Tummy Tuck
The Tummy tuck procedure, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that can restore the shape and appearance of the stomach to a smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking appearance. Body contouring specialists Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn utilize advanced state-of-the-art surgical techniques to deliver unparalleled results.
- Abdominoplasty in Las Vegas
- The Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
- Planning Your Tummy Tuck Procedure*
- Abdominoplasty Procedures
- Am I A Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Tummy Tuck Results
- Contact us for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Las Vegas
- FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty in Las Vegas
Abdominoplasty offers a number of different benefits for women, and it can be customized to suit a broad range of needs and goals. Our board-certified plastic surgeons strive to provide discreet, compassionate, and effective treatment based on your expressed concerns.
The Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Weight gain and loss, pregnancy, and the natural process of aging Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can cause the muscles and skin on the abdomen to stretch. Individuals seek tummy tuck surgery for a wide variety of reasons, some of the most common include the desire to:
- Restore a flat lower abdomen following childbirth
- Improve muscle tone in the abdominal area
- Reduce the appearance of unsightly stretch marks
- Minimize the appearance of stretch marks
- Eliminate pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet
- Enhance self-confidence
- Feel comfortable in a wider range of clothing
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Each patient is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to abdominoplasty. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Hankins or Dr. Sohn will take a comprehensive medical history and review your goals for tummy tuck surgery to develop a custom evidence-based treatment plan that may include a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, an extended tummy tuck, or a circumferential tummy tuck.1 With their artistic eye and combined years of experience, they can help you achieve the body of your dreams—just like they’ve done for hundreds of satisfied patients. If you have questions about tummy tuck or want to find out if you’re a candidate, please contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Las Vegas or Henderson office.
Abdominoplasty Procedures
Traditional Tummy Tuck
The full abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed tummy tuck technique. This approach uses an incision that runs horizontally from hip to hip to address skin laxity in the midsection both above and below the belly button. This procedure excises loose sagging skin and tightens underlying abdominal muscles on the abdominal wall to sculpt a flatter and smooth stomach. We typically contour the abdomen with liposuction before repositioning the skin and belly button.2 Sutures are hidden beneath the underwear line.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Also referred to as a mini-abdominoplasty, this procedure is ideal for individuals with a small to moderate amount of excess abdominal skin below the belly button. A smaller incision is used, similar to that used in a C-section, creating less scarring. Recovery is typically faster for patients undergoing a mini tummy tuck.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Those with significant excess skin may require an extended abdominoplasty. In this procedure, we utilize a longer incision, which extends around the upper hips and allows our surgeons to sculpt the midsection and the flanks followed by liposuction around the “love handles” to create a smoother and more defined silhouette. Recovery after an extended tummy tuck can take longer and scars will be more pronounced than with full or mini tummy tuck techniques.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck / Lower Body Lift
The circumferential tummy tuck, or lower body lift, is a procedure indicated for individuals who have undergone dramatic weight loss and want to remove excess skin on the flanks, midsection, buttocks, and thighs. During this procedure, an incision is made spanning the circumference of the abdomen to allow the surgeon to tighten skin both above and below the waistline.
Tummy Tuck Repair
Abdominoplasty is a complex procedure that requires extensive training and experience to perform safely and successfully. If you had a tummy tuck completed by another surgeon and you are dissatisfied with the outcome, our board-certified plastic surgeons can help to improve the results. Some of the most common complaints include remaining skin laxity, tissue bunching at the incision, and an unattractive scar or belly button. We believe you should love your results, and we will make every effort to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Am I A Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The best way to determine if abdominoplasty is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. If you are concerned with stubborn pockets of fat or loose skin in the abdominal region, a tummy tuck may be an ideal solution. Tummy tuck surgery is performed with general anesthesia. Good candidates are individuals in generally good health who have maintained a stable weight for at least one year.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
For most patients, a tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure and most patients can return home after surgery. Tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the incision site can be expected, and we will provide pain medication to minimize your discomfort as much as possible. While recovery time is different for each patient, it in general may involve 2-4 weeks of downtime. We will provide detailed instructions such as avoiding strenuous activity that will help you optimize your healing and a compression garment to improve blood flow to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
Tummy Tuck Results
While some benefits will be noticeable immediately, the final results will be more apparent about three months post-surgery. The incision scar should also continue to improve in appearance over time. Studies report that 99% of tummy tuck patients are satisfied with their results.3
Contact us for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Las Vegas
The experienced plastic surgeons at Hankins & Sohn are highly skilled and committed to providing personalized care that is tailored to each individual patient. Contact us today if you have any questions about tummy tuck surgery or if you would like to schedule a consultation appointment.
FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgery
To assist our patients in making a well-informed decision about their cosmetic options, our plastic surgeons have provided answers to many commonly asked questions about tummy tuck surgery. If you would like additional information, we encourage you to reach out to our skilled medical team.
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What can tummy tuck surgery treat?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to reduce excess skin and tighten muscles in the abdomen. Many patients choose to undergo this treatment after losing a significant amount of weight or after having children. Some people, however, simply have a genetic inclination to develop skin laxity and loose muscles in this area. Additionally, liposuction can be added to remove excess fat on the stomach area.
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What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini?
The primary difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is the area addressed. A full tummy tuck will enhance the appearance of the midsection above and below the belly button. In a mini tummy tuck, only the area below the belly button is treated. The mini tummy tuck procedure is ideal for individuals with minimal excess skin. If the concerns, which include muscle laxity, extend beyond the belly button, a full abdominoplasty is typically recommended.
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What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are two distinct procedures. That said, they can be used together. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat on virtually any area of the body. A tummy tuck tightens and tones the midsection. Liposuction cannot firm the skin or reduce excess skin, nor can it tighten loose muscles. If your only concern is unwanted fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be sufficient. However, if you have loose skin, muscles, and excess fat in the abdomen area, a tummy tuck often will optimize your outcome.
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How long will recovery take?
Most patients can return home the same day as their operation. In general, you should take about one to two weeks off from your routine activities, although this estimate may vary depending on your unique treatment plan. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month, or as long as our surgeons recommend. Swelling may continue for several months to a year, although the majority of the swelling should subside after three to four months. The scar should gradually fade with time as well.
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Are there health risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
There is some risk of side effects or complications involved with any surgical procedure. Risks of abdominoplasty include unfavorable scarring, blood clots, infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, and changes in skin sensation.4 At Hankins & Sohn, we take safety seriously and our experienced surgeons will prioritize your health.
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Will my scars be noticeable?
We understand that you want to be comfortable in all types of clothing. This is why our surgeons take great care to place the incision low enough on the hips so as to be unnoticeable in regular clothing. In many cases, they are able to hide the mark below the visible line of swimsuits and underwear. It’s important to note that while the scar may never completely fade away, it can soften to the point of being inconspicuous, especially with the help of laser skin resurfacing. Our surgeons will discuss your options during your initial consultation.
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Will I be able to still have kids after the procedure?
We encourage women to wait until they’ve finished building their families before considering having tummy tuck surgery. This procedure does not limit your ability to become pregnant or give birth; however, many of the concerns that are treated by a tummy tuck may re-develop as a result of childbirth.5 Of course, should a future pregnancy occur, we can offer treatment options to address any cosmetic concerns you wish to have attended to in the future.
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How much does tummy tuck surgery cost?
Every treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates is tailored to suit your unique needs and goals. As a result, the cost of tummy tuck surgery will vary depending on the details of your plan. We understand that patients often compare quotes from several practices before making a decision. It’s important to ask what’s included in the estimate. The final total for a tummy tuck surgery will include a surgeon’s fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, and hospital or medical facility fee. Many practices provide only the surgeon’s fee. It is our policy to provide detailed cost information to help you make the best decision for your needs, goals, and budget. To further assist you, we offer financing options if you would prefer the option of paying for treatment in a series of installments.
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What other procedures can I combine with a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck is commonly included in mommy makeover procedures, along with Brazilian butt lift, breast augmentation such as breast lift or breast implants, and non-surgical treatments such as Botox and fillers for a more comprehensive cosmetic rejuvenation.
Contact us for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Las Vegas
Want to learn more about how you can achieve a smoother and flatter midsection with tummy tuck in Las Vegas? Please call our office at 702-935-5739 for an appointment.
1 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Evidence-Based Abdominoplasty Review With Body Contouring Algorithm. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30649214/. Accessed October 11, 2021.
2 Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. Lipoabdominoplasty: An exponential advantage for a consistently safe and aesthetic outcome. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3385406/. Accessed October 11, 2021.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve Quality of Life, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-improve-quality-of-life-reports-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery Accessed October 10, 2021.
4 Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed October 8, 2021.
5 HPC Live. How Pregnancy Affects a Tummy Tuck. Available: https://www.hcplive.com/view/how-pregnancy-affects-a-tummy-tuck. Accessed October 9, 2021.
This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.