Tummy Tuck Las Vegas (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a cosmetic surgery that helps flatten and tighten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. The abdominal muscles get tightened down the middle, and this also helps to give the abdomen a flatter, leaner appearance. For those who are good candidates for the operation, this procedure has one of the highest satisfaction rates of all plastic surgeries.

Who Should have an Abdominoplasty?

Have you lost a lot of weight and now struggle with extra skin that just won’t shrink?

Have you had children and are unhappy with your sagging tummy and stretch marks?

Are you unsatisfied with the results you’ve achieved through exercise and a healthy diet even though you’ve lost pounds?

Are you in good general health and at a stable weight for at least 6 months?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you also have excess fat deposits in specific areas of your belly or a “muffin top”, you may be a good candidate for lipoabdominoplasty, where liposuction is done at the same time as the tummy tuck. This helps achieve a nicer contour for those who are appropriated candidates.

Who Should Not have an Abdominoplasty?

Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you are planning to bear children in the near future, a tummy tuck isn’t right for you. During pregnancy, the abdominal wall and its muscles that have been tightened will be forced to expand. This can lead to tearing and increased stretch marks. Once you’ve already had the tummy tuck, there is usually not enough extra skin anymore to deal with your new stretch marks.

If you are in the process of losing a significant amount of weight, then you should wait after you are as close as possible to your weight loss goals, assuming they are realistic goals. Doing a tummy tuck when you are still really overweight, then losing a lot of weight after the surgery can lead to a suboptimal result since you may once again be left with excess skin.

If you are an active smoker, you are a poor candidate for a tummy tuck. Smoking leads to poor wound healing, and this in turn can set you up for more serious complications. You must quit smoking completely and avoid all nicotine products (including patches) for at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.

Full Abdominoplasty versus “mini”

With any tummy tuck procedure you will be trading poor quality over-stretched skin for a scar and improved contour.

During a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made low on the abdomen and runs approximately from one hip to the other. The excess skin and fat are cut, and the muscle is tightened with sutures. The belly button has to be detached and, after rearranging the skin and soft tissue, the belly button is repositioned on the abdominal wall. Drainage tubes are placed under the skin to promote proper healing and are removed within a several days of your operation.

There are various procedures referred to as “mini tummy tuck” or “partial abdominoplasty”. These procedure are done through a smaller incision and they may not need navel relocation. They also generally do not address the upper abdomen. The fact is that very few people are ideal candidates for these procedures and, as a result satisfaction rates are not as high as for full abdominoplasty. Although everyone wants as short of a scar as possible, this is just not feasible most of the time.

Important points about the Recovery Period

You will need to arrange for someone to stay with you and help you for the first week after surgery. For the first few days, you will be walking bent over and you will need help going to the bathroom, showering, taking your medications on time, walking, and emptying your drain tubes.

Why Choose Dr. Orna Fisher?

  • Virtual Telehealth Consultations for Convenience & Privacy
  • Boutique Practice, Private and Personalized
  • Double Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon
  • Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Voted Best Cosmetic Surgeon in the Best of Silver State Awards and Multiple Top Doctor Awards
  • Participates Consistently in Continuing Education to Provide Best Practices
  • Known for Her Surgical Precision and for Her Personalized Approach With Patients
  • Mission is to Provide Her Patients With Top Quality Plastic Surgery and The Latest Cosmetic Procedures