Tummy Tuck
The abdomen is a part of the body that is closely tied to health and fitness. If you have an abdomen that protrudes or is round, you may be seen as out of shape. However, for many people, diet and exercise are insufficient to correct a protruding, lax abdomen, which may be caused by excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles. This is often the result of pregnancy or massive weight loss, and the only effective solution is a tummy tuck. In Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana, Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain has earned a reputation for the excellent results he achieves with this procedure.
Dr. Duplechain can help you to have the physique you strive so hard to achieve. He and his staff look forward to helping you turn your aesthetic goals into a reality. If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck or any other procedures we offer, request a consultation online or call our office at (337) 456-3282.
Benefits
Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the midsection and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. Benefits of this procedure include:
- A slimmer waist
- A firmer, flatter abdomen
- Removal of excess skin and stretch marks
- Improved body confidence
Dr. Duplechain Explains Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
During the consultation, I will examine your abdominal skin, muscle, and fat deposits. If you have smaller areas of fat below the belly button (navel) and relatively tight abdominal muscles, a procedure called partial abdominoplasty or "mini tummy tuck" may be an option to achieve a slimmer, flatter abdomen. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient, and recovery is usually shorter than a full abdominoplasty. However, most patients require a full tummy tuck, sometimes with the addition of liposuction.
For a full tummy tuck, I make a long incision between the pelvic bones (hidden beneath a bathing suit) and another incision to help reposition the belly button. A mini tummy tuck uses a smaller incision and does not require repositioning of the belly button.
To create a firmer abdomen and slimmer profile, during a full abdominoplasty I tighten the abdominal muscles before removing extra skin and fat tissue. The navel is repositioned to look completely natural. Partial abdominoplasty does not require repositioning of the belly button, focusing on removing excess skin and fat and tightening of the muscles below the navel. After completing the tummy tuck, I close the incisions and apply the surgical dressings to promote healing. Surgical drains are left in place to eliminate excess fluid for the first few days after surgery.
The precise procedure, including the extent of tissue removal and incision placement, is ultimately based on many factors and will be discussed in detail and decided upon at your consultation. Tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.
Recovery & Results
Most people who have tummy tuck surgery experience discomfort and swelling for a few days. I place a very small catheter into the muscles of the abdomen which delivers a continuous flow of an anesthetic agent (numbing medication) which allows patients to be mobile shortly after surgery. Early ambulation or walking is an important part of preventing blood clots following abdominoplasty. Once the small pain pump is removed, discomfort can be controlled with oral medications. I also use a special suture that evenly distributes tension throughout the incision that often results in very fine, inconspicuous scars. You will wear a support garment to protect the area and help with healing. Most people are ready to return to work in just 2 to 4 weeks after their tummy tuck procedure.
