Undesirable stretched out, saggy skin around the belly is very common after a significant weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a very popular cosmetic surgery that removes extra skin around the belly, benefiting patients desiring a slimmer, tighter stomach without all the damaged skin and stretch marks. Baton Rouge, LA plastic surgeon, Dr. Erick Sanchez, has performed many successful tummy tucks resulting in a flat, firm, and beautifully shaped abdominal area. When there's excessive fat in the abdominal area, Dr. Sanchez will use liposuction to remove the stubborn fat to further enhance the results of a tummy tuck.

Patients considering a tummy tuck surgery should be at or near their goal weight. Our doctor believes that this surgery garners the most effective results once all pregnancies have been completed and additional weight gain can be avoided. In general, good candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who demonstrate:

• Excess or sagging skin of the abdomen
• Abdominal contour that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
• Stable weight if excessive skin is due to massive weight loss
• Weakened and separated abdominal muscles (due to pregnancy)
• Excess fatty tissue that is located primarily in the abdomen

During the initial consultation, our dedicated team will evaluate the overall health of the skin and assess skin quality, looseness, and the amount of fat that is present in the abdominal region. This will help our surgeon to develop an individual surgical plan. Some patients will only require minor tightening, known as a mini tummy tuck, whereas others will require a more extensive approach, which is a full tummy tuck. The difference is in the size of the incision as well as how much skin and fat need to be removed. During surgery, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The incision extends laterally toward the hipbones and the length depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed.

After tummy tuck surgery, patients will need to be very careful as they attempt to stand straight and begin moving around. Swelling and bruising are expected, but the use of an abdominal compression garment will help with this. There will be some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Patients may return to light activities within 2 weeks from surgery, and can expect a full recovery within 6-8 weeks. The outcome following this surgery is a tighter, flatter tummy. Scarring is typically not seen as the incision is placed inconspicuously and is generally hidden by undergarments and bathing suit bottoms.

The average cost for a tummy tuck will depend on the extent of the surgery. Mini tummy tucks start at around $4,000, whereas a full tummy tuck starts at $7,800. After a thorough assessment has been made and a treatment plan compiled, the costs will be outlined according to the patient’s surgical plan.

Tummy tuck surgery has changed the lives of countless men and women. In particular, women who have completed pregnancies or have lost a significant amount of weight find that this surgery allows them to reclaim their figure once again. If you have loose and sagging skin in your abdominal region and ready to attain a flat tummy, please call our plastic surgery office today and schedule a consultation with our acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon.