Are you unhappy with how your body looks in a bikini? Want to get rid of love handles? A tummy tuck might be the beauty solution you’re looking for. Also called abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a proven way to get a toned, flat stomach when traditional methods such as diet and exercise just aren’t cutting it. At Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez performs tummy tuck procedures to improve the look of your midsection and eliminate excess fat and loose skin. As a result, clothes fit more attractively and comfortably.

Dr. Sanchez has performed thousands of successful surgeries that help define the waist and create a tighter abdomen. If you’re considering abdominoplasty to remove fat and enhance your look, finding the right plastic surgeon is essential. When you schedule a private tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Sanchez, we’ve provided some questions you can ask so you feel more at ease about the surgery.

Your tummy tuck consultation

At the initial consultation, we will evaluate your overall health and skin quality to ensure you are a candidate for tummy tuck surgery. You should know that abdominoplasty is not a replacement for weight loss, so you should be at or near your goal weight. Tummy tucks are best for small pockets of extra fat and loose skin, so we will let you know if an alternative procedure is recommended. You will achieve your most optimal results if you avoid additional weight gain after the surgery.

After the assessment, Dr. Sanchez can develop a personalized surgical plan. Some individuals only need a minor procedure, and others require a more extensive approach. Based on your needs, we will decide how large the incision needs to be and how much fat and skin should be removed. At Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, we place the incision within or just above the pubic area so the surgical scar can be hidden by underwear or a bathing suit.

Questions to ask your plastic surgeon

It’s best to find a plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing tummy tuck surgeries. Here are some questions to ask your doctor:

Are you board-certified?

Ask about your surgeon’s credentials, where their certifications come from, and how long they’ve been in business. Many will have before-and-after photos in the consultation area to show you what your results might look like.

Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

We find that the most optimal candidates for abdominoplasty are in good general health and have excess fat and skin that they want removed. Patients should also be within 20% of their ideal weight. If you have had significant weight loss recently, you need to keep the weight off for at least six months. Our staff also highly recommends that you avoid smoking and tobacco products before and after surgery, as they increase your risk of infection and other complications.

What is recovery like?

Recovery looks different for everyone, but you should make plans to rest at home for several weeks after the procedure, as moving or walking around can be difficult. Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, will provide you with an abdominal compression garment to help with swelling and bruising. You should also expect some numbness that may persist for a few months. You may return to light activities within a couple of weeks, with a full recovery in 6 – 8 weeks. The outcome will be a tighter, flatter tummy!

How much does it cost?

There’s no standard or set price for a tummy tuck procedure. We determine the cost based on body type and the amount of extra fat and skin that needs to be removed. Mini tummy tucks can begin at around $4,000, and a full tummy tuck starts at $7,800. For further pricing details, contact a member of our friendly team. We can walk you through the treatment costs and come up with a plan that is beneficial to you.

Will the results of my tummy tuck change over time?

A tummy tuck procedure is permanent. However, if you lose or gain a significant amount of weight afterward, this can affect your overall results. If you plan to have children in the future, we encourage you to wait until you have completed your family before your tummy tuck. However, women who do get pregnant after their procedure can revisit our office to learn about their options.

Change your tummy, change your life

Tummy tuck procedures have changed the lives of millions of people every year. Reclaim your figure by eliminating loose and sagging skin along with stubborn, hard-to-reach fat. Your experience is important to us, so we provide every patient with comfortable offices and state-of-the-art procedure rooms holding the latest in cosmetic technologies. We hope to develop the very best results for you. Call Sanchez Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, LA, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erick Sanchez today.