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Tummy tuck surgery
Tummy Tuck in West Palm Beach & Wellington, FL
Dr. Steven Rueda is one of the most sought after tummy tuck surgeons in West Palm Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, Delray Beach and Boyton Beach. His attention to detail and methodical technique create beautiful and natural results. Abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, contours the patient’s abdomen by removing excess loose skin and fat to achieve an ideal shape. The removal of skin is commonly called a “tuck”, hence the name tummy tuck. Although non-surgical methods of skin tightening in the abdomen exist, tummy tuck remains the gold standard.
There are known advantages to tummy tuck surgery: Removal of excess abdominal skin, Contouring of abdominal shape, Tightening of abdominal skin, Narrowing of the waist line
What can tummy tuck correct
Excess and loose abdominal skin
The primary goal of tummy tuck surgery is to remove the excess skin in the abdomen. Skin tucking not only removes the excess skin but tightens the remaining tissue.
Excess abdominal fat
Fatty tissue in the abdomen can be removed with tummy tuck surgery if located in the area of skin removal. Sometimes it is combined with liposuction surgery to contour excess fat in the other areas of the abdomen, waist, or flanks.
Wide waist
Excess skin and fat can blunt body contours and create a wide waist appearance. Dr. Rueda specializes techniques that narrow the waist internally with sutures.
Excess abdominal fat
Fatty tissue in the abdomen can be removed with tummy tuck surgery if located in the area of skin removal. Sometimes it is combined with liposuction surgery to contour excess fat in the other areas of the abdomen, waist, or flanks.
Wide waist
Excess skin and fat can blunt body contours and create a wide waist appearance. Dr. Rueda specializes techniques that narrow the waist internally with sutures.
Abdominoplasty procedure
Dr. Rueda offers three types of tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty): mini tummy tuck, traditional tummy tuck, and high lateral tummy tuck. All of these procedures can be safely combined with liposuction to optimize the shape of the abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Incisions
The incisions are made and hidden in the lower abdomen just below the bikini lineIdeal Candidate
Ideal candidates for this procedure have mild to moderate abdominal excess skin and fat limited to the area below the belly buttonAreas Corrected
This procedure corrects excess skin and fat below the belly buttonTraditional Tummy Tuck
Incisions
The incisions are made and hidden in the lower abdomen just below the bikini line, but wider than for a mini tummy tuck
Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates for this procedure have moderate to severe abdominal excess skin and fat above and below the belly button
Areas Corrected
This procedure corrects excess skin and fat above and below the belly button
High Lateral Tummy Tuck
Incisions
The incisions are made and hidden so that the final incision appears below the bikini line, as wide as a traditional tummy tuckIdeal Candidate
Ideal candidates for this procedure have moderate to severe abdominal excess skin and fat above and below the belly buttonAreas Corrected
This procedure corrects excess skin and fat above and below the belly button. This technique removes skin in a pattern that allows the abdomen to improve its waistline compared to other techniques.RECOVERY AND DOWNTIME
Recovery
This is an ambulatory procedure, where you get to go home the same day. There is swelling and bruising for first 7-10 days; most patients feel tightness in the abdomen. A dressing is applied for 48 hours and then removed. There are drains that usually stay for 3-10 days. An abdominal binder is worn for 4 weeks to help contour the body.
Downtime
Most patients generally return to work in 2 week. Exercise is not allowed until 6-8 weeks after the surgery if the muscles were tightened.
Cost
The cost of a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient depending on the type of technique needed, anesthesia time, and surgical time. At Precision, we make sure we provide you with an accurate personalized price that will cover all costs needed for you to obtain a fantastic result.
A WORD ON BELLY MUSCLE TIGHTENING
In some cases, tummy tuck surgery requires tightening of the muscles of the belly. These muscles are commonly known as the six pack muscles. In some patients, the tissue weakens leading these muscles to separate from each other. This decreases the overall tone of the abdomen and makes it more likely for bulges to occur. This is commonly seen woman after pregnancy, patients who had significant weight loss, but may occur in others as well.
Tummy tuck surgery tightens these muscles when they are separated using sutures. This leads to a tightening and improvement in the contour of the abdomen. If muscle tightening is necessary Dr. Rueda uses a special technique known as TAP Block, where the nerves around these muscles are numbed with medication to provide excellent relief of any pain or discomfort.
Why choose precision plastic surgery for your tummy tuck surgery
Dr. Rueda, a Cleveland Clinic trained surgeon who has 7 years and 2,000 procedures of experience in Plastic Surgery will be your safe and best choice for tummy tuck surgery. Successful results in this procedure require a surgeon that is experienced, artistic, and detailed oriented. Dr. Rueda has published articles on tummy tucks in expert peer reviewed journals, and his work has been presented in several national plastic surgery conferences. Dr. Rueda’s passion for patient education and custom centered approach will guarantee you feel comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Rueda also believes in treating his patients as if he was treating his own family; you can trust you will enter a trusting long-term relationship and have the best tummy tuck Palm Beach can offer. We serve patients from the following cities: Wellington, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boyton Beach, and Delray Beach.
Reduce your Pain
Reduce your Pain
Dr. Rueda uses a “TAP Block” with injectable long acting medication that reduces the postoperative discomfort patients may feel after surgery. In some patients Dr. Rueda has noticed up to 80% reduction in discomfort after tummy tuck surgery.
Minimize your Incisions
Minimize your Incisions
Tummy tuck surgery requires incisions to remove the excess abdominal skin. Dr. Rueda specializes in techniques that minimize the length of the incisions to achieve the desired results.
Expertise
Expertise
Dr. Rueda has published on abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in the most prestigious international plastic surgery journals. You will have expert hands taking care of your body during this procedure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Those patients with excess abdominal skin and fatty tissue are ideal candidates for this procedure. The location and amount of excess skin will determine if Dr. Rueda will advise a Mini, Full, or High lateral tummy tuck.
How long does the surgery take?
Tummy tuck surgery may take 1-3 hours depending on the amount of areas undergoing treatment.
Where is the surgery done?
Your tummy tuck surgery will be performed in Precision Plastic Surgery Palm Beach by Dr. Steven Rueda in our office operating room. In very selected cases, the surgery may be performed at a local hospital or ambulatory surgery center in Palm Beach.
Can I have other plastic surgery at the same time as tummy tuck surgery?
Yes! Tummy tuck surgery is frequently combined with other procedure like breast augmentation or liposuction. This can be done safely.