Tummy Tuck in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Interested In Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Both men and women value having a toned, tight, sexy midsection. Genetics, pregnancy, extra weight and other factors can make it more difficult to achieve the flat, contoured tummy that is so desirable in the beach-loving lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Dr. David J. Levens offers tummy tuck surgery to give you a defined, attractive abdomen.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the underlying framework of the abdomen to firm the abdominal wall, removes any excess fat deposits, removes some (and occasionally all) “stretch marks”, and eliminates excess loose skin to produce a flatter, more youthful abdomen. By tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin, a tummy tuck can produce results that simply aren’t possible with diet and exercise. This makes it an effective body contouring procedure for patients who want to address the effects of pregnancy, significant weight loss or localized fat deposits and loose skin.
Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
It’s important to consider that you might not need a full tummy tuck to achieve a toned midsection. A full tummy tuck involves the entire abdominal region, which is ideal for patients struggling with excess skin and fat in the upper and lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck, also called a partial abdominoplasty, is a less-invasive procedure that removes excess fat and reshapes the lower abdomen (below the belly button). The mini tummy tuck may be ideal for patients requiring less extensive improvements to the abdomen, as it comes with less scarring and less recovery time.
How is a Tummy Tuck Done?
A tummy tuck involves multiple surgical techniques to remove excess skin and fat while also tightening the abdominal muscles. Tummy tuck surgery involves an incision across the front of the body below the waistline, as well as an incision in or around the belly button. These incisions give Dr. Levens access to the underlying anatomy to trim and tighten as needed. In addition to the excision techniques involved, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat.
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Most of our patients pursue abdominoplasty to remove bulges of fat above and below their belly buttons, but the surgery also may help restore the underlying muscles. Additional benefits of abdominoplasty include:
- Elimination of stretch marks
- Flatter, tighter abdomen
- Enhanced abdominal muscle definition
- Removal of loose, excess skin
- Removal of stubborn fat
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
Gender: Female Age: 44 Height: 5′ 1″ Weight: 138 lbs Months Post-Op: 3
Body Contouring Procedure: Tummy Tuck
Type of Liposuction used: Tumescent Technique Liposuction
Liposuction Treated Areas: Back, Flanks, Abdomen
Are You A Candidate For a Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are healthy men and women who are not excessively overweight, but have significantly protruding abdomens. Additionally, you might be a good candidate if you’ve experienced pregnancy, childbirth or significant weight loss and are experiencing the following concerns:
- Stretch marks
- Sagging skin
- Excess skin
- Stubborn fat
The best way to determine your candidacy for a tummy tuck is to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Levens. During your consultation, you can discuss your cosmetic goals as Dr. Levens helps you identify whether abdominoplasty is an appropriate solution. If it is, he’ll develop a personalized treatment plan and explain what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
How Much is a Tummy Tuck?
The cost of a tummy tuck starts at $10,000. However, prices may vary due to specials and/or the facility used. An individual treatment plan will be developed during your consultation with Dr. Levens. After the appointment, we will provide you with a total cost and explain your payment options, including cash, personal check, Visa®, MasterCard® and American Express®. If you are interested in financing your tummy tuck surgery, our patient coordinators will explain how to apply for CareCredit®, Alphaeon Credit, or Prosper® Healthcare Lending.
Why Choose Dr. David J. Levens?
Dr. David J. Levens, FACS, is an exceptional plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Coral Springs since 1989. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a highly respected and experienced professional in the field. Dr. Levens is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and he is a member of prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
When it comes to tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Levens is known for his surgical skill and expertise. He offers a comprehensive range of sophisticated plastic surgery procedures and treatments for the face and body. However, what sets him apart is his patient-centric approach. Dr. Levens takes the time to understand each patient's unique situation and helps them choose the most suitable procedure or treatment to achieve their desired outcome. His expertise, combined with his compassionate and meticulous approach, make him an excellent choice for those looking to undergo abdominoplasty. Learn more about Dr. Levens or read his reviews.
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To Schedule Your Consultation!
What Happens During Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Incisions for abdominoplasty are placed low on your abdomen to allow them to be concealed with most clothing, including undergarments and swimsuits. The length of the incision depends on the degree of looseness in your skin and how much will need to be removed. The skin and fat are first lifted off the underlying musculature of the abdomen. If the tissue that interconnects the muscles is stretched, Dr. Levens will tighten it by placing multiple rows of sutures. The skin and fat are then pulled downward, and the excess is removed. Due to the amount of skin that must be removed, it is usually necessary to make an incision around the belly button. Finally, all of your incisions will be carefully closed with sutures placed beneath the skin.
What are the Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
There are a few important risks to consider before pursuing abdominoplasty.
Body Type/Weight Considerations
If you are significantly overweight, you’ll get a much better correction if you achieve an ideal body weight before your abdominoplasty. There is a limit to the amount of fat and skin that can be safely removed during the procedure. Depending on your cosmetic goals, it may be better to pursue additional weight loss before receiving a tummy tuck. Additionally, how much your abdomen can be reshaped depends on several factors, including the condition of your tissues prior to surgery.
Surgical Risks
In a small percentage of cases, risks common to all surgical procedures can occur, such as bleeding, infection, and scar tissue formation. Bleeding or infection may occur in 1% to 3% of cases. Dr. Levens will give you detailed information about these and other rare risks during his discussion with you and in written information about abdominoplasty.
How Painful is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Most patients have moderate discomfort the first 48 to 72 hours, decreasing rapidly thereafter. The degree of discomfort depends largely on the extent of surgery required to reshape your abdomen and your personal pain tolerance. Dr. Levens will prescribe medication to keep you as comfortable as possible. Your abdomen will feel tighter as the result of the procedure. The feeling of tightness will decrease over several weeks as swelling fades and the tissues become accustomed to their new position.
How Long is Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Abdominoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. It is important that you be up and moving early after surgery to help prevent blood clot formation, a rare but potentially serious complication of abdominoplasty. The typical schedule of recovery is:
- Showering/bathing permitted in 3 to 5 days
- Drain tubes removed after 7 days
- Elastic garment worn for 2+ weeks
- Bruising and swelling for 7 to 21 days
- Return to work and social activity within 10 to 14 days
- Partake in strenuous activities within 6 to 8 weeks
Dr. Levens will encourage you to return to normal activity as soon as you can, but it’s essential to follow our post-operative guidelines to ensure the healing process progresses as expected.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How to Sleep After a Tummy Tuck?
After tummy tuck surgery, you will need to sleep on your back to promote healing and prevent any stress to the abdomen. It’s recommended to sleep in a slightly elevated position. You can achieve this by sleeping in a recliner or by using pillows to prop yourself up and support the upper body. These positions will support the healing process in the abdomen and ensure a quick and smooth recovery. After 4 to 6 weeks, patients can resume sleeping on their side with Dr. Levens’ approval. Stomach sleeping may be resumed a few weeks later.
How Long After a Tummy Tuck Can You Have Sex?
The timeline for resuming sexual activities after a tummy tuck will vary by patient, but as a general guideline, it’s recommended to wait 4-6 weeks before having sex. This ensures that the body is healed enough to prevent any complications that may come from the physical strain of sexual activities. Dr. Levens can provide further guidance during your follow-up appointments based on your recovery progress.
What Happens When You Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
Pregnancy can reverse many of the benefits of a tummy tuck, causing new stretch marks, stretching the skin and loosening the abdominal muscles. For this reason, it’s recommended that patients postpone tummy tuck surgery until they are finished having children. While it is possible to correct these changes with additional tummy tuck surgery, most patients agree that it makes sense to have one tummy tuck surgery once pregnancies are no longer in their future.
Is a Tummy Tuck Permanent?
Most of the results from a tummy tuck are permanent, as the excess skin removed from the body will not grow back. However, a tummy tuck cannot prevent future changes from occurring in the abdominal region due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy or aging. Still, the improvements made during a tummy tuck can will provide long-lasting benefits and a more youthful abdominal appearance. To maintain the results of a tummy tuck for as long as possible, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to help prevent significant weight fluctuations.
Dr. Levens has been providing tummy tucks for patients in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Broward County since 1989. To learn more about the abdominoplasty procedure or to schedule your complimentary consultation, contact us today.
