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After deciding to get a tummy tuck for a smoother, firmer abdomen, it’s crucial to choose the right surgeon. When getting your tummy tuck in Fort Worth, Dr. Kiran Polavarapu is the Harvard trained, board certified plastic surgeon who blends her education and skills with an inherent artistic touch for individualized care. In 2025, Fort Worth Magazine recognized her as a top doctor for the fourth time.
Step 1: How to Plan for Your Tummy Tuck
Oct 5, 2025
First, consult with your surgeon of choice. Dr. Polavarapu will guide you to determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) based on your overall health, weight stability, non-smoking status, skin laxity, pregnancy plans, and so forth.
View before and after photos of tummy tucks that Dr. Polavarapu has expertly performed and read patient reviews: “Dr. Polavarapu is a talented and amazing surgeon. She is kind and caring in her treatment with excellent help. I love my results from breast reconstruction and tummy tuck.” (Sharon H.)
You will also discuss goals and what’s realistic to expect: tightened muscles, removal of excess skin, and so forth. Other topics will include surgery risks, incision placements, type of anesthesia used, where the tummy tuck will be performed, and what to expect during recovery. Dr. Polavarapu will also share your tummy tuck cost in Fort Worth.
Step 2: How to Prepare for Surgery
You’ll complete lab work ordered by Dr. Polavarapu, handle medications and supplements in ways discussed with her, follow dietary/exercise guidance given and, if you haven’t yet stopped smoking, do so right now.
Arrange to have sufficient help at home for your first few days after the abdominoplasty, and create a comfortable recovery space that could include pillows, needed medications, and compression garments as prescribed. Prepare for down time during the healing process, both practically and emotionally.
Step 3: How the Tummy Tuck Procedure Works
Dr. Polavarapu also offers a mini tummy tuck in Fort Worth and, as part of your consultation, she will explain the differences: incision lengths, recovery times, and results of a mini versus full tummy tuck.
With a full tummy tuck, the incision can go from hipbone to hipbone above the pubic area (with a shorter one with a mini tummy tuck) and a second incision to separate the navel from surrounding tissue. Dr. Polavarapu will detach skin from the abdominal wall and tighten muscles. When the skin flap is pulled back down, it’s stretched with extra skin removed and all optimally stitched back into place. Additionally, Dr. Polavarapu performs liposuction of the abdomen and the flanks as part of this procedure.
Step 4: How to Recover After a Tummy Tuck
Expect swelling and some pain and discomfort, managed by medication, for a few days after your tummy tuck in Fort Worth. You may need to adjust your sleeping position. Although you perhaps can’t stand straight right away, start walking as soon as possible to prevent blood clots. Shower and change dressings according to Dr. Polavarapu’s instructions.
Stitches will be removed in two weeks, and a support garment should be worn for at least 6 weeks. You can typically return to a desk job in two to three weeks (longer for strenuous activity), following the doctor’s guidance with exercise restrictions.
Step 5: How to Maintain Your Results
To maintain results for the long term, eat a healthy diet, regularly exercise, and maintain a stable weight. Weight fluctuations or new skin laxity may call for later touch-ups, and future pregnancies may affect results.
Each tummy tuck in Fort Worth comes with its own considerations, ones you can discuss during your one-on-one professional consultation scheduled with Dr. Polavarapu.
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