Tummy Tuck Surgery in Fort Worth, TX
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Polavarapu will expertly perform your abdominoplasty in Fort Worth. This procedure tightens and restores your muscles to contour your shape. It can also partially or wholly address loose skin and stretch marks.
The reality is that even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Significant fluctuations in weight
- Heredity
- Prior surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, even when performed by a tummy tuck specialist such as Dr. Polavarapu.
Facility: Texas Health Cleburne Surgical Center
Type of Surgery: Outpatient
Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
Recovery: 4-6 weeks (determined by your surgeon)
Cost: Starts at $13,000
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, offers several benefits, including the following:
- Flatter and Firmer Abdomen: Removing excess fat and skin tightens the abdominal muscles for a smoother, more toned appearance.
- Muscle Repair: It can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles, commonly occurring after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
- Improved Posture: Strengthening the abdominal muscles can relieve back pain and improve posture.
- Enhanced Body Proportions: It can improve body proportions by creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
- Boost in Self-Confidence: A flatter, more contoured abdomen often boosts self-esteem and confidence.
- Potential Health Benefits: It may alleviate back pain and urinary incontinence issues associated with weakened abdominal muscles.
- Clothing Fit: Clothes may fit better and feel more comfortable after removing excess skin and fat.
- Easier weight maintenance: After a tummy tuck, maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle can become easier due to improved muscle tone and reduced excess skin.
Abdominoplasty Candidates
Abdominoplasty may be right for you if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You do not smoke
Excess Abdominal Skin: Individuals with loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area, often due to significant weight loss or pregnancy, are prime candidates.
Weakened Abdominal Muscles: Those with weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that have not responded to exercise can benefit greatly. A tummy tuck can tighten these muscles to restore core strength and stability.
Stable Weight: Candidates should be at a stable weight close to their ideal body weight. Significant fluctuations in weight after surgery can affect results.
Generally Healthy: Good overall health is essential for surgery. This includes being free from chronic medical conditions that could pose risks during or after the procedure.
Realistic Expectations: Understanding what a tummy tuck can and cannot achieve is crucial. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
Commitment to Recovery: The recovery process requires commitment to follow post-operative instructions, including rest, activity restrictions, and proper incision wound care.
Although the results of an abdominoplasty performed in Fort Worth are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone abdominoplasty surgery.
What a tummy tuck won’t do: Tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly button.
Choosing between a tummy tuck and liposuction depends on your goals. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles, ideal for those with loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction targets fat removal without addressing skin laxity. It's best if you have good skin elasticity and muscle tone but want to target specific areas of fat. However, consult with an abdominoplasty plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kiran Polavarapu in Fort Worth to determine the best option for you. She can assess your situation and recommend the most suitable procedure.
Highlights
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
Why Choose Dr. Polavarapu for a Tummy Tuck?
Come in today and meet one on one with Fort Worth tummy tuck specialist Dr. Kiran Polavarapu, and you’ll quickly feel at ease with her friendly demeanor. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, including as an abdominoplasty plastic surgeon. She attended the University of Missouri–Kansas City for medical school, earning a combined B.A.-M.A. She then completed her residency in general surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston, a Harvard University training program. She received her fellowship training in cosmetic/aesthetic surgery under the auspices of the renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Wood-Smith at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. There, she further enhanced her expertise and finesse for her patients’ benefit. Dr. Polavarapu is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
You can feel confident with this tummy tuck specialist handling your procedure. Dr. Polavarapu is a three-time winner of Fort Worth Magazine’s designation of Top Doctor, and was recognized as a Texas Monthly Magazine 2024 Super Doctor, becoming well-known as a top choice for abdominoplasty surgery. Known for her approachable Southern charm, she combines her Harvard training and education with her artistic ability to provide compassionate, friendly care that fulfills the needs of each individual patient.
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. - Tummy Tuck Patient
7 months ago
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Fort Worth?
A tummy tuck in Fort Worth starts at $13,000.
At Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, we're committed to transparency about the procedure's costs. Dr. Polavarapu performs liposuction of the abdomen and the flanks as part of this procedure. The price typically includes:
- The surgical facility fees
- Anesthesia costs
- Any necessary implants
- Post-surgery garments
- Follow-up appointments at two days, one week, two weeks, one month, three months, and annually as needed.
*Kindly note that facility and anesthesia fees are based on the duration of the procedure and are not charged by Dr. Polavarapu.
Since tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures, insurance does not cover them. For more information on payment options, please visit our financing options page.
Choosing a highly qualified, board-certified abdominoplasty plastic surgeon like Dr. Polavarapu means investing in expertise that reduces risks, ensures a smoother recovery, and provides natural-looking results. The cost of a tummy tuck in Fort Worth includes comprehensive care and personalized attention to get the best results for you.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Full Tummy Tuck Versus Mini Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck are both cosmetic surgeries designed to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. Yet, they differ significantly in scope and results.
A full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, addresses the entire abdominal area. During this procedure, Dr. Polavarapu removes excess skin and fat from above and below the belly button and tightens the abdominal muscles.
A full tummy tuck typically involves a horizontal incision between the hip bones, just above the pubic area, and sometimes an additional incision around the belly button. This surgery is ideal for individuals with significant excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity, often due to substantial weight loss or multiple pregnancies.
In contrast, a mini tummy tuck focuses only on the lower abdomen, below the belly button. It involves removing less skin and fat and may include minor muscle tightening. The incision is usually shorter and located just above the pubic area. This procedure is best for those with minimal excess skin and fat below the belly button and generally good muscle tone.
When choosing between the two, consider the extent of loose skin and muscle separation. A full tummy tuck addresses extensive skin laxity and muscle issues more effectively. On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck provides less dramatic results. During your consultation Polavarapu Plastic Surgery in Fort Worth, Dr Polavarapu, an abdominoplasty plastic surgeon, will help you determine the most appropriate procedure for individual health, body condition, and aesthetic goals.
THE PROCESS
What to expect with a tummy tuck
After Your Surgery
Post-Surgical expectations
For the first few days after your tummy tuck in Fort Worth, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified female plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the body contouring surgery as possible.
Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your abdominoplasty plastic surgeon’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck in Fort Worth, performed by Dr. Polavarapu at the Texas Health Cleburne Surgical Center, can be long-lasting, but several factors influence them. Generally, the improvements in abdominal contour and muscle tightness can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, many patients enjoy the benefits of their tummy tuck for a decade or more.
However, while a tummy tuck can address many issues, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, some skin laxity might return, but it is generally much less than before the surgery. Future pregnancies can affect the results by stretching the skin and muscles again. It's usually recommended to wait until you are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Can A Tummy Tuck Be Combined with Another Surgery?
A tummy tuck can be combined with other surgeries to tackle multiple concerns in one go. This comprehensive approach enhances results and means just one recovery period and a single set of surgical and anesthesia fees.
Many of our patients, especially after weight loss or pregnancy, see incredible benefits from combining a tummy tuck with liposuction or breast enhancement. This combination, often part of a mommy makeover, offers a transformative experience.
Before combining procedures, thoroughly discussing them with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial. They can guide you on safe and effective combinations based on your health and goals, ensuring optimal results.
Schedule Your Professional Consultation
If you’re interested in an abdominoplasty in Fort Worth, the first step is a professional consultation with Dr. Polavarapu. You’ll have the opportunity to share your concerns and goals with a true tummy tuck specialist, who will help you determine what procedure would be the most appropriate. Factors she considers include your general health, body condition, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Polavarapu and her entire team are known for being friendly and welcoming and for providing a comfortable experience from the consultation through the surgery and follow-up visits. For your consultation for a tummy tuck in Fort Worth, please connect with us online, stop by our office, or call 817-615-8576.
Polavarapu Plastic Surgery is conveniently located on Edwards Ranch Road near the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. To schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Polavarapu, please get in touch with us online, call 817-615-8576 or stop by our office.
Hours of Operation:
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed
We look forward to seeing you.