Tummy Tuck in Biloxi, MS

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat resulting from a significant weight loss, childbirth, or age. Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Biloxi, MS, performs tummy tucks on residents in and around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama who want a flatter, more sculpted lower abdomen.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to correct a protruding or sagging lower abdomen, what is commonly called the belly. It is typically used to focus on the lower half of the abdomen and is done in conjunction with liposuction to eliminate fat from the back and flanks (muffin top). Another correction also performed during a tummy tuck is tightening abdominal muscles that have been stretched during pregnancies.

The Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is ideal for anyone who is unhappy with the shape of their abdomen. Candidates for this procedure should also be non-smokers, and be at a stable weight and physically active. Tummy tucks are not substitutes for miracle weight loss plans, instead a way to highlight hard work as well as tighten the abdominal area following the childbearing years. It is also essential that patients have reasonable expectations of the outcomes.

Planning Your Tummy Tuck

To plan for your tummy tuck, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Diaz to determine if a tummy tuck or other body contouring procedure is the best option to achieve your sculpting goals. He also evaluates your current health and medical history to ensure you are healthy enough for the surgery.

Additionally, because tummy tucks are often considered elective procedures, health insurance plans typically do not provide coverage for the procedure. We can help you plan financially for your surgery if your health insurance does not offset the cost.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

To prepare for the tummy tuck, it is necessary to have an overall check-up as well as bloodwork. We also recommend that you avoid taking medications and supplements that may thin the blood as well as stop smoking two weeks prior to the surgery and two weeks following so neither inhibits the healing process.

Types of Anesthesia

Tummy tucks are typically performed under general anesthesia, as it is a lengthy and invasive procedure. With general anesthesia, patients are rendered unconscious and monitored during the entire procedure to ensure the right amount of anesthesia is administered.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

When performing a full tummy tuck, there is an incision horizontally oriented below the navel but above the pubic hairline. The length of this incision is determined by extent of the correction needed. Additionally, if necessary, weakened abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured. The excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen is also removed.

If necessary, there may be a second incision around the navel. This is done if there is excess fat and skin in the upper abdomen to be removed.

After Your Tummy Tuck

Immediately following your surgery, we dress the incisions and wrap an elastic bandage or compression garment around the area to reduce swelling and support the abdomen as it heals. We may insert a small tube in the incision to allow any blood or fluid to drain.

It is common for you to walk with somewhat slumped over posture during the first couple of weeks as the internal healing takes place. Within a couple of weeks, you should be able to stand straight and show off your flatter abdomen.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Mississippi?

The cost of a tummy tuck varies with each patient as it depends on the extent of the surgery and if another procedure is performed at the same time. We can go over the costs with you as well as our payment options including financing through CareCredit®.

Getting Back to Normal Following a Tummy Tuck

We suggest that patients take two to four weeks off from work to heal and recover followed by another two to four weeks before resuming normal activities including strenuous activities. Because there are significant incisions, there is scarring that usually flattens and diminishes within a few months. We try to put the incisions in inconspicuous places so that they are not very noticeable. It is important to note that if you have had a previous abdominal surgery, it may limit the results of a tummy tuck. We try to incorporate the tummy tuck scar into a caesarean section scar if you have one.

Your New Look

The result is a flatter, tighter abdomen that increases your self-confidence.

 

If you live in or around Southern Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, and want to have a tummy tuck, board-certified plastic surgeon, Michael Diaz, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs abdominoplasty, in Biloxi, MS. Contact us today to set up an appointment.