Everything You Need to Know About Tummy Tucks
Haute Beauty interviewed Dr. Paul F. Fortes to discuss tummy tucks: what they are and how they can help us achieve our stomach goals
Haute Beauty: What is a tummy tuck?
Dr. Paul Fortes: An abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck,” is the most common plastic surgery procedure for flattening the stomach. Tummy tucks are an effective solution for both men and women that want a more aesthetic stomach.
HB: How does an abdominoplasty work?
Dr. Fortes: During an abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed from both the middle and lower abdomen. Additionally, the muscles of the abdominal walls are tightened. This process leads to an overall flatter appearance of the stomach.
HB: Who is the best candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure?
Dr. Fortes: Women who have either given birth or lost a significant amount of weight are great candidates for a tummy tuck procedure. Often after pregnancy or extreme weight loss, stomach muscles have become stretched and give off a sagging appearance in the stomach. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure, is a great way to resolve this issue.
Men are also solid candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure, as many find the “spare tire”, or the excess fat stored in the abdomen, exceedingly difficult to get rid of. A tummy tuck can erase the spare tire and leave you feeling confident in your midsection once again.
HB: What does recovery look like for a tummy tuck?
Dr. Fortes: Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that takes around one to two hours, with a recovery period of one to two weeks. Physically, there is a permanent scar, but surgical experts like myself have been trained to hide the scar below the bikini line.
During a visit to our office in Houston, I can discuss the many techniques of abdominoplasty, as well as other procedures for body contouring that can align with a patient’s aesthetic goals.
HB: What is the cost of an abdominoplasty?
Dr. Fortes: The average cost of a tummy tuck usually falls between $8,500 and $15,000.
