Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging are significant milestones that mark exciting life chapters but can also take a toll on your body. If you’re experiencing stretched skin, weakened muscles, or excess fat deposits, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Alan Greenberg, MD, can help at North Texas Cosmetic Surgery in Frisco, Texas. Dr. Greenberg specializes in minimally invasive tummy tucks that can help you achieve a flatter, more sculpted abdomen with less downtime than traditional approaches. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles.

Traditional tummy tuck procedures are invasive and involve separating the skin and fat from the underlying muscle. This process often requires general anesthesia, cautery to seal blood vessels, and drain placement to remove excess fluids. Due to the procedure’s complexity, patients typically stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring.

At North Texas Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Greenberg takes a modern approach to tummy tuck procedures that reduces the risk, downtime, and cost of surgery. With multiple techniques, lipoabdominoplasty offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional abdominoplasty.

What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures?

North Texas Cosmetic Surgery offers a range of tummy tuck procedures designed to address various abdominal concerns and body shapes. These procedures combine the benefits of traditional tummy tucks with advanced fat removal techniques, resulting in less risk and expense for patients. 

The three most common types of tummy tucks Dr. Greenberg performs include:

Traditional lipoabdominoplasty

Ideal for patients with a moderate to large amount of excess skin, this procedure involves an incision that spans from hip to hip, similar to a traditional tummy tuck. Dr. Greenberg removes excess fat and skin through the incision and tightens the abdominal fascia — the layer of tissue overlying the abdominal muscles. Finally, he repositions the umbilicus (belly button).

Sliding umbilicus lipoabdominoplasty

Designed for individuals with loose abdominal muscles who require minimal skin removal, this technique involves tightening the fascia and gently pulling down the skin without an incision around the umbilicus. This approach is particularly effective for those who may have a protruding abdomen but lack excess skin.

Reverse lipoabdominoplasty

This technique is suitable for individuals with excess fat or skin in the upper abdomen. It involves creating incisions just under the breasts. Dr. Greenberg removes the excess fat, pulls the remaining skin upward, and strategically places the incisions to ensure that most of the resulting scar is discreetly hidden beneath the breasts.

What are the benefits of lipoabdominoplasty over a traditional tummy tuck?

Lipoabdominoplasty offers many benefits compared to a traditional tummy tuck, including:

• Performed under local anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation 
• Rarely requires surgical drains
• Minimizes bleeding, eliminating the need for electrocautery
• Significantly reduces the risk of needing a blood transfusion
• Requires less operating time 
• Shortens recovery time 

Lipoabdominoplasty can also be more cost-effective than a traditional tummy tuck under anesthesia. Call North Texas Cosmetic Surgery today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.