Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck in Dallas, Texas

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from your midsection to produce a slim and sculpted appearance. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Rai can also utilize this body contouring procedure to tighten abdominal muscles, further define the hips and waist, and achieve a firm and toned midsection.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdominal area, please contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center online or by calling 972-566-6500 to schedule your consultation today. Based in Dallas, Dr. Rai serves all surrounding Texas communities.

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck is EXACTLY what the name implies. It tucks up the tummy. However, tuck is just one dimension of an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty lives for a higher purpose. It aims to beautify the tummy beyond just providing a tuck. An abdominoplasty looks at the bigger picture. It not only tucks the tummy, but it also aims to make it flatter, curvaceous, and overall better than just a tuck.

A tummy tuck is often an integral part of abdominoplasty in women who seek it after having babies, as part of a mommy makeover, or after significant weight loss.

However, abdominoplasty can be done without tucking in other situations, for example:

Patients who want to get rid of unwanted scars in the lower abdomen. Such scarring may result from burn injury or other surgical operations, where such scars have been left behind on the abdomen.

We encounter later situations in patients who have had exploratory cancer surgeries. Such surgeries often require incisions that are made up and down. These leave behind corresponding abdominal scars.

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  • A mini abdominoplasty targets a smaller area of the abdomen and, therefore, involves a much smaller incision. Mini tummy tucks address issues only in your lower abdominal region. Dr. Rai will tighten lower abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and tissue from the area below your navel.

  • A tummy tuck to remove abdominal scarring is a unique version of the abdominoplasty procedure. At the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, tummy tuck scar treatments are performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rai.

     

Abdominal Scar Removal vs. the Standard Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck for abdominal scarring and a full tummy tuck share similarities in their surgical approach but differ in focus and goals. A standard tummy tuck primarily addresses excess abdominal skin, fat, and muscle laxity, creating a firmer, flatter abdomen. This procedure is often sought after significant weight loss or pregnancy to restore a more toned appearance.

Conversely, a tummy tuck for scar removal is tailored to patients with unsightly or restrictive abdominal scars, such as those from previous surgeries or injuries. While achieving a smoother abdominal contour often remains a goal, this version places greater emphasis on excising or improving scar tissue.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

At the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, how to choose between a tummy tuck vs. liposuction to address changes in the abdominal area following pregnancy or a significant weight loss, is a question frequently asked by patients during their consultation. To answer this question with personalized recommendations, our board-certified plastic surgeons begin by evaluating each patient’s individual concerns and goals for results. While liposuction can be the right solution for removing isolated deposits of stubborn fat, it is, however, not an effective substitute for a tummy tuck for patients who are also looking to address excess skin, stretch marks, and weakened abdominal muscles.

In some cases, the most comprehensive results are achieved with a dual approach that combines targeted liposuction with a tummy tuck. Contact us at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas today to request a consultation and receive personalized recommendations on how to achieve your body contouring goals, in the meantime, explore the following sections to learn more information on the factors to consider when choosing between a tummy vs. liposuction.

Who Is A Good Candidate For a Tummy Tuck?

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck?

Ideal candidates for this procedure should be in generally good health and close to their ideal weight. As with all body contouring procedures, this is not intended as a weight loss method, but rather as a way to tone and tighten your body after weight has been lost.

In addition to being in generally good health, ideal candidates for a tummy tuck should be:

  • Nonsmokers or prepared to give up smoking for good
  • Prepared for a surgical procedure and recovery period
  • Aware of all potential risks and complications
  • Willing to follow all of Dr. Rai’s pre-and postoperative advice closely

An abdominoplasty is a more invasive procedure than liposuction, as it involves the excision of excess skin and the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. However, when you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, it can yield long-term results that significantly enhance your appearance, physical abilities, and overall well-being.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Most beneficiaries are those who have gone through pregnancies. As a result of carrying babies, the abdominal wall has stretched, the skin has also stretched, and there are perhaps stretch marks. A similar situation exists in patients who have lost weight.

A subset of patients needs an abdominoplasty because of scars on the abdomen from surgeries or healed burns.

What’s the First Step?

Your Tummy Tuck Journey with Surjit Rai, MD

The journey starts with a consultation with a qualified, experienced, upfront plastic surgeon. After consultation, the surgical date will be confirmed. Often, a preoperative visit with the surgeon is scheduled. During this visit, the procedure is discussed again, all questions are answered, photos are taken, and consent for surgery is signed. Needed prescriptions are given.

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What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Most often, it is an outpatient surgery. However, sometimes abdominoplasty is done in conjunction with other surgeries, such as hysterectomy or exploratory abdominal surgeries. In those situations, a hospital stay may be required.

A low abdominal incision is made in the lowest possible location that will allow the site of the belly button to reach down to it. The entire abdominal flap, consisting of skin and fat, is then rolled up all the way to the ribcage.

This requires detachment of the belly button from the skin layer.

Abdominal fascia (not the muscles) is tightened to tighten and flatten the tummy.

The skin and fat flap is rolled down over the muscle layer. Excess in it is trimmed. The goal is to remove all the tissue starting above the belly button to the incision down below.

The sides of the abdomen are liposuctioned to give a more defined waistline.

The abdominal flap is secured to the muscle layer with multiple stitches to eliminate empty space and stabilize the abdominal flap.

If space is adequately collapsed, no drains are used. If space still exists, it is prudent to use drains to avoid complications from fluid buildup. Thus, although a drainless tummy tuck is often hyped, it is not wise to forgo the use of drains when they are needed.

The abdominal incision is repaired, the belly button is secured in its proper place, an abdominal binder is applied, and the operation is concluded.

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Tummy Tuck Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Tummy Tuck Care

Patients are encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery. They can sit in a chair or rest in bed. Showers are allowed from the second day onwards.

Stitches are removed in 7-10 days. Driving is permitted after 10 to 14 days. Light duties can be resumed in 2 weeks.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Dallas, TX?

Dr. Rai will discuss the exact cost of your abdominoplasty procedure after a confidential consultation. Dr. Rai offers payment and financing plans to keep tummy tuck costs affordable.

To determine which tummy tuck procedure is best suited to achieve the body contours you desire, contact us at 972-566-6500 today to schedule a consultation with Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Rai.

Why Choose Us?

At The Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, you’ll be cared for by Dr. Rai, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience refining body contouring techniques. Every tummy tuck is tailored to your individual needs, whether that means tightening weakened abdominal muscles, smoothing away excess skin, or restoring confidence after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Beyond skill and credentials, our practice prioritizes safety, comfort, and results that look natural. From your initial consultation through recovery, you’ll receive attentive guidance and a personalized treatment plan tailored to help you look and feel your best.

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5.0 ★★★★★ 327 Reviews

Patient Reviews

  • A close up shot of a woman with brown hair in a white blouse and jeans sits in Dr. Rai's seating and waiting area reading over possible options in a folder. - Patient Resources in Dallas, TX

    He is the most caring doctor

    He is the most caring doctor , he is very precise , listens , explains every detail and has addressed every concern I had. Although I was scared to have the surgery it was very quick and I absolutely love the way that I look. The recovery was not at all what I thought it would be. Dr Rai is extremely good at what he does and has been amazing through out the whole entire process. Thank you so much for everything I honestly feel so much better !!

  • MRKTMade_Rai-40-circle-1-473

    Dr. Rai is the best in Dallas

    This is my second-time coming to Dr. Rai for my nose and breast and I never leave disappointed. He is so kind and truly an artist at his craft. His staff is so kind and always so helpful. I had multiple consultations with different doctors and let me tell you Dr. Rai is the best in Dallas. Look no further Dr. Rai has the experience and his kindness are like no other.

  • MRKTMade_Rai-40-circle-473

    I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Dr. Rai and his team.

    From the very first consultation, he listened with compassion, answered all of my questions, and made me feel completely supported in my decision to explant.

    The surgery itself went smoothly, and the results exceeded my expectations. What truly stood out, though, was the phenomenal aftercare. Dr. Rai and his staff checked in consistently, responded quickly whenever I had concerns, and made sure I felt cared for every step of the way.

  • MRKTMade_Rai-40-473

    I’m forever grateful for Dr. Rai and his team.

    They are so thorough, nice, calming, reassuring, supportive…. I could go on and on. I would recommend Dr. Rai over and over! You simply cannot go Wrong with making him your choice. My favorite thing about the whole process was after surgery HE personally calls and emails you until you are released from his care. HE personally talks to you on the phone and shows that he gives a crap about his patient. It’s not just a paycheck to Dr. Rai, he truly cares and actually shows it. You don’t have many drs SHOWING their genuine care outside of your surgery day. He’s there for his patients and I’m grateful for it bc he calmed so much anxiety!!! Plus, his work is WONDERFUL! 100/10 recommend!
  • MRKTMade_473

    I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Surjit Rai and his staff!

     They were exceptional, from the time I made my appointment to my consultation, my surgery and post op care. The front desk staff made the scheduling easy, the pre and post op nurse was kind and put my nerves at ease. Dr. Rai is a skilled surgeon with a wonderful bedside manner, he explained the surgery and outcome very clearly and provided personal post op support. I am a nurse in the medical field and I would highly recommend him as a surgeon.

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Schedule Your Consultation

Expert guidance, tailored to your needs.

If you are considering a Tummy Tuck in Texas, please contact our experienced, board-certified Dallas plastic surgeon to schedule an initial consultation for your tummy tuck today. Dr. Rai offers arm lift surgery and other body contouring options to men and women living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.