Ten Frequently Asked Questions About A Tummy Tuck
CAN A TUMMY TUCK HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?
While a Tummy Tuck can help jump start you into a new exercise routine and eating healthy, it is not a weight loss surgery. The ideal candidate will be within 10 pounds of their ideal weight prior to the procedure. A tummy tuck is performed to reduce the sagging skin and stretch marks after weight loss or pregnancy.
DOES IT HURT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK ?
There may be moderate pain but typically not severe. Pain is usually well-controlled with oral medication. Dr. Michael Devlin utilizes a pain pump that is inserted during the surgery. This pump infuses numbing medication to your abdomen for three days post-operatively. This allows patients to get up and walk the day of surgery. Most patients return to work and resume daily activities within one week.
HOW LONG DOES TUMMY TUCK SURGERY TAKE?
It varies from patient to patient depending on what your exact needs are, but it typically takes between two - four hours. This is an out-patient procedure so you will go home the same day.
WHAT IF I GET PREGNANT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK? IS IT SAFE?
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck isn’t dangerous, but it could possibly to undo the aesthetic changes made. The results of a tummy tuck can also be affected by a large weight gain.
ARE THE RESULTS OF A TUMMY TUCK PERMANENT?
As long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise to keep weight consistent, results are long-lasting. You will notice a dramatic improvement in the contours of the stomach immediately after the surgery. The majority of swelling usually subsides within 4-6 weeks.
DOES HAVING A TUMMY TUCK LEAVE SCARS?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. The trade-off for a flatter stomach will leave a scar, but it is strategically hidden in clothes and most patients are able to wear a two piece bathing suit. However, one of the primary reasons patients travel long distances to see Dr. Devlin is the surgical techniques he utilizes that provide minimal scarring. Dr. Michael Devlin also utilizes micro-needling to the incision area once it has healed and this dramatically decreases the appearance of the scars.
DO MANY MEN GET A TUMMY TUCK?
Not as many as women, of course, because of the effects of pregnancy. However, any patient, male or female, who has lost weight, or who otherwise has poor skin tone of the abdomen, can benefit.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO EXERCISING?
You won't feel like exercising after immediately after surgery. You can start walking a mile or two in about two weeks and return to exercising a month after surgery. Abdominal exercises will take longer and you can resume this after six weeks.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A TUMMY TUCK IN LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS?
The total cost of a tummy tuck in Little Rock Arkansas ranges from $6,500 to $8,000. The variability in cost is related to the time and complexity of the surgery required in each individual. This is an all inclusive fee, including all follow-up care and micro-needling scar treatments. Dr. Michael Devlin also performs Mini- tummy tuck surgery. which can improve the contour of the lower abdomen below the belly button, would be the least expensive procedure.
IS A TUMMY TUCK COVERED BY INSURANCE?
No, unfortunately tummy tucks and other cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance.
If you are considering a tummy tuck or other cosmetic surgery procedure contact Dr Michael Devlin today for your consultation.
