Tummy Tuck Las Vegas and Henderson, NV
Tummy Tuck is your stomach an area of your body that keeps you from feeling confident, no matter what you wear? If so, you’re not alone. The abdominal region can be unforgiving, especially after weight gain, pregnancy, or age. As a result, stubborn fat accumulates, and the skin loses its youthful elasticity, leaving an uneven, stretched appearance. To help tone and tighten your abdomen, our Henderson office offers tummy tuck surgery, a procedure that removes stubborn belly fat, tightens loose skin, and improves core strength.
Board-certified tummy tuck plastic surgeon Dr. Himansu Shah offers his knowledge, expertise, and guidance to patients who need help accomplishing their desired results despite their best efforts to flatten their midsection. He and his dedicated team will help you find lasting solutions to enhance your appearance and quality of life.
Do you want to learn more about the best tummy tuck in Las Vegas, NV? Call (702) 684-5502 today to schedule your personalized abdominoplasty surgery consultation with Dr. Shah. We have two office locations in Henderson and Las Vegas and proudly extend our cosmetic surgery to patients visiting from surrounding cities in Nevada and beyond.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical approach that removes stretched skin, and repairs weakened or damaged abdominal muscles. Dr. Shah offers different approaches depending on your specific needs and desired results, including the full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, lateral tension tummy tuck, reverse tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty Consultation
Before undergoing surgery, patients will need to have a consultation with Dr. Himansu Shah, a double board-certified plastic surgeon. The consultation visit for abdominoplasty is your opportunity to learn everything you need to know about your proposed procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Shah will go over your options, allow you to ask any questions, and perform a physical exam. A staff member will provide you with the schedule of fees.
What to Expect From the Procedure
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Shah tightens the connective tissue layer covering the muscles, creating a more toned appearance. In addition, he will excise loose, stretched skin distorted from childbirth or weight fluctuations, including stretch marks. Liposuction may be part of your customized tummy tuck procedure, depending on the amount of excess fat accumulated in the region.
A tummy tuck can provide outstanding results as a stand-alone procedure or part of a larger body rejuvenation plan. Many women opt to include a tummy tuck in their mommy makeover.
Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you are interested in getting a tummy tuck, you must be healthy enough to undergo an extensive surgical procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Shah will ask you questions to learn about your expectations. He will also ensure you understand the steps involved in abdominoplasty recovery.
Remember, a tummy tuck is not a suitable substitute for a healthy lifestyle, and you must be at or near your ideal weight before we will consider your candidacy.
A tummy tuck is for anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their stomach when they stand in front of the mirror or wear specific clothing, as long as they meet these conditions.
- In good overall health
- A non-smoker, or someone who has quit in the last six weeks
- BMI of 35 or less
- Not on any current medication that could affect the surgery or recovery
What Benefits Does a Tummy Tuck Offer Patients?
Aside from the obvious advantage of giving you newfound self-confidence, being comfortable and confident in your appearance can lead to better relationships, work prospects, and lifestyle choices.
In addition to boosting your self-esteem, a tummy tuck can also provide several physical health benefits, including:
- Improved posture
- More comfort when exercising, leading to a healthier lifestyle
- Reduced back pain
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Himansu Shah M.D., F.A.C.S.
In Dr. Shah’s capable hands, the options are almost endless. From surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, Brazilian butt lift and Breast Augmentation, Dr. Shah can deliver the results you’ve always desired with a simple trip to the office.
The Different Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
As a tummy tuck specialist, Dr. Shah offers various techniques for this procedure. During your consultation and evaluation, he will help you determine the best approach depending on your situation and desired results. To give you an idea of what each method entails, below are brief descriptions of the various types of tummy tucks.
A traditional tummy tuck is the most comprehensive option, but it is also an invasive surgery. It involves one incision spanning from one hipbone to the other. Another incision is necessary around the belly button area to address sagging and reposition the navel.
A traditional tummy tuck allows Dr. Shah to remove excess skin and repairing abdominal muscles. You may also want to add liposuction to address stubborn fat.
A mini tummy tuck is for patients who don’t have an excess amount of fat or sagging skin above the navel, but still want to address the small pouch in the lower stomach area. Only one incision is necessary, and it usually won’t span across the entire pelvic region like with a full tummy tuck.
A high lateral tension abdominoplasty technique repairs loose abdominal muscles and tightens sagging tissues horizontally and vertically across the abdomen. This technique results in a desirable hourglass figure for women and a more toned, athletic appearance for men.
A reverse abdominoplasty exclusively focuses on the upper abdomen. This technique mirrors the mini tummy tuck, which targets the lower abdominal area. Instead, a reverse tummy tuck removes loose skin from the region above the navel.
The extended tummy tuck technique resembles a traditional abdominoplasty, except the incision extends from the hips to the back. In addition, the incision may wrap around the flanks to better address them and can extend all the way around to allow 360-degree tightening and tissue removal from the upper buttocks.
How Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
Though a tummy tuck is an elective, cosmetic procedure, it is still a major surgery. We suggest taking the following steps to maximize your experience and recovery.
- Stop taking any prescription blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, and some herbal supplements for at least one week beforehand.
- Eat plenty of lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits to fuel your muscles and support your weight loss goals. The best tummy tuck candidates have reached a stable weight and maintained it for at least a year.
- Learn as much as you can about this surgery. We are always available to address any questions or concerns you might have.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine and the hundreds of other toxic chemicals in cigarettes prevent adequate oxygen in the blood from reaching the incision sites to heal correctly. Smoking and vaping can also lead to complications and infections associated with surgery.
- Prepare for at-home recovery. Make sure everything is in order at home by making and freezing easy meals, cleaning your space, getting ahead with work, asking someone you trust to look after young children or pets, and having plenty of shows to binge on or books to read while you rest.
It’s important to follow Dr. Shah’s post-surgery instructions carefully, and these involve preparation prior to your surgery. Doing so will allow your long incision to heal as cleanly as possible.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
All tummy tuck procedure types are considered outpatient procedures and performed under general anesthesia. First, Dr. Shah makes a coordinating incision based on the type of tummy tuck being performed. Then, he will remove the appropriate amount of tissue and skin. Next, Dr. Shah will stitch underlying muscles and the fascia beneath the skin into a new, tighter position with permanent sutures.
As needed, the skin around the navel and the navel itself will be adjusted. Finally, Dr. Shah will close the abdominal incisions. Depending on the type of tummy tuck and the patient’s body the procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.
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Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery is different for everyone, but plan to have someone help you with daily tasks like showering and getting dressed for at least two to three days after your surgery.
You will gradually feel more comfortable moving around and resuming normal activities in the first week. Still, you will need to avoid any strenuous exercise and activities for at least six weeks. Most patients can return to light work after one week. Dr. Shah and our team will regularly monitor your progress to ensure there are no complications and your recovery is going smoothly. Your safety is always our top priority.
When Can I Get Back To My Normal Activities?
As mentioned above, any strenuous exercise or lifting needs to wait for six weeks. But returning to normal stuff such as driving and walking up and down stairs will vary by the patient. Obviously, you cannot drive if you’re still taking your prescription pain medication. But within 10 days or so, you should be good to go with most activities. Pain will be your barometer on what you can and cannot do, and you need to listen to it. It’s key to not place any unnecessary stress on your lower incision.
Schedule Your Las Vegas Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Himansu Shah, MD,FACS has helped countless women who are unhappy with the overall appearance of their mid-section achieve the results and confidence they desire. Dr. Shah and our expert team are committed to providing the best results and experience possible.
To start your tummy tuck journey in Henderson or Las Vegas, NV, please call Signature Plastic Surgery & Dermatology at (702) 684-5502. You can also contact us by completing our online contact form whenever it is most convenient for you.
FAQ
Tummy Tuck FAQs
It is important to note that results are not immediate and become more noticeable over time. It can take up to three months for swelling to completely subside. As your body heals, you will see more and more of your new self. Maintaining your weight with a consistent diet and exercise will yield longer-lasting results.
A patient should choose a board certified plastic surgeon. A patient can have multiple consultations to find the surgeon that he/she is most comfortable with and trusts.
This will depend on your anatomy and amount of fat you have.
Tummy tuck procedure is performed to address loose skin, muscle separation, and shape. Some patients may also benefit from lipoabdominoplasty to address excess fat for better contour. Results would vary with each patient.
In some cases, patients need to remove additional fat before tightening the muscles and skin. Therefore, some patients elect to combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction or Vaser Lipo. Additionally, a tummy tuck is not the ideal choice for everyone. We offer non-surgical options including Endymed 3DEEP treatment, as well as CoolSculpting. They are not intended for the same dramatic results that are possible with abdominoplasty.
A tummy tuck is combined with a breast lift and liposuction in Dr. Shah’s mommy makeovers, which address the body areas most impacted by the stresses and changes of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. This is a popular combination of procedures into a single surgical session.
You could also combine a tummy tuck with a thighlift or buttock lift. To include an outer thigh lift and potentially a buttock lift, Dr. Shah would extend the tummy tuck incision beyond the hipbones to the flanks, and possibly around to the back.
Liposuction is already a part of most tummy tuck procedures, as Dr. Shah uses it to remove pockets of fat for some patients.
If you’re interested in combining procedures, bring this up during your consultation with Dr. Shah. The two of you can discuss your options. It is important to remember, however, that tummy tucks already involve a significant recovery.
It is possible to have a full body sculpting at the same time. During the consultation, Dr. Shah can help you determine if you are a candidate.
To prepare for your tummy tuck consultation, it is best to start with researching the procedure and your potential plastic surgeon. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons. Make a list of questions you need to have answered so you do not forget. It is most important that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
You will be asked to arrive 1-2 hours prior to procedure at Signature Surgery Center to get prepared for your surgery. You must not drink or eat after midnight. Come with comfortable clothing that is easy to get in and out of. Do not apply make up take a shower with antibacterial soap.
Yes, I will use the patient’s own belly button and will create an opening to pull the belly button through.
Yes, I do muscle repair for almost all of the tummy tuck procedures.
Yes, you will have 2 drains post tummy tuck procedure. They remain until drainage is less than 30 cc for 24 hrs. Usually they can come out in 3-7 days for most patients.
All surgeries leave scars. However, as the best tummy tuck surgeon in Las Vegas and Henderson, Dr. Shah will take care to make his incisions in areas you can easily conceal with your clothes.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure, however, most patients do lose some weight due to the amount of skin and fat that is removed during the procedure.
A patient can have surgery immediately after consultation with Dr. Shah depending on surgery center availability.
A tummy tuck can take up to 2-4 hours depending on the patient’s needs.
A patient can get pregnant after undergoing an abdominoplasty, however, they should be aware that there is a risk of having loose skin after pregnancy which may need to be corrected.
I will use primarily dissolvable sutures except for the suture that is used to secure the drains. Those sutures will be removed upon drain removal.
Recovery time is approximately 4-8 weeks depending on each individual patient.
I would typically recommend a patient to refrain from any heavy lifting or exercising for approximately 8 weeks. Patients may be able to start light exercise or walking before that time. It is best to follow up at your post op appointment to know what Dr. Shah recommends.
I typically recommend that the patient avoid any heavy lifting more than 10lbs for approximately 8 weeks. Someone may place your toddler or baby in your lap, which maybe ok.
A patient should be careful when making sudden movements or lifting immediately after surgery.
A tummy tuck can involve some discomfort and pain after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed or patient can take OTC pain medications after surgery.
Swelling post tummy tuck procedure is normal and can last anywhere from 3-6 months. It is recommended for that patient to wear a compression garment for at least 8 weeks to help with swelling. Patient should be aware that they may need to purchase a smaller garment once the swelling has subsided.
There are always risks with any procedures. For a tummy tuck the most common risk being that the incisions can open, bruising, and swelling.
Your tummy tuck cost will vary, depending on factors like surgical complexity, the technique used to deliver your outstanding results, and the details of your personalized aesthetic plan. Dr. Shah will provide you with an accurate cost estimate after meeting with you in a one-on-one consultation.