Tummy Tuck Dallas (Abdominoplasty)
Rejuvenate your stomach following pregnancy or significant weight loss with a tummy tuck in Dallas, Texas. To get started, book a free consultation with Dr Liland today.
Have you got excess skin and fat on your abdomen?
Pregnancy or weight loss can stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles and leave excess skin across the stomach. A tummy tuck procedure is a popular choice for men and women who want to tighten, flatten and restore the abdomen.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Dallas, Dr Liland is a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience producing long-term results. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options, or read on to learn more about tummy tucks.
3500 Oak Lawn Ave
Ste 160
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, known in the industry as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to make the stomach flatter, tighter and smaller. Tummy tuck surgery has a 95% “worth it” rating on RealSelf and can produce permanent results.
The procedure is most popular among post-pregnancy women or those who lost a significant amount of weight around their stomach, both of which can cause the abdominal skin to stretch and the abdominal muscles to weaken.
Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck Procedure
There are several clear aesthetic and medical benefits of tummy tuck surgery, outlined below:
- Removes excess skin and stretch marks following pregnancy or weight loss
- Makes the abdominal wall stronger and more stable
- Improves the shape of the abdomen
- Helps the stomach to look tighter and flatter
- Can help improve posture and reduce back pain
- Can correct various medical related issues (areas of the abdomen weakened by a hernia)
- Allows for permanent results (the abdominal wall remains strong and stable unless you fluctuate in weight or become pregnant and stretch the skin again)
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?
Suitable patients for tummy tuck surgery will have concerns over skin laxity, enduring fat deposits, and a weakened abdominal wall. If you only have concerns regarding excess fat deposits, then liposuction may be a more relevant surgical procedure.
Dr. Liland will evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate and talk through any specific concerns in your tummy tuck consultation. Generally, ideal candidates meet the following conditions:
- They’re close to their ideal weight and maintain it through a sustainable diet and exercise
- They lead a healthy lifestyle and do not smoke
- They have realistic expectations about the results they can expect from tummy tuck surgery
- They’ve finished having children
- They’ve stopped taking contraceptive pills (as this can increase the risk of blood clots)
Conversely, you may not be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck if:
- You are planning to have children in the future
- You wish to lose weight through surgery
- You have had abdominal surgery before, which may make the procedure more difficult
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
With a history stretching back more than a century, plastic surgeons have developed various techniques to complete a tummy tuck based on the needs and goals of the patient.
Dr. Liland will discuss the different options in your consultation and evaluate your specific needs to suggest the right option. Generally, the type of tummy tuck performed will depend on the amount of skin or fat you wish to have removed.
The two main types of tummy tuck that Dr Liland performs are:
- Full Tummy Tuck – A full, traditional tummy tuck is performed across the entire abdomen, including the areas above and below the belly button. It is the most comprehensive method and can be combined with liposuction, making it ideal for patients requiring significant skin and fat removal. It involves:
- An incision is made from hip to hip, just below the bikini line, to help conceal the scar afterwards. A second incision is made to detach the belly button.
- The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, which allows the surgeon to lift it up, tighten the muscles, and remove any excess fat and skin.
- The upper abdominal skin is then pulled down, a new hole is created for the belly button, and everything is stitched back into place.
- Mini Tummy Tuck – A mini tummy tuck is performed when the area of concern is only the section of the abdomen below the belly button. This is more suited to patients with less excess skin. It follows the same process as above, but there is no work on the upper abdomen
- Extended Tummy Tuck – An extended tummy tuck is the exact same as a full tummy tuck, but the procedure is extended around the flank to remove excess skin and fat from around the sides (love handles) and back.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck? Do I need liposuction too?
The main difference between abdominal liposuction and a tummy tuck is that liposuction procedures remove fat deposits, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles.
As such, a tummy tuck is a better option if you only have concerns over excess or sagging skin. While undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, abdominal liposuction is often performed simultaneously to improve the results.
That said, some patients will be better suited to one procedure over the other. During your consultation, Dr. Liland will evaluate your specific needs, walk you through both procedures and help you discover the best option for you.
How To Prepare For A Tummy Tuck
Before the Consultation
Before a plastic surgery consultation, you should research the procedure and consider your goals and ideal outcome. It is a good idea to bring in pictures of your ideal stomach so that Dr. Liland can understand your desired results. We also recommend preparing a list of questions in advance so you don’t forget anything on the day.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Liland will examine your abdomen and assess which type of tummy tuck is most suitable. He’ll also consider how much skin or fat will likely be removed. Additionally, you will discuss any medical information with Dr. Liland, including your medical history and any current medications or allergies.
Before the Procedure
At least a month before the procedure, it is important to stop smoking to help reduce the risk of complications. You may also need to stop taking certain medications, which Dr Liland will discuss with you during the consultation.
How Is A Tummy Tuck Performed?
Anesthesia
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, which a certified, registered Nurse Anesthetist will administer on the day. This ensures you remain asleep for the duration of the surgery. You’ll be asleep within seconds, and the next thing you know, you’ll be waking up the recovery room.
Incision
As you sleep, Dr Liland gets to work. An incision is created at the bottom of the abdomen that tends to run from hip to hip. For a mini tummy tuck, the incision tends to be smaller as only the lower section of the abdomen is being treated.
Procedure
Dr. Liland will remove any excess skin (and sometimes fat) and tighten the connective tissue of the abdominal muscle.
Closing the Incisions
Dr. Liland will then stitch the skin back together. In some cases, when a full tummy tuck is performed, the belly button will need to be brought out by making an incision so that it’s in a normal position on your abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Before And After Pictures
In this section, we’ve included an example of a previous patient. To see more, please check out our plastic surgery gallery, or ask Dr Liland for before and after photos in your tummy tuck consultation.
Our patient was an 18-24-year-old woman. We performed a tummy tuck with liposuction of her flanks. The procedure had a significant impact on the shape and curve of her abdomen and sides.
More Information
What surgeries can be combined with a tummy tuck?
Multiple surgeries can be combined with a tummy tuck and many of our tummy tuck patients in Dallas chose to undergo an additional procedure. During your consultation, you can talk to Dr. Liland about your specific needs and he can discuss the possible procedures that can be combined with your tummy tuck. Most commonly these include:
- Liposuction – Surgeons will often perform liposuction with a tummy tuck, as many patients have deposits of unwanted fat in the abdomen that they wish to have removed. The body contouring offered by liposuction can help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
- Mommy Makeover – Some patients, particularly post-pregnancy women, choose to combine a tummy tuck with multiple plastic surgery procedures, such as breast enhancement and liposuction. Commonly referred to as a mommy makeover, this combination of surgeries helps rejuvenate the entire body following childbirth.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Dallas?
The cost of a tummy tuck in Dallas depends on the type of tummy tuck performed.
Full or extended tummy tucks generally cost the most, with mini tummy tucks costing less. However, the popular addition of liposuction at multiple sites across the body can add to the cost too.
In your consultation, Dr. Liland will discuss pricing and present a full quote for your procedure. For more information on the cost of a tummy tuck and the various financing options, visit our blog post: ‘How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Dallas and How Can I Finance The Procedure’.
Recovery from a tummy tuck
After a tummy tuck, you should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the first couple of days, as your mobility will be reduced due to swelling and bloating.
Initially, after the surgery, it is important to follow all the post-operative care advice provided by Dr Liland. This will include the wearing of compression garments, pain medication, and instructions for cleaning and massaging the surgical site.
A tummy tuck patient will generally take at least two weeks off work to give their body time to heal and recover, but the exact recovery times will depend on whether you had a full, mini or extended tummy tuck. Many take up to four weeks off.
After eight weeks, you should feel fully recovered. However, it’ll take a few months, and even up to a year, to see your tummy tuck results. Over this time, the swelling will gradually subside, and the abdomen will start to take shape.
If you want more information on recovering after a tummy tuck, you can read our ‘A Patient’s Guide To Tummy Tuck Recovery In Dallas’ blog.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck surgery?
Initial Side Effects:
- Pain and bruising
- Numbness in the area
- Tummy may feel pulled
- Swelling
- Initial scaring
Tummy Tuck Risks:
Healthline explains that tummy tuck procedures have a slighter higher rate of complications than many other cosmetic surgeries.
- Wound complications or infections (this is why is essential to keep the incisions clean after the procedure)
- Can impact the nerves in the abdomen resulting in numbness or changes in sensations
- Fluid accumulation
- Tissue damage
General Surgery Risks:
- Infections
- An allergic reaction to the anesthetic
- Blood clots (can lead to DVT)
What do our patients think…
“Wonderful experience and fantastic results with Dr. Liland and his staff. If I had known how easy and quick the recovery would be, I would have done it much sooner.”
N. Fatemian
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Where Are We Located?
Our office address is:
3500 Oak Lawn Ave
Ste 160
Dallas, Texas
75219
Our office is north of Dallas city centre. We’re in Turtle Creek, our office is in the building on the corner of the crossroads where Oak Lawn Avenue and Lemmon Avenue meet.
How To Reach Us
- By Bus: Two bus stops are located on either side of Lemmon Avenue, directly outside the office. They are served by the 207 bus route.
- By Car: It’s a 10-minute drive from the City Center District. Take Cedar Springs Road northwards, continue as the road merges into Turtle Creek Boulevard, then turn left onto Lemmon Avenue. Several car parks are available nearby, with the closest being next door, accessed via Welborn Street.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Liland is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX. He has years of experience in plastic surgery and can provide a full range of procedures.
If you want to take the next step and learn more about your options, submit a form or call to contact Dr Liland and schedule a consultation. Dr Liland will help you determine whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you and, if so, which solution best suits your needs.