Tummy Tuck Specialist
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Avila Plastic Surgery
Rafael Avila, MD
Plastic Surgeon located in Mission, TX
Whether it’s from pregnancy or from gaining and losing a significant amount of weight, sometimes sagging skin and pockets of fat linger on your waist and abdomen regardless of how often you hit the gym. At Avila Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rafael Avila can eliminate your frustrations and smooth your abdomen with a tummy tuck. With over 20 years of experience and a detail-oriented approach, he can help you get the body you’ve always wanted. If you live in or near Mission, Texas, call the office today to schedule or use the online booking tool.
Tummy Tuck Q & A
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck removes extra skin and pockets of fat from your abdominal area and can restore separated or weakened abdominal muscles. This surgical approach creates the appearance of a flatter, smoother, and firmer midsection.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. It’s intended for those who have relatively normal body proportions, but struggle with loose, sagging skin or fat pockets in and around the abdomen. These conditions often result from pregnancy, abdominal surgeries, or extreme weight loss.
Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure is at or near their ideal weight. They eat right, exercise regularly, and don’t experience excessive weight fluctuations. They also don’t have major health issues.
Non-smokers heal quicker and more effectively than smokers and Dr. Avila advises his patients to consider quitting before surgery.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
Dr. Avila often performs tummy tucks on an outpatient basis. He may use general anesthesia or intravenous sedation during your surgery.
He makes a horizontal incision between your belly button and your pubic hair. He determines the length of the incision based on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery and the amount of skin that he is removing. In some cases, he makes another incision around your belly button.
Then, Dr. Avila addresses your abdominal muscles, if necessary, and repairs any weakened or separated muscles with sutures. He may perform liposuction to remove any pockets of fat.
Dr. Avila redrapes your skin and trims away any excess skin. He closes your incision with sutures and makes a new hole for your belly button.
In some cases, he may implant temporary drainage tubes to reduce fluid and blood buildup.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a major surgery, so you should expect some soreness and discomfort for the first week. Dr. Avila recommends resting at home for at least the first three days after your procedure. Walk around the house every few hours to keep your blood flowing healthily.
Expect to take off work for 2-4 weeks. If you have small children, plan for full-time help at home during this early recovery period.
To schedule a tummy tuck consultation, call the office or go online today.
