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For those considering a tummy tuck, Fort Worth is known for its high number of qualified plastic surgeons and state of the art private cosmetic facilities. If you live in the Fort Worth area and are looking for answers to some frequently asked questions about tummy tucks, keep reading.

How does an abdominoplasty work?

An abdominoplasty and a tummy tuck are the same thing - a standard plastic surgery that seeks to reshape and restructure the abdominal region. A licensed plastic surgeon will reposition muscles, tighten them, remove excess skin and then reshape it.

Who is the ideal abdominoplasty candidate?

When it comes to a tummy tuck, Fort Worth patients should be at an ideal weight. The procedure isn’t intended for overweight or obese patients. Instead, it’s designed to simply add shape and definition to a stretched or extended abdominal region. Overweight patients should consider liposuction, exercise or a more thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon.

What is the abdominoplasty process?

With a tummy tuck, Fort Worth and actually all of Texas require that a patient and surgeon have an initial consultation meeting where they discuss the patient’s motivation for the surgery, their goals for the procedure, suitability for an abdominoplasty and the possible risks or side effects associated with the procedure.

Once a surgery date has been set and you have properly prepared for your tummy tuck operation, you will be sedated using a general anesthesia. After becoming unconscious, your plastic surgeon will make a long, flattened V-shaped cut over the lower part of your stomach.

At this point, the skin is pulled back to allow access to the abdominal muscles, which are then repositioned, stretched, tightened and stitched into place. Once the muscles are in place, the surgeon removes any excess skin, stretches the skin back over the abdomen and stitches the patient back up.

What is the after-surgery care for a tummy tuck?

For an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, Fort Worth patients can expect a recovery time of between two and three weeks. During that period, they should avoid exercise, strenuous activity, long periods of standing or sitting, or sun exposure to the area. Once approved by the doctor, a moderate exercise program can be started to help build up the muscles around the stomach.

Because an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is such an extensive abdominal procedure, many patients suffer from constipation or pain from the strain of making a bowel movement. Because of this, doctors often prescribe a diet of reduced stimulants, lots of water, soluble fiber and laxatives to produce stools that are easy to pass.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

For a full tummy tuck, Fort Worth citizens could expect to pay between $4000 and $9000, with most surgeries costing from $7000 to $9000, including hospital fees.

Where can I find a good abdominoplasty surgeon in Fort Worth?

For any cosmetic surgery or skin care procedures, including a tummy tuck, Fort Worth citizens should try contacting the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a recommendation or the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons.