Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso - Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Texas

Tummy Tucks - Waist Contouring - Abdominoplasty

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Before

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Before

After

Before

After

Gender: Female
Doctor: Dr. Reynolds, El Paso, Texas Plastic Surgeon

Age: F/28
Gender: Female
Doctor: Mark A. Jabor, M.D., El Paso, Texas Plastic Surgeon

Age: 31
Gender: Female
Doctor: Mark A. Jabor, M.D., El Paso, Texas Plastic Surgeon

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is a good candidate for a mini-tummy tuck?

  Patients that have a very small amount of skin excess qualify for this procedure. Unfortunately, most patients need the maximal amount of skin removed for the best improvement.  

• What is a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?

  A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the removal of skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tightening of the muscle of the abdominal wall. The incision and ultimate scar is on the lower part of the abdomen. It is like a caesarian section incision, but is larger and usually goes from hip to hip.

• What is a mini-abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

  In general, it refers to removal of a small amount of skin and possibly tightening of abdominal muscles.

• What happens to the belly button?

  In most cases, the belly button is cut around and left attached to the underlying tissue. The skin from the upper abdomen is then pulled over the belly button. Before final closure, a small hole is made in the skin and the belly button is brought through this.

• What happens if a woman has a tummy tuck and then gets pregnant?

  She should be able to have the child without any fear of harm to herself or her child. However, the overall results of the tummy tuck may be diminished after the pregnancy. 

• What are the costs of these procedures?

  Depending on the procedures and the time there is a wide range of fees. The surgeon’s fees can range from $1,500 to 8,000. When anesthesia and surgical center fees are added it is about 50% more.

• What about loose skin in other parts of the body like the thighs, the hips, the arms, or the buttocks?

  These can all be addressed by specific procedures that remove skin and fat. For example, excess skin on the inner thigh can be treated by a thigh lift. This removes both fat and skin and greatly improves the contour and tightness of the skin. The scar lies in the crease between the thigh and groin. Similar procedures are performed in other parts of the body.

• How soon after childbirth can a woman have a tummy tuck?

  Generally, waiting 6 months or more after childbirth is advisable. However, it depends on each individual.

• How are the muscles tightened?

  Actually, it is the tough tissue covering the muscles that is tightened. This involves stitches that are placed so as to bring the muscles back together in the middle.

• Does the scar always have to be so long?

  Most of the time the scar will go from the front part of one hip to the front part of the opposite hip. This may vary depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. Sometimes the incision can be shorter and sometimes it will need to be longer. If the incision is planned corectly, it can be mostly hidden beneath underwear.

   

• Does medical insurance ever pay for any of these procedures?

  On occasion they may cover certain procedures. However, there usually needs to be documentation of a medical necessity reason. This would include such things as a chronic rash or infection.

• Do muscles always need to be tightened?

  No, not always. However, in most women that have had children, these muscles become separated in the midline as a result of their pregnancies. Tightening the muscles gives overall improvement to the final result.

• Can a tummy tuck be combined with other plastic surgical procedures?

  Yes, it is common to combine tummy tuck with other procedures, especially liposuction. The more important thing is the overall length of the surgery. This should not be excessive.

• Can a tummy tuck be combined with a hysterectomy?

  Usually these two procedures can be combined. However, things must be carefully coordinated between the plastic surgeon and the gynecologist.

• Can a tummy tuck be combined with a cesarean section?

  No, this is not a good idea.

• Are tummy tucks only for women?

  No, some men are good candidates for tummy tucks. The same procedure and principles apply.