Tummy Tuck
A Tummy Tuck Procedure in Houston is usually needed when excess fat deposits accumulate around the stomach and lower abdomen including the hips and thighs. For some patients genetics play a large role in determining their body shape and size. Women with weak abdominal muscles from pregnancy and/or loose skin that no longer react to diet and exercise suddenly find the abdomen to be a problem area. For those men and women who have experienced massive weight loss may find that sagging excess skin creates rolls of skin that make it difficult to function normally. Chaffing, irritation and hygiene become major issues when dealing with excess skin and fat deposits. If you are suffering from excess fat deposits in the tummy area or sagging skin as a result of excess skin deposits, you may want to consider a tummy tuck procedure with Houston‘s top cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Nikko.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck – also know as the medical term Abdominoplasty – is a body contour surgical procedure designed to smooth and flatten the abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin. The procedure is one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures that can benefit men and women who are bothered by a protruding abdomen or unhappy with the size and shape of their abdomen. Dr. Nikko, board certified Cosmetic Surgeon and renowned skin expert, mostly recommends to combine the tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery to compliment an overall balanced body proportion. If you are considering a Tummy Tuck in Houston, let us invite you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Nikko to discuss and review your options.
Is a tummy tuck right for me?
Patients, along with Dr. Nikko’s recommendations during the evaluation, decide if a Tummy Tuck in Houston is the right procedure. If you are self-conscious about your figure more specifically your stomach area and often times find it difficult to wear certain clothing comfortably, a tummy tuck procedure may be right for you. If you have trouble maintaining an exercise program because of excess fat deposits in the abdominal area, a tummy tuck procedure may be right for you. If you have reached your fitness goals and still are unhappy with your loose sagging skin in your upper and/or lower abdomen area, a tummy tuck may be right for you. If you are determined to start a new exercise program and commit to permanent lifestyle changes, a tummy tuck may be right for you.
Let us invite you to discuss your concerns and goals with Dr. Nikko during a personalized consultation. Call today to schedule an appointment at 713-960-1311.
What information should I know regarding a tummy tuck procedure?
There are three basic techniques used to flatten an extended or protruding abdomen. The proper technique for you will depend largely on your current shape and size, abdominal laxity, and most importantly, your specific goals. Liposuction alone can produce a thin abdominal wall for some without the need for a tummy tuck. If your laxity and excess skin is below your navel, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you. For those with severe laxity of their abdominal muscle or excessive skin, a full tummy tuck may be the only solution.
A tummy tuck is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. A full tummy tuck involves an incision that runs from hip to hip that lays hidden under the panty line along with a non-visible scar around the belly button. Your entire abdominal wall is tightened with permanent sutures, the excess skin and fat is removed and a new belly button is carved.
A mini tummy tuck is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction of the upper abdomen and the waist, hip and lower back area. With a mini tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made in your bikini area – similar to a cesarean incision – and no incision is made around your belly button. Dr. Nikko will remove your excess skin and fat through this incision. Permanent sutures will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
What is the recovery process for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck cosmetic enhancement procedure requires a longer recovery period than most cosmetic surgery procedures since the abdominal wall requires ample time to heal. Most patients experience numbness and sensitivity in the abdomen, which can take about six months to completely disappear. Dr. Nikko ensures all patients have controlled medication for any pain or discomfort that follows surgery. If drains are used, they remain in place for three to seven days until discharge fluids are minimal. Sutures are most likely removed within six days to prevent scaring and keloid marks.
A special abdominal support garment is provided right after surgery that must be worn for several weeks. The scarring on the stomach fades significantly over time when following Dr. Nikko’s post instructions. During your recovery, you must refrain from any strenuous activity, heavy lifting or abdominal exercise until Dr. Nikko’s orders. Most patients resume work and regular activities within one to three weeks, depending on the degree of surgery.
At Nikko Cosmetic Surgery Center, all cosmetic enhancement procedures are not covered under insurance; patients must finance independently.
The final results for a tummy tuck can be quite dramatic, providing a slimmer, trimmer figure and flatter abdomen. Please call our office today to arrange a consultation with Dr. Nikko at (713) 960-1311.
