A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), removes the excess loose skin and fat that tends to accumulate around the abdomen, tightens and firms, and restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Both men and women can be unhappy with the appearance of their abdominal areas; however, because of pregnancy, women tend to have more issues relating to the abdominal area, such as stretch marks, laxity of the abdominal wall, and loosening of the skin. Women also accumulate more fat because of hormonal changes incurred during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

There comes a time when you realize that efforts at dieting and exercise are not changing the appearance of your sagging and protruding abdomen. Tummy Tuck procedures are best for candidates who:

– An abdomen that is out of proportion with the rest of your body or that protrudes
– Sagging or excess abdominal skin
– Extra fatty tissue in the abdominal area
– Separated or weakened abdominal muscles
– Tummy tucks are not a weight loss procedure; therefore, for optimum results, it’s best for those who are close to their ideal weight
– Are in good health and ideally a BMI of <30

At your initial consultation, Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips will examine your abdomen to decide which tummy tuck will be necessary to produce the desired result. The amount of stretch marks you have, the extent of skin elasticity, and the condition of the abdominal wall will also determine the complexity of your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure recommended.

There are different types of tummy tucks that are performed at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery:

– Mini Abdominoplasty
– Standard Abdominoplasty
– Extended Abdominoplasty
– Double Extended with Vertical Incision Abdominoplasty
– Circumferential lift

The length of the scar can vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty performed.  A scar will fall along the natural crease of a bikini line and within time, the scar will fade; however, scar visibility can vary. We do recommend medical grade scar products that can help minimize the appearance of the scar and there are other laser treatments that can help as well.

Recovery time following tummy tuck surgery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on your general physical condition and the extent of your abdominoplasty surgery, you may be able to return to non-strenuous activities from one to three weeks after surgery. Many patients can resume their normal activities, including mild exercise, within a few weeks. It is normal to experience mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during recovery.

A surgical compression garment will be provided at our facility.  It is recommended to wear the garment up to 4 weeks post procedure; however, your surgeon will indicate when it is best to discontinue.

All surgery has risks and potential complications. Although the risks are not common, it is important that you understand the potential complications and know that no surgeon can offer risk-free surgery or guarantee of perfect result. Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips will discuss any possible risks in detail during your consultation and will be sure to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.

In general tummy tuck procedures are considered outpatient surgery and are performed under general anesthesia; however, if an overnight stay is required, we can also offer that service at our surgical center.  Our surgical center, El Paso Cosmetic Surgical Center, is in our West El Paso state-of-the-art facility which offers a comfortable and private setting.  El Paso Cosmetic Surgical Center has been certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. This is a voluntary program of certification, meaning that at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery we choose to have our plastic surgery center inspected to ensure excellence and quality care to our plastic surgery patients. Only those facilities that meet the most stringent requirements for patient care, cleanliness, and equipment are accredited by the AAAASF.

The next step is to schedule your consultation.  During your consultation, Board Certified Plastic Surgeron Dr. Sozer or Dr. Phillips will evaluate you and discuss all your questions, concerns and desires before undergoing surgery so you can have realistic expectations.  You may call our office at (915) 800-0617 to schedule your consultation or may fill out our “Schedule Your Consultation” tab and someone will contact you to make that appointment.  Experience the Science of Beauty.