A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to tighten and contour your abdomen. It’s one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States among adults of all ages, with the power to transform your figure and your confidence.

If you’re unhappy with the look of your stomach, you might be wondering: is a tummy tuck right for me? How long do tummy tuck results last? Or maybe, is surgery worth it?

It’s normal to have questions — and we’re here to answer them. Walter D. Gracia, MD, PA, and our team specialize in abdominoplasty in Fort Worth, Texas. We’ve worked with countless patients to develop personalized cosmetic treatment plans, and here’s what you need to know.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens your abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat. It’s considered a permanent procedure, but it’s crucial to understand how tummy tucks work and have realistic expectations.

During your tummy tuck, Dr. Gracia makes a small incision in your lower abdomen. He carefully cuts away sagging skin and excess abdominal fat to reach your abdominal muscles.

Then, he repairs damage and strengthens weak spots by stretching and tightening the muscles across your stomach. He smooths your skin over your stomach and closes the incision with stitches.

You need about eight weeks to recover from surgery, and after that, you can start to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck. As long as you maintain a healthy weight and don’t get pregnant following your procedure, your tummy tuck results will be permanent.

Abdominoplasty is a highly customizable surgery. That means that if you’re unhappy with the way your stomach looks, you could be a candidate. Many people choose tummy tucks following significant weight loss, pregnancy, or to counteract natural body changes.

The key to lasting tummy tuck results is choosing the right time to have the procedure. Dr. Gracia generally recommends waiting to schedule your tummy tuck until after your last pregnancy or until you’re close to your ideal body weight. If you have excess abdominal fat, talk to Dr. Gracia about combining abdominoplasty with liposuction to enhance your results.

In general, you want to avoid significant weight fluctuation and abdominal stress to get the longest-lasting results from your tummy tuck. Gaining weight or carrying a pregnancy can stretch your abdominal muscles and skin, meaning losing your results.

If you’re unsure whether now is the right time for a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gracia and our team. We do a cosmetic exam and talk with you about your goals to help you decide if it’s a good option for you.

A tummy tuck could be the solution you’ve been waiting for to remove excess skin and tone your abs. Call our Fort Worth, Texas, office at (817) 336-9450 or request an appointment to get started.