It can be difficult for men and women in Baton Rouge, LA to shed abdominal fat and get rid of excess loose skin around our waists. Fat and extra skin in our midsections can make their appearance as a result of weight gain, pregnancy, or even as part of the process of aging. When a proper diet and exercise routine fail to get rid of these troublesome issues, men and women are turning to tummy tuck surgery as an effective way to achieve a smoother, more contoured stomach area.

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, it is important to research and evaluate your options. At Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez understands that the decision to undergo elective cosmetic surgery is not an easy one. There are many factors to consider, including the potential risks and benefits, your expectations, available alternatives, the financial investment, and more.

While a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States, it is still a major surgery that should be seriously considered before pursuing.

The basics of a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck surgically removes excess skin from the lower abdomen. Some patients in Baton Rouge, LA require the additional step of tightening the underlying abdominal muscles as part of a tummy tuck depending on the severity of separation. What many potential patients do not know is that there are different styles of tummy tucks, depending on what exactly each patient needs. Additionally, many plastic surgeons such as Dr. Sanchez have to add in liposuction to further contour the stomach area by removing additional fatty tissue to give patients a slimmer silhouette.

When you feel embarrassed about excess skin and fat that has accumulated around your midsection, it can cause your self-esteem levels to plummet. Often times men and women in Baton Rouge, LA are less inclined to wear the latest fashions or swimsuits and may even bow out of social or professional situations. In addition to the cosmetic impact, a tummy tuck may also go a long way towards helping you feel better about yourself as it restores your figure and boosts your self-confidence.

Six questions to ask about a tummy tuck

If you’ve decided that a tummy tuck procedure is for you, here are six key questions that potential patients in Baton Rouge, LA should ask themselves as they begin the journey to a more toned and sculpted tummy:

1. What Are My Expectations?
Many conditions including pregnancy, age, and significant weight loss can result in excess skin around the midsection. Whether you are looking to eliminate saggy belly skin, get rid of stretch marks, or achieve a tighter stomach, the tummy tuck procedure may be an appropriate option. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez is an expert in his field, having performed many successful tummy tucks for patients in Baton Rouge, LA and surrounding areas. In addition to a traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Sanchez is also able to combine the procedure with abdominal liposuction to further enhance the results.

2. Am I An Ideal Candidate?
The tummy tuck procedure can be useful in many situations, but it is best employed after all other options have been exhausted. When diet and exercise are no longer effective, when a woman is done with all of her pregnancies, or when a patient demonstrates stability at or near their goal weight without cosmetic improvement, it may be time to consider an abdominoplasty. If any of the following apply to you, then you may be an ideal candidate for the tummy tuck procedure:

• Excess skin following significant weight loss

• Separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy (diastasis recti)

• Stubborn fatty tissue in the abdomen

• Protruding abdomen that is out of proportion to the rest of the body

3. Will I Have Help During My Recovery?
Most tummy tucks are performed as outpatient procedures, with patients returning home just a few hours after the surgery. However, it is important to remember that a tummy tuck is still considered major surgery and requires significant recovery time. The majority of patients are able to resume light activity within 2-3 weeks and can resume full activity within 6-8 weeks. However, almost all patients will require some help with even the most basic of tasks during the first few days and weeks at home. Lifting objects heavier than ten pounds and climbing stairs are just two of the behaviors that must be avoided following surgery. Patients with young children are especially advised to secure post-operative assistance before scheduling their procedures.

4. Will There Be A Scar?
One of the benefits of having a tummy tuck is that it can improve the appearance of a previous scar or eliminate it altogether. This is often true in the case of patients who have had a cesarean section, hysterectomy, appendectomy, or herniorrhaphy. The scars associated with these procedures are typically able to be removed during abdominoplasty, resulting in a smooth, flawless appearance of your stomach. While a tummy tuck does require a lateral incision above the pubic area, the resultant scar can be almost always be concealed underneath undergarments and swimsuit bottoms. The size of the scar will vary based on the type of tummy tuck performed and how much skin needs to be removed.

5. What Is The Cost Of The Procedure?
Dr. Sanchez and his team at Sanchez Plastic Surgery strive to provide the highest quality of service at prices that are affordable for their Baton Rouge, LA patients. The tummy tuck procedure has a wide variety of applications and variations depending on each patient’s individual case, and the pricing varies accordingly. Less complicated procedures, often known as “mini tummy tucks,” can start around $4,000, while a full tummy tuck starts closer to the $7,800 mark. Various intraoperative needs and associated procedures, including liposuction, come at an additional cost. Whatever the case, our professional associates at Sanchez Plastic Surgery will assist you in putting together a treatment and payment plan to meet your needs.

6. Is This The Best Option For Me?
At Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, we encourage our patients to evaluate all options, but we know that cosmetic surgery may be the best available route in many cases. If you have experienced pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or surgery that has resulted in excess abdominal skin and/or fat that has become unresponsive to diet, exercise, and other treatments, a tummy tuck may be the next most appropriate step for you. Take the first step toward a new, more confident you, and let acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez evaluate you and put together a custom treatment plan to best meet your needs.

Call our office at Sanchez Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation for a tummy tuck procedure today.