of this procedure compared to a full tummy tuck is reduced downtime and an easier recovery period overall. Your surgeon will recommend which type of tummy tuck is best for you after a consultation.

Waist Tuck

A waist tuck is similar to a tummy tuck procedure, but the incision extends around the waist and hip area to reduce excess tissue in these parts of the body. Often, patients choose this procedure because they want to reduce the appearance of a “muffin top.” Another benefit of the waist tuck is that the procedure can slightly lift the buttocks in addition to sculpting the abdomen, hips, and waist.

Liposuction

Liposuction has been in use for many years, and updated technology means the procedure is safer and more effective than ever.

Liposuction works by inserting a cannula below the skin through a small incision, which is used to manually break apart fat cells and suction them away. In some cases, Accent on You also uses VASER liposuction, in which an ultrasonic probe is used to “melt” fat before suctioning it away, which can reduce trauma and bleeding through the procedure.

Liposuction can be used strategically to contour the body, creating a balanced contour and the sculpted, curvy waist that you’re looking for.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in sculpting your waist and unsure of which procedure is ideal for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nakamura at Accent on You. He will work to understand your goals and recommend a treatment plan that will be most effective in addressing your concerns. To schedule your appointment, call our office at (817) 417-7200 or request your consultation online.