What is a plus-size tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to give patients a well-contoured abdomen. While exercise and diet are great ways to achieve a toned body, they do not always provide the flat, hourglass shape many desire. During a tummy tuck in Houston, Dr. Arroyo removes excess skin, tightens weakened muscles, and eliminates stubborn fat to achieve a firm and sleeker abdominal appearance.

A plus size tummy tuck is a tummy tuck for patients that are plus size, generally someone with a BMI greater than 35. BMI, or body mass index, considers your height against your weight and is an indirect way of calculating your health according to how overweight your body is.

In the past, plus-size patients were told they could not get a tummy tuck due to safety concerns. However, we now know that BMI is not an accurate measure of a person’s health; some patients with good health but high BMI fall into the category of “high risk for surgery.”

Numerous changes have been made to ensure that a tummy tuck can be safely and effectively performed for patients with a high BMI. These changes include the following:

  • How the patient is educated before surgery
  • The design of the tummy tuck
  • How liposuction is performed
  • The anesthesia provided during surgery
  • How the patient is taken care of after surgery

Plus-size tummy tuck candidates

Candidates for this innovative surgery are nonsmokers in good general health and have lost a large amount of weight, whether through dieting and exercise or bariatric surgery. You are likely a good candidate for this groundbreaking surgery if:

  • You understand the procedure, recovery, and what to expect
  • You are not pregnant or planning to get pregnant
  • Your abdomen is loose and floppy, and you are ready for a transformation

If you are tired of experiencing the following aesthetic problems, you deserve to find out more about a plus-size tummy tuck:

  • A fatty, bulging abdomen
  • Loose, stretched abdominal muscles
  • A bulging waist
  • A large quantity of excess skin
  • A “pannus” or drooping area of skin and tissue (also called "fat apron belly")
  • A surgeon told you to lose weight before being eligible for a tummy tuck

Do I need to be my ideal weight for a plus-size tummy tuck?

You do not need to be your ideal weight for a plus-size tummy tuck if you are overweight. With this advanced surgical technique, you can finally achieve a more sculpted body contour and jumpstart final weight loss to create, a slimmer waist, a smooth lower abdomen, and an attractive hourglass figure.

By evaluating the fundamental aspect of a patient’s health and modifying every part of the tummy tuck process, even patients with a BMI of up to 54 can safely undergo body contouring procedures.

What are the benefits of a plus-size tummy tuck?

If you are a good candidate for a plus-size tummy tuck, you’ll experience the following benefits:

  • Your clothing fits your body beautifully
  • Your tummy is flatter and smoother
  • Skin and tissue folds are removed
  • Your abdominal muscles and core are tighter and firmer
  • Chafing issues are resolved
  • Exercise will be easier

There are also benefits to undergoing a plus-size tummy tuck other than shape and appearance. Among these benefits are the following:

  • Improved mobility
  • Prevention of skin breakdown and rashes in the skin folds
  • Improved self-esteem and motivation for lifestyle changes
  • Improvement in some physiologic markers associated with the removal of excess fat, positive changes that are maintained long-term

Dr. Arroyo's Tummy Tuck Technique

His Surgical Approach

Dr. Arroyo will perform his signature tummy tuck in Houston at his Arroyo Plastic Surgery in-office operating room. He will start by sedating you to increase your comfort level throughout the process before creating incisions and removing excess skin. Weakened abdominal muscles are tightened, and liposuction may be used to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat and assist in giving patients a more curved appearance.

Once the re-contouring is complete, Dr. Arroyo will attach the skin and fat back to the abdominal wall to decrease the time drains are in or avoid using them altogether. He will then close the incisions and apply gauze and bandage to the treatment area. Because this is an outpatient procedure, most patients return home on the same day to continue recovery.

His Unique Sedation Method

Dr. Arroyo uses the Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation method during a tummy tuck. This technique is considered safer and allows the patient to breathe independently without any intubation during surgery. Benefits include less intravenous medication and no side effects commonly associated with general anesthesia, including nausea and vomiting.

The process starts with oral medication before surgery to ease nerves and pain, then a painless IV to begin sedation. After surgery, you'll feel relaxed and ready to recover at home. Throughout the process, the patient is closely monitored by Dr. Arroyo’s surgical staff, with patient safety being the top priority. Just more evidence that Dr. Christian Arroyo performs among the best tummy tucks in Houston.

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Why choose Arroyo Plastic Surgery for a plus-size tummy tuck?

Dr. Christian Arroyo is a top plastic surgeon dedicated to patient care and outstanding results. His standard of excellence and consistently satisfied patients are why he has a reputation for being one of Houston's best and most trusted plastic surgeons.

Dr. Arroyo believes you should be completely comfortable with your choice of a plastic surgeon. Because he takes the time to ensure you understand the details of your procedure, from benefits to risks and complications, you should choose Arroyo Plastic Surgery for a plus-size tummy tuck.

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