Abdominoplasty aka Tummy Tuck Conveniently located to serve Miami and Dade County
Double board-certified surgeon Dr. Michael Rodriguez can provide transformative body contouring results with a tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale by excising loose skin, repairing the abdominal wall, and removing fatty tissue. As unfair as it may seem, no amount of diet or exercise can eradicate excess skin or particularly stubborn fat pockets in the abdominal area. In these cases, surgical intervention is the only path to a flatter, firmer midsection.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
The abdominoplasty, or ‘Tummy Tuck,’ can correct many common abdominal shortcomings. Specifically, the abdominal muscles are tightened to reduce the stubborn pelvic fullness or baby pouch, and loose, sagging skin is removed to restore a smaller waistline. Newer techniques include combined liposuction with skin tightening (aka lipoabdominoplasty) to further contour and sculpt the body for a superior, super tight, athletic look.
Various applications of the tummy tuck can range from mini or short scar procedures to full waistline beltectomy or body lifts. Combined lipoabdominoplasty under local anesthesia may be performed on some candidates who have that preference. Additional procedures, such as Brazilian Butt Lifts or breast enhancement, are often performed simultaneously as part of a mommy makeover.
Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty
The best candidates for tummy tucks are patients who are looking for a long-lasting surgical solution to excess stubborn abdominal fat, sagging muscles, and loose drooping skin. Good candidates must have realistic expectations and must be in good health.
Ideal abdominoplasty candidates are non-smokers. Smoking causes a decline in skin health, and having healthy skin tissues is vital for achieving high-quality tummy tuck results. Smoking can lead to increased risk of complications during and after surgery. If you are a smoker and are considering this surgery, it is best to quit at least two weeks before the procedure and for the entirety of the recovery process.
The Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, is a popular variation of the full tummy tuck procedure. It is used for patients who specifically want to adress lower abdominal sagging, and it does not affect the bellybutton. Because a mini tummy tuck incision is shorter than a full abdominoplasty incision, it results in less bruising and swelling and a shorter recovery period.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery begins with anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Rodriguez creates one or more incisions in order to gain access to the underlying abdominal tissues.
Excess fat is removed with the help of liposuction using a cannula (a thin tube with a sharp end) and medical suction. Drooping abdominal muscles are rejoined and tightened using internal sutures. Additionally, excess skin is trimmed away using a scalpel, and the remaining skin is redraped and tightened. This aspect of the process may also be used to remove certain stretch marks. Finally, the incisions are closed using sutures.
The Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
After the abdominoplasty procedure is complete, you can return home once cleared to do so, since the surgery is an outpatient procedure. You will then need to rest and care for your incisions per Dr. Rodriguez’s instructions.
You must take time off from your job to heal. It will be important to avoid any physically taxing activities for several weeks, including sports, bending over, and heavy exercise. However, remember that walking is encouraged to avoid the formation of blood clots in the legs.
A degree of swelling and bruising will be present in the abdominal region after the surgery. These are only temporary issues, and they will ameliorate shortly. To aid in this process, you must wear an elastic garment. This post-surgical garment encourages the skin to better fit the new contours of the abdomen and also controls swelling. Ice packs can also help reduce bruising and swelling.
View Before & After Photos Here
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost associated with an abdominoplasty is determined by the complexity of accomplishing the desired results, so pricing varies from one patient to the next. Factors that can affect the price of an abdominoplasty include the total duration of your surgery and the techniques required to perform your procedure in the safest, most effective way possible.
Contact Our Office
If you are considering a tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez. He can determine the best approach for achieving your aesthetic goals, and he will answer any questions you may have about your procedure, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Your procedure will be performed by Dr. Rodriguez in Fort Lauderdale.