Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tuck Surgery in Dallas with Dr. Bryan Armijo
Tummy tuck surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, restores lean, flat stomach contours. This procedure is generally used to help patients who have loose skin, rather than just excess fat, around their midsection. At various facilities in Dallas and the surrounding areas, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryan Armijo performs tummy tuck surgery on patients whose stomachs have changed due to pregnancy, weight gain and loss, or normal aging
Learn more about Dallas tummy tuck surgery by reading on or calling (214) 540-1434 or contacting us online today!
How is Abdominoplasty Performed?
Dr. Armijo personalizes every tummy tuck he performs to meet the patient’s individual needs. The abdominoplasty techniques he uses vary depending on whether the patient has just loose skin around the stomach, or a combination of loose skin, excess fat, and damaged abdominal muscles.
Patients who have only a moderate amount of loose skin and subcutaneous fat are generally good candidates for a modified form of abdominoplasty known as mini tummy tuck surgery. During mini tummy tuck surgery, only one incision is made along the bikini line, allowing Dr. Armijo to tighten the skin on the lower stomach and remove any excess skin. If necessary, he can also perform liposuction on the upper belly to remove unwanted fat.
Full tummy tuck surgery, on the other hand, is designed to address problems with both the upper and lower stomach. Standard abdominoplasty involves the placement of two incisions (one along the bikini line and another hidden within the navel); this technique permits the removal of excess skin and fat from both the upper and lower stomach. If the patient’s abdominal muscles have been damaged by pregnancy or past weight gain, Dr. Armijo will use self-dissolving sutures to repair internal structures.
What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery can improve your appearance, physical health, and confidence. Tummy tuck surgery has been shown to create the following improvements:
The stress of pregnancy and/or weight fluctuations may cause the abdominal muscles to separate, also known as Diastasis Recti. This separation gives the appearance of a rounded belly, no matter how strong the abdomen muscles may be. By repairing the abdominal muscles back to the midline, the abdomen becomes visibly flatter. Likewise, removing subcutaneous fat from the stomach makes it easier for patients to achieve visible abdominal muscle definition.
A ventral hernia is a painful condition where tissue protrudes through the abdominal wall. Though abdominal muscle weakness isn’t the only potential cause of ventral hernia, it can be a contributing factor. Repairing stretched or torn abdominal muscles is, therefore, an important part of safeguarding against hernias.
When the abdominal muscles are weak, the spine doesn’t receive adequate support. Over time, this causes the lower back to curve inwards at an unnatural angle, resulting in chronic lower back pain and posture problems. After abdominoplasty surgery, patients can effectively work on their core strength which may help put an end to back pain.
Loose skin around the midsection often creates a flabby look, even on patients who are quite slim. Weak abdominal muscles allow the organs to press forwards, which makes the belly look distended. No matter how much the patient diets or exercises, these frustrating problems don’t go away. After tummy tuck surgery, however, this loose skin is gone, leaving the belly firm, flat and sleek in appearance. This procedure also removes, and smooths stretch marks.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The ideal tummy tuck candidate is healthy and has loose skin around their abdomen. Patients who have good skin elasticity but who want to remove excess belly fat may desire liposuction instead of abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck surgery is a great choice for people who have successfully lost a large amount of weight in the past. It’s also ideal for mothers who have loose skin and stretch marks left over after pregnancy.
Though tummy tuck surgery can sculpt flat, sleek stomach contours, it’s not a weight loss procedure. Before you arrange a tummy tuck consultation, you’ll need to be within about 20 pounds of your ideal weight. For safety reasons, plastic surgeons can only remove between five to ten pounds of fat during surgery; no surgical procedure can induce dramatic weight loss with one appointment. Still, patients often report that they look 20 pounds lighter after having a tummy tuck because they have lost inches off their waistline.
Dr. Armijo requires that all his abdominoplasty patients be current non-smokers. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least three weeks before and after your operation. Taking this step is essential because smoking interferes with the healing process, putting patients at greater risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation aids if you need help quitting smoking to have surgery.
Tummy Tuck Recovery – What to Expect
Tummy tuck recovery can be brief, depending on the type of surgery you have. Patients who have mini tummy tuck surgery generally feel better after one to two weeks, whereas it can take two to three weeks to recover from a full tummy tuck. In both cases, patients generally need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for four to six weeks after their procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Armijo will discuss your personalized procedure plan and let you know what to expect while you heal.
Six weeks before you have surgery, we’ll provide you with a package that includes detailed postoperative instructions, pain medication, and other items to help you recover comfortably. Dr. Armijo will also meet with you regularly while you recover to keep track of your progress and address any concerns you have.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Our team is ready to help you with any questions you may have! Contact us to learn more about a procedure or to discuss the next steps. We look forward to meeting you.
Arrange a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Dallas, Texas with Dr. Armijo
Getting your body back in shape after pregnancy or weight loss is challenging, but tummy tuck surgery can help. As one of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute’s most experienced body contouring surgeons, Dr. Bryan Armijo has helped many people affected by loose abdominal skin reclaim a lean, youthful shape. To learn more about abdominoplasty, contact Dr. Armijo’s office at (214) 540-1434.
Dallas Abdominoplasty FAQs
What is another name for abdominoplasty?
The common name for an abdominoplasty surgery is “tummy tuck.” They get this name from their purpose – eliminating excess, sagging skin, tightening stretched muscles and restoring a toned tummy.
How long does it take to recover from an abdominoplasty surgery?
The answer to this question depends on the extent of your procedure. For example, if you have only had a mini tummy tuck to address flab and unwanted fat below the navel, you might feel well enough to resume your usual activities one or two weeks after surgery. For a full tummy tuck, you might need up to three weeks of downtime, during which you’ll need to avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting. Dr. Armijo and his surgical team will send you home with detailed post-surgical instructions you can use to ensure a swift, healthy healing process with as little discomfort as possible.
Can I combine my abdominoplasty with other aesthetic procedures?
Most certainly. Many of our abdominoplasty patients choose to add surgeries like a breast augmentation, liposuction, or a butt lift to their tummy tuck for a whole-body makeover. Often referred to as a “mommy makeover” this approach ensures only one recovery time, and can also save you money on various fees associated with surgery.
Where can I find the best tummy tuck in Dallas?
When considering a surgical procedure with such far-reaching effects, you’ll want to choose your surgeon wisely. Look for a doctor who has achieved board certification in plastic surgery, as well as one who can provide an extensive gallery of before-and-after photos of previous tummy tuck patients.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Dallas?
Various factors will affect the price of your abdominoplasty surgery in Dallas. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Armijo can give you a more accurate estimate. We also have financing options available for our patients’ convenience.
What side-effects will I experience after a tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, you may experience common side-effects such as swelling, bruising, and pain around the surgical site. You can manage these side effects by following the post-op instructions provided to you by Dr. Armijo and his team. Besides helping you understand how to reduce swelling and bruising, Dr. Armijo also prescribes medication to help alleviate your pain after abdominoplasty surgery. These side-effects usually subside within a few weeks after your surgery.
How soon can I exercise after abdominoplasty?
Typically, you must avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks after your abdominoplasty. But this period varies on a case-to-case basis. After assessing the progress of your recovery after your tummy tuck, Dr. Armijo and his team can provide specific guidance on how soon you can take up physically demanding exercise.
Can a tummy tuck help with back pain?
If your back pain stems from weak abdominal muscles, having abdominoplasty with muscle repair can help resolve it by correcting your posture and the angle of your lower back. Once you recover from your tummy tuck, you can also do core exercises that can help with reducing your back pain.
Can you get a tummy tuck after giving birth?
Going through pregnancy and childbirth can leave you with loose and sagging skin that affects the appearance of your abdomen. You can resolve this concern through a tummy tuck. However, it is recommended that you wait at least 6 months after giving birth to go through the surgery safely. This ensures that your body has recovered from your pregnancy and childbirth before your abdominoplasty.
If you have additional concerns such as stubborn pockets of fat or sagging breasts, you can also consider a mommy makeover. This approach combines tummy tuck with additional procedures such as liposuction and breast lift that can help you restore and enhance your figure after pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Armijo and his team can understand your goals during your initial consultation and suggest if a mommy makeover is the right solution for you.
Does a tummy tuck help you lose weight?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, the surgery removes sagging skin and repairs your abdominal muscles to give you a more toned, sculpted, and stronger abdominal profile. If you are worried about the appearance of unwanted fat that you cannot lose through diet or exercise, you can consider getting liposuction with your tummy tuck to remove stubborn pockets of fat.
After a detailed consultation, Dr. Armijo can understand your aesthetic and functional goals with your tummy tuck and devise a plan to address all your concerns. This also involves suggesting procedures such as liposuction if they remain suitable for you.
How much time off from work do I need for abdominoplasty?
Most patients can resume light duties such as working on a computer 1-2 weeks after getting an abdominoplasty. But if your work involves physically strenuous activities, you might need more time to recover before you can resume your professional activities. After understanding your work and lifestyle requirements, Dr. Armijo and his surgical team can recommend how much time off work you may need after your tummy tuck.
Is it okay to have tummy tuck surgery before having children?
Although there are generally no significant risks associated with becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Armijo advises patients to wait until they have completed their family before undergoing the procedure. This approach can help ensure the longevity of your tummy tuck results, as pregnancy can cause changes to the body. For more information about tummy tucks and pregnancy, you can schedule a consultation to discuss your options with Dr. Armijo.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for abdominoplasty?
Generally, suitable candidates for a tummy tuck are those with excess fat and loose skin resulting from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. Candidates should be in overall good health and ensure any chronic conditions are well-managed. Additionally, women are advised to complete their families before considering body contouring procedures.
Will I have visible scars after a tummy tuck?
While some scarring is inevitable, it usually fades over time. Scars can take two years to mature. The primary incision for a tummy tuck runs from one hip bone to the other but is positioned low enough to be concealed by underwear or a bikini bottom. The incision inside the belly button is carefully concealed, especially when creating a new opening. Ensure your surgeon hides this incision well, as visible belly button scars don’t heal well. Taping and tension reduction sutures can also minimize scarring. Dr. Armijo will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions to ensure they heal as well as possible.
How long does it take to see results after a tummy tuck?
Results typically become visible within two to three weeks post-surgery when the majority of swelling starts to subside. Please note that swelling will continue to decrease over the subsequent months, progressively enhancing the firmness, smoothness, and contour of your abdomen.
Does insurance cover the cost of a tummy tuck surgery?
As a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary, it is not typically covered by insurance. However, it’s important to verify your policy’s coverage with your provider
How should I prepare before tummy tuck surgery?
- Before surgery, stay healthy and avoid illness.
- Follow Dr. Armijo’s pre-operative instructions, including adjusting your medications and dietary restrictions.
- Quit smoking at least six to eight weeks before and after surgery, and avoid all nicotine, including patches, gum, and vapes. Smoking can complicate your recovery and increase risks.
- Arrange for help. Ask a reliable friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical facility. Plan for assistance with childcare or pet care for a few weeks.
- Set up a comfortable area at home for recovery after surgery. Ensure necessities, such as pain medications, ice packs, gauze, snacks, entertainment, and comfortable clothing, are easily accessible.
- The day before surgery, try to take it easy. Avoid strenuous activities and get a good night’s sleep to ensure you’re well-rested.
- Dress appropriately on the day of your surgery, including loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can be easily put on and taken off. Avoid wearing jewelry, nail polish, and makeup before your surgery.
- Confirm your follow-up appointments with Dr. Armijo and understand your recovery process.
- Maintain a positive mindset by focusing on the benefits of your tummy tuck and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
How should I prepare for tummy tuck recovery?
Schedule someone to stay with you for the initial one to three days following surgery, as you should minimize your activities and focus on resting. Arrange for assistance with childcare, pet care, meal preparation, housework, and transportation until you have fully recovered. Create a clean, comfortable space, and ensure you have all necessary items for the first few days of recovery, such as water, snacks, pillows, blankets, books, and other forms of entertainment, readily accessible.