Tummy Tuck with Lipo 360
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy, TX
A tummy tuck with Lipo 360 is a combination of two powerful body contouring techniques: a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles, and liposuction to sculpt and contour the entire midsection.
The abdomen is an area of the body that can be particularly challenging to sculpt and tone, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Even with a consistent exercise routine and healthy diet, excess belly fat can persist, making it difficult to achieve your desired silhouette. Fortunately, there are cosmetic surgical procedures available that can help you achieve the look you desire.
At Texas Surgical Arts, Dr. Ricardo M. Bonnor is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks with Lipo 360. During your consultation, he will evaluate your unique needs and goals, as well as assess your overall health and medical history to determine if this procedure is right for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a more confident and beautiful you, contact Texas Surgical Arts at (281) 579-5638 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonnor today.
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Contents
A Fully Contoured Abdomen
It is a well-known and unfortunate fact that not everybody returns to their former contours after pregnancy. In fact, a recent study found that over 30% of women suffer from diastasis recti after childbirth. (1) This condition causes abdominal muscle weakness, a decrease in core strength, and a rippling effect in the midsection.
Similarly, if you are tired of stubborn belly fat and loose skin that just won’t go away, no matter how much you exercise or diet, a Tummy Tuck with Lipo 360 may be the solution for you. Dr. Bonnor at Texas Surgical Arts can help you achieve a slimmer, more toned midsection with natural-looking results that are tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. During the procedure, an incision is made above the pubic area, and the skin and fat are lifted to reveal the muscles underneath. The muscles are then tightened, and the excess skin is removed. This creates a smoother, firmer abdominal area.
Indications for a tummy tuck include the following: (2)
- Aesthetic improvement of the abdomen
- Skin and abdominal wall laxity from pregnancy
- Excess skin from massive weight loss (bariatric) surgery
What is Lipo 360?
Lipo 360 is a comprehensive approach to liposuction that targets the entire midsection of the body, including the abdomen, waist, and flanks. This procedure is performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty to create a comprehensive body contouring plan. Lipo 360 can help remove stubborn fat deposits, improve skin elasticity, and create an overall slimmer appearance. Studies show that Lipo 360 followed by abdominoplasty provides the most beneficial results, rather than vice versa. (3)
Candidates
A tummy tuck with Lipo 360 is an excellent choice for individuals who are struggling to achieve a toned and contoured midsection. Candidates for this treatment are typically men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight or have undergone weight loss surgery, leaving them with excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat. Women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth may also benefit from this procedure as it can help restore their pre-pregnancy body shape.
If you’re looking for a way to achieve the body you’ve always wanted, contact Texas Surgical Arts today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Bonnor.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Bonnor will assess your overall health and medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for this surgical procedure. He will examine your abdomen to evaluate your skin quality, muscle tone, and the amount of excess fat in the area. Based on his evaluation, he will recommend the best approach for achieving your desired results.
Preparation
Before your surgery, you’ll need to undergo certain pre-operative tests to ensure that you’re healthy enough for the procedure. Dr. Bonnor will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including the following.
- Discontinuing blood thinners, supplements, and other medications as instructed
- Stopping nicotine use if applicable
- Filling prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics in advance.
Procedure
During the procedure, Dr. Bonnor will begin by administering anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. Then, he will make a horizontal incision along your lower abdomen, below the belly button, to access the underlying muscles and tissue. He will also make small incisions in strategic locations for the Lipo 360 procedure.
Dr. Bonnor will remove excess fat from the targeted areas, including your upper and lower abdomen, waist, and flanks. This creates a more sculpted appearance and enhances the results of the tummy tuck.
Next, he will repair any separated or weakened abdominal muscles that may be contributing to the appearance of a protruding belly. This step not only improves the aesthetics of your abdomen but can also provide functional benefits such as improved posture and reduced back pain.
Finally, Dr. Bonnor will remove any excess skin and carefully re-drape the remaining skin over the newly contoured abdomen. The incisions will be closed with sutures, and dressings will be applied to support the healing process.
Recovery
If you’re considering a tummy tuck with Lipo 360, it’s essential to understand what to expect during the recovery period and the results you can achieve with this popular body contouring procedure.
After your procedure, you’ll need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling and promote proper healing.
For the first few days after surgery, it’s crucial to rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activities that could interfere with your healing. You can gradually resume light activities after approximately two weeks, but you should refrain from more vigorous exercises or heavy lifting until cleared by Dr. Bonnor.
FAQ
What is the recovery time for a Tummy Tuck with Lipo 360?
The recovery time varies based on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can return to work within two weeks. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous activity for six weeks following the procedure to allow for proper healing.
Can a Tummy Tuck with Lipo 360 be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures?
Yes, this procedure can be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as breast augmentation or a thigh lift. However, it’s important to discuss your goals with your surgeon to determine the best course of action for you.
References
- Maciej Śmietański, Śmietańska I, Mateusz Zamkowski. Post-partum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS): lessons learned from a single surgeon’s experience based on 200 cases. 2022;22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-022-01757-y
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Flores González EA, Pérez Chávez F, Ramírez Guerrero OR, Gracida Mancilla NI, Vázquez Apodaca RA. A New Surgical Approach to Body Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(5):e3540. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003540