Who doesn’t want a flat belly that is reminiscent of your once washboard abs? Significant milestone events like pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, and the natural progression of aging can leave both men and women with a less than toned abdomen. If you have loose, hanging skin that has proven to be resistant to your daily 100 crunches and a healthy diet, then a tummy tuck could be your answer for a slimmed-down physique. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Erick Sanchez of Sanchez Plastic Surgery is an expert in performing many successful tummy tuck procedures, also known as abdominoplasty, for Baton Rouge, LA patients. He specifically addresses excess skin and muscle laxity to achieve a smoother, more contoured stomach area.

Dr. Sanchez offers his patients several different types of tummy tucks in Baton Rouge depending on each patient’s specific needs. During your consultation and initial assessment, Dr. Sanchez details the different styles of abdominoplasty and assists in determining the most suitable match for your body style. If you have been contemplating this elective cosmetic surgery, read the guide below for helpful information about the different options available when it comes to a tummy tuck.

How can a tummy tuck change your midsection?

A tummy tuck changes the appearance of the midsection by tightening the separated abdominal muscles within the abdominal wall and removing excess fat and skin. The result is a flat and toned tummy. Patients love the tummy tuck in Baton Rouge, LA for its ability to produce dramatic results. Often a tummy tuck is included in the popular mommy makeover procedure, as a means for women to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.

Reasons to choose a tummy tuck If you have excess fat, loose skin, or separated abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can be a game-changer. But you still may be asking yourself, “Why does my stomach look like this now?” Here are some common reasons why:

• Fluctuations in weight

• Pregnancy

• Abdominal surgery

• Aging

• Result of your body type

Am I a candidate? Men and women who are thinking about finding a plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge, LA for tummy tuck surgery should be at or near their goal weight. It is highly advised that women should be done with their childbearing years as significant weight gain can undo abdominoplasty results. Suitable candidates for tummy tucks include those who feature the following:

• Excess or loose skin of the abdomen

• A protruding abdomen

• Stable weight following significant weight loss

• Weakened and separated abdominal muscles

The different styles of tummy tucks
The method of your tummy tuck surgery is highly dependant on the aesthetic goals you have for your future body. All tummy tucks remove excess, loose skin around the midsection. It is essential to be aware that you will have a scar from the procedure, but it will fade in time and be placed in a position that makes it easy to hide.

Traditional Tummy Tuck A traditional style tummy tuck is effective for both men and women in Baton Rouge who carry moderate amounts of extra fat and loose skin in the midsection. During the procedure, an incision is made above the pubic region allowing for the removal of excess skin. Liposuction is typically performed to remove fat in the area, and abdominal muscles are tightened. While this type of surgery does feature a long incision, it is strategically placed so that undergarments or bikini bottoms may hide it. The belly button may also be repositioned to a more proportional place on the midsection.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Patients who only have a small amount of extra loose skin or a small “pooch” of fat around the middle, a mini tummy tuck is a fantastic option. The primary goal of this type of procedure is to remove a smaller amount of excess fat and loose skin than a traditional tummy tuck. In this procedure, the muscles may or may not be tightened depending on patient needs. Mini tummy tucks require a smaller incision since less tissue is removed. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and the remaining skin is pulled tightly. The original belly button stays in-tact.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Following significant weight loss, Baton Rouge, LA, patients with a substantial amount of excess skin and fat are great candidates for the extended tummy tuck. This procedure features a longer incision than the traditional and mini tummy tucks. Liposuction is typically performed in conjunction to address fat on the back and sides, along with tightening of the muscles and repositioning of the belly button.

Drainless tummy tuck

Dr. Sanchez offers men and women in Baton Rouge, LA, with an innovative option for their tummy tuck procedure, known as the drainless tummy tuck method. This technique utilizes special suturing that blocks fluid from building up and does not require a drain during recovery. Compared to other tummy tuck procedures, the drainless tummy tuck reduces the downtime of the surgery significantly.

Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have excess fat may be unhappy with the appearance of their midsections. Unsightly saggy, loose skin can be a distant memory with this dramatic plastic surgery procedure in Baton Rouge. A tummy tuck is an excellent solution for a contoured and sculpted midsection, giving patients renewed self-esteem so they can feel fantastic about the way they look. If tummy tuck surgery sounds like a solution for you, we invite you to contact board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Erick Sanchez at Sanchez Plastic Surgery, and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Sanchez and his team can assist you in determining which tummy tuck technique is most suitable for you.