A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure meant to improve the appearance and shape of your abdomen (fascia). During the procedure, the surgeon removes extra fat from the abdomen area. Then, the surgeon tightens the tissues that connect the area muscles and moves remaining skin around for a more toned look.

People often consider tummy tuck surgery when they have extra skin around their belly, or abdomen. The goal of having a smaller, tighter abdomen is often to improve appearance to boost body image and confidence. It can also increase physical ability, flexibility, and energy.

As you age, your body goes through changes that may lead to excess fat and poor elasticity of your skin. These can include:

• Weight fluctuations
• Pregnancy
• C-sections and other abdominal surgeries
• Natural aging

With the tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will remove extra skin, tighten the damaged fascia, and tone the abdominal area. The cosmetic procedure cannot correct stretch marks.

Although a tummy tuck offers incredible benefits to your appearance, it’s not a procedure for everyone. For best results, people considering abdominoplasty procedures should be healthy, non-smokers. Tummy tuck works best in people who have a body mass index (BMI) under 30, who do not plan a future pregnancy or weight changes that would cause significant changes to the body and especially the stomach area after surgery. People who have had abdominal surgery before or have a severe medical condition, like diabetes and heart disease, may also not be candidates for abdominoplasty and other body contouring surgeries.

These are only general guidelines. Risk and benefit are different for every patient. If you wish to know whether tummy tuck surgery is appropriate for your specific case, you should consult with your cosmetic surgeon before making the final decision.

To learn whether a tummy tuck can help you, the first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Massiha. At the consult, Dr. Massiha will talk about the procedure, your goals, other options, and the potential risks. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and expectations for the surgery, and to ask questions. This is the time to get your questions answered. Your surgeon can also show you tummy tuck before and after pictures.

If you decide to continue after the consultation, Dr. Massiha and your healthcare team will start developing your unique treatment plan. During this evaluation period, you will continue talking with your surgeon and undergo physical exams. Tests, images, and x-rays may be ordered according to your age, health, and other individual needs.

Once the evaluation is complete, your surgeon will recommend a unique comprehensive surgical treatment plan tailored to your goals. Dr. Massiha may perform tummy tuck surgery alone or in combination with a wide range of comprehensive cosmetic and body contour services.

Make sure to ask any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with your surgeon and healthcare team. If you do not understand something, tell your healthcare team, so they can find another way to explain it. If you are unsure of what questions to ask, see this checklist recommended by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can help guide you during conversations with your surgeon.

The procedure itself can last between one and five hours, depending on what your plan entails. It is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you generally return home to recover after same-day post-surgery monitoring period. Below are descriptions of two classes of abdominoplasty.

This is a procedure for patients who have the most excess skin and need the most correction. The incision is made from the bikini line at the bottom of your abdomen to the navel. Then, the surgeon will manipulate the shape of the skin and muscle to achieve the desired effect. Because of how complicated this procedure is, drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to suction bodily fluids and fats.

For people without as much extra fat or skin, the doctor may recommend a mini tummy tuck. This is typically very active, physically fit men or women who are already thin or slender and seek a firmer, more toned look. The ‘mini’ surgery is still extensive, requiring recovery time from surgery. The body contouring procedure involves shorter incisions and takes about one to two hours to complete. Unlike complete abdominoplasty, partial abdominoplasty does not require drainage tubes.

Immediately after your tummy tuck surgery, you may have swelling in the abdomen and it may be difficult to stand up until you are fully healed. It may be a week or two until you can stand tall and begin seeing your slimmer figure. To continue enjoying the results of your surgery for a long time, patients need to maintain a steady weight and healthy lifestyle.

If you are searching “How much does a tummy tuck cost?” and “Tummy tucks near me” in search engines, you’ve noticed a wide range of prices. Tummy tuck costs can vary depending on several factors. The technique, the experience of the board-certified cosmetic surgeon, the facility where the procedure is performed, and the anesthesia involved all influence cost.

Many of these choices are made according to your medical history and your expectations. You and your surgeon will talk about these decisions during your consultation and discussions before surgery. Dr. Massiha will be able to provide a price quote with your treatment plan so you can budget the cost of your procedure.

If you are looking for plastic surgery or abdominoplasty near me, look no further. Dr. Massiha’s extensive experience and expertise in plastic surgery set him apart. He is not only a leading plastic and cosmetic surgeon in the Metairie and New Orleans area, Dr. Massiha also enjoys national and international reputations for innovation and excellence. He has performed thousands of body contour procedures and taught his techniques to myriad plastic surgeons in the region as well as other states and countries.

Committed to using the latest techniques and innovations in plastic surgery to ensure the highest level of safety and efficacy, Dr. Massiha regularly attends and participates in the industry’s top professional meetings. His essence as an artist and sculptor pervades his unique attention to detail and meticulous approach to each patient’s features. He will take the time to explain your procedure, discuss your expectations, and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome.

See why patients in Metairie and New Orleans who want ‘tummy tuck or other body contouring near me’, have chosen Dr. Massiha. Dr. Hamid Massiha offers a wide range of comprehensive cosmetic and body contour services to achieve your aesthetic goals. A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Massiha has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals through his personalized approach to care. His natural results will enhance your beauty and leave you feeling confident and happy.

Let Dr. Massiha’s expertise, artistry, and patient-centric approach help you achieve the natural, refreshed appearance you desire. Book an appointment today and discover how Dr. Massiha can transform your look and boost your confidence.