Tummy Tuck in Weston, FL
Individuals who have undergone considerable weight loss and those who have experienced one or more pregnancies often struggle with sagging skin, stubborn residual belly fat, and loose abdominal muscles. Diet and exercise are often unable to improve these problems, and for those who want a smoother, slimmer, and more toned appearance, tummy tuck surgery is their best option. This customizable plastic surgery procedure addresses these issues by recontouring the belly and waist.
Dr. Messa offers tummy tuck surgery for his patients in Weston, Florida, and the surrounding areas to help patients feel confident in their bodies.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also called abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. It can be difficult to get rid of stubborn fat deposits in the stomach on your own, and no amount of exercise can eliminate sagging skin, which is why a tummy tuck can be a helpful solution for many patients struggling with these issues. Additionally, many people who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy may have weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which can create the appearance of a belly bulge. Tummy tuck surgery can tighten the abdominal muscles to eliminate a protruding belly, leaving you with a smoother stomach.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Men and women who undergo abdominoplasty can enjoy the following benefits:
- Removal of stubborn fat in the belly and flanks
- Elimination of excess loose skin
- Significant reduction of stretch marks on the stomach
- Tighter abdominal muscles
- Repaired defects in the abdominal wall
- A smoother, firmer, and slimmer midsection
Am I a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Weston, FL?
Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery are women and men who often have lost significant weight or experienced changes to their bodies due to pregnancy. These patients:
- Are troubled by loose, hanging skin and exercise-resistant fat in the lower abdomen
- Are in overall good health
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products
- Have realistic expectations for your results
- Are willing to follow instructions before and after their surgery to avoid complications
Schedule your consultation to find out if you’re a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck Consultation Like?
Your tummy tuck experience begins at your in-depth consultation with Dr. Messa. He will listen carefully to all your concerns and ask you about your desired results. After reviewing your medical history and examining your midsection, he will explain your abdominoplasty options, how the procedure works, and what to expect before and after surgery.
Seeing is believing, so Dr. Messa will also invite you to look at his other patients’ tummy tuck before and after photos. If you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck and decide to schedule your procedure, our financial coordinator will explain your costs and financing options.
Instructions are provided to explain the pre-surgical process, including preoperative testing and any supplements or medications to avoid (aspirin, NSAIDs, and other medications that may promote bleeding), as well as any lifestyle habits that may need to be modified. If you are a smoker, you’ll need to quit or be willing to stop for a certain period of time before and after your tummy tuck procedure.
You will have to arrange for a friend or family member to bring you to our facility for your surgery, drive you home, and stay with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure. Picking up any prescribed medicines before your surgery date is advised so you can focus only on comfortable rest when you arrive home after surgery.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Your tummy tuck cost in Weston, FL, will depend on several factors, including which abdominoplasty technique you choose, the experience and skill of your surgeon, preoperative testing costs, fees for the surgical facility and anesthesiologist, and post-operative care (compression garments, dressings, medications, etc.).
Be sure to consult a respected, skilled, and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon when considering a tummy tuck. Looking for discounts or choosing a surgeon based on cost alone can cause you to be unhappy with your results.
Dr. Messa is a double board-certified plastic surgeon providing tummy tucks in Weston, Florida. He is dedicated to your safety and delivers excellent tummy tuck results. You will receive the highest level of care at Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center starting with your consultation, after which you will receive an inclusive tummy tuck cost quote.
What Is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Like?
Tummy tucks are typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. However, it may be possible for a lighter anesthetic to be used during a mini tummy tuck.
You will be closely monitored by Dr. Messa and the anesthesiologist to ensure your safety.
Dr. Messa may use liposuction before and during your surgery. He will make the appropriate incision to remove unwanted fat and tighten your abdominal muscles. Excess skin is trimmed away, and then your incision is closed.
A compression garment will be fitted over your abdomen to minimize swelling, and you will be brought into our comfortable recovery room, where Dr. Messa will check in on you. After you wake up, our team will provide aftercare instructions.
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options in Weston, FL?
Full Tummy Tuck
Often viewed as the traditional or standard tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck requires an incision just above the pubic area (bikini line) extending from hip bone to hip bone. Excess skin and fat are removed, often with the assistance of liposuction, and separated abdominal muscles are repaired. The full tummy tuck is often a good choice for patients with moderate sagging and stubborn fat.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck can address loose skin and pockets of fat localized under the navel and can be performed using a shorter incision. This technique cannot provide the same results as a full tummy tuck—and is not appropriate for every patient—but is ideal for qualifying men and women with a lesser degree of skin laxity.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is usually best for patients who desire extensive abdominal correction. A longer incision is used for this procedure, extending around the hips to better address the flanks. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss and have a large amount of excess sagging skin can often benefit the most from this technique.
Mommy Makeover
Many women choose to combine their tummy tuck with cosmetic breast surgery for a Mommy Makeover. This combination plastic surgery procedure can often include tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, breast implants, a breast lift, or a breast reduction. Adding a tummy tuck to a Mommy Makeover procedure is a common option for women who have undergone pregnancy.
Daddy Do-Over
Men who are looking to improve their abdominal contours and also address other body areas with surgery may want to have a Daddy Do-Over procedure. This is a customizable procedure that can include a tummy tuck and other procedures, such as a male breast reduction for men with excess breast tissue.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Once your driver brings you home, someone should stay with you for one or two days to help you get comfortable. Having someone help you during this first stage of recovery is essential, as they can ensure you have plenty of water as well as nutritious but easy-to-digest food to eat when you become hungry.
Expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first three days that will soon start to dissipate. Use your prescribed pain medication as instructed and a cold compress to ease your temporary pain.
Most patients can return to non-physically demanding jobs by the end of the second week after the procedure. Take short walks several times daily, but do not resume strenuous activity and rigorous exercise for six weeks or until Dr. Messa clears you.
For a more in-depth guide to tummy tuck recovery, read our blog here.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
You will see changes to your midsection shortly after your surgery as swelling and bruising subside. However, your final results may not be evident for about six months after a full tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck surgery provides long-lasting results in the absence of significant weight gain or subsequent pregnancies. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and nutritious diets.
Learn more about maintaining tummy tuck results in our blog.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
Why should I choose a tummy tuck?
Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and even aging can negatively impact the appearance of your abdomen and cause irritation. Tummy tuck surgery can help you achieve a more youthful and flattering silhouette.
Learn about more benefits of tummy tuck surgery.
How much weight does a tummy tuck remove?
While tummy tuck surgery can involve removing stubborn stomach fat, it is not meant to be a weight loss surgery. It is likely that you may lose some weight after the fat is removed, but you should not expect dramatic weight loss results with a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck surgery should be thought of as a body contouring surgery, not a weight loss procedure.
How can I get the best results from tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery, so being at or near your ideal weight and maintaining it for at least three months prior to surgery can help ensure long-lasting results. Additionally, following Dr. Messa’s post-operative instructions can ensure a smooth recovery and help you maintain your results.
Is liposuction or a tummy tuck best for me?
Liposuction alone may be appropriate if you are displeased by localized fat pockets anywhere on your body and loose skin is not a major concern for you.
While liposuction is unmatched in its ability to remove excess fat, it cannot tighten or remove excess skin. If you have loose skin around your belly and waist, liposuction may actually cause additional laxity if performed alone.
A tummy tuck is your best solution if you have loose abdominal skin and muscles. Tummy tuck surgery can also be combined with liposuction for optimal results.
Is tummy tuck surgery painful?
Dr. Messa performs tummy tuck surgery under general anesthesia, so patients undergoing this procedure will feel no pain. After surgery, some tenderness and discomfort are to be expected.
Following Dr. Messa’s post-operative instructions and taking prescribed medication as directed will decrease discomfort, and compression garments also help reduce swelling and pain.
Are there any risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, tummy tucks come with some risks of complications. These complications include reactions to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, blood clots, fluid accumulation, and poor wound healing. These risks are rare and are typically correctable.
Following Dr. Messa’s post-operative instructions will help ensure the safest, quickest recovery and best results. Contact our office immediately if you experience side effects or if they get worse.
Will I have scars after my tummy tuck?
All surgical procedures leave some type of scar. A full tummy tuck scar will run across the lower abdomen and can be hidden by a bathing suit and other clothing. There will also be a small (often undetectable) scar around the navel.
A mini tummy tuck produces a much shorter scar. Your scar will fade over time, and most tummy tuck patients agree that it is a tiny sacrifice when considering the benefits of this procedure.
Does insurance cover tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, Weston Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options for patients to make the cost of your tummy tuck manageable.
Want to Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Weston, FL?
If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Weston, Florida, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Messa to learn if you’re a candidate. To learn more information about tummy tuck surgery, call Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center at (954) 659-7760 or (877) 250-8117 or fill out our online contact form.
Real Patient Testimonials
I had Breast Reduction 2 months ago with Dr.Messa and had an amazing experience, I am so happy with the results and my size . Dr. Messa is a great surgeon, and the staff was always helpful and kind. He ensured I had a smooth surgery, and recovery. I am so glad I chose Dr.Messa and would highly recommend him to everyone. Dr.Messa is the Best!
KarolDr. Messa is so personable and calming, I instantly felt comfortable with him and he listened to my concerns and performed exactly what I wanted for my breast augmentation. The nursing staff was also amazing and very supportive. So thankful I did my research and found the best cosmetic surgeon to do the job.
LorenI had an exceptional experience with Dr. Charles Messa for my breast lift and augmentation surgery. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, Dr. Charles Messa exhibited a high level of professionalism and expertise. They patiently addressed all my concerns and provided clear explanations throughout the process.
RebeccaDr. Messa and his team are amazing! I couldn’t be happier with my recent breast augmentation. It will be 3 weeks Friday, and they already look so natural. I can’t imagine how much more perfect they could possibly look in a few months!!! The office is beautiful, everything was done there. He and his team make you feel very comfortable, they’re informative throughout the whole process!! If only there was a 10 star button on here. HE IS WORTH THE WAIT!
KelciI had a wonderful professional experience with Dr Messa & associates. Last year I had a hardcore abdominoplasty surgery and because everything was more than my expectations I had another surgery to fix a health issue. As always very pleased and thrilled with the results. His stitching technique is so impressive and his calming manner educating you on your progress.
PaulaDr. Messa and his entire staff is AMAZING! I had a Mommy makeover two weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier! The results are unbelievable and the experience was exceptional. Dr. Messa’s bedside manner is better than any doctor I have ever been to. I highly recommend this practice. He has changed my life and for that I am forever grateful!
LauraI had my breast implants exchanged with Dr.Messa and had an amazing experience. Dr. Messa is a great surgeon, and the staff was always helpful and kind. He ensured I had a smooth prep, surgery, and recovery. I am so glad I chose Dr.Messa and would highly recommend him to everyone.
Diana