Tummy Tuck Fort Worth (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery to the abdomen that removes excess fat and skin. It also restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

Many of us strive to attain a flat, well-toned abdomen through exercise and weight control. However, sometimes these methods are not enough to achieve our goals. For individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, there is no exercise that can restore elasticity to skin that has stretched beyond its ability to bounce back. Even individuals with normal body weight can have an abdomen that bulges or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this are pregnancy, aging, changes in weight, genetics and previous surgery.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby performs “tummy tuck” surgery, or abdominoplasty, to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall. During a tummy tuck, she will tighten and restore your abdominal muscles back to their correct anatomical position, revealing your new shapely, contoured waist. Stretch marks and loose skin can be partially or totally removed in this increasingly popular surgical procedure.

Liposuction is also frequently performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, in order to further enhance the shape of the lower abdomen. This procedure is also frequently included as part of a mommy makeover and it may be combined with a breast procedure.

Techniques for tummy tuck surgery in Fort Worth

  1. Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
  2. Full Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  3. Extended Abdominoplasty
  4. Tummy Tuck with TAP block (a type of anesthesia)
  5. Drainless Tummy Tucks (a technique for dealing with swelling after surgery)
  6. Embrace scar therapy (a technique to decrease the size of a scar)

You can also jump ahead to read our Tummy Tuck FAQ.

Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)

Mini abdominoplasty removes a moderate amount of skin from the lower abdomen without repositioning the belly button. It is specifically designed to help correct the appearance of bulging in the lower part of the abdomen, beneath the belly button. Though this technique results in the smallest scars, mini abdominoplasty is not a good technique for patients with significant amounts of excess skin on their entire abdomen. This will be better treated by full abdominoplasty. Furthermore, with this procedure, Dr. Kirby will not be able to address or tighten the muscles above the belly button, limiting this procedure to use in specific circumstances.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A modified version of the abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck removes excess, sagging tissue from the lower abdomen (below the belly button) to restore a firmer, flatter and slimmer silhouette. Depending on your needs, Dr. Kirby can also remove some stretch marks located below the belly button during surgery or even tighten mildly lax muscles.

Whenever possible, Dr. Kirby uses drainless tummy tuck techniques to achieve beautiful results with a quicker, more comfortable recovery.

Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck may be a great option if you are healthy and at a stable weight, without a large excess of abdominal skin. Typically, the best candidates are primarily concerned about loose skin or a protruding lower belly only—this procedure is reserved for patients whose abdominal changes are down low. If you have significant stretched, sagging skin or muscles, a full tummy tuck may achieve better results.

Similar to a traditional tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy exercise program. Although the results are lasting, the outcome can be influenced by changes in your weight following surgery. If you are planning substantial weight loss or if you are considering future pregnancy, you may be advised to postpone mini tummy tuck surgery.

Where will my mini tummy tuck incisions be?

The mini tummy tuck incision is much shorter than a traditional, full tummy tuck incision. This may be the only incision, and the belly button is allowed to “float” downwards to a new position without an additional belly button incision. Other techniques include a scar around the belly button. Incision placement is specific to your body and to your surgery, and Dr. Kirby will discuss the incisions with you prior to your surgery.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia for optimal comfort. This means you will be asleep for the entire procedure.

How long will my tummy tuck surgery last?

If performed alone, a mini tummy tuck typically takes 1-2 hours. The procedure may be performed in combination with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation. Combination surgery will take longer.

Full Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Full abdominoplasty removes lax skin, and fat, from above and below the belly button. The full tummy tuck repositions the belly button to a more proportionate spot. This procedure is best at treating patients who have a significant amount of skin laxity on their stomach, where changes in shape are desired above and below the belly button.
Using an incision that runs low from hipbone to hipbone, the doctor can tighten the muscle wall with sutures. This procedure may also be beneficial for patients with stretch marks below the belly button, although stretch mark removal is not guaranteed. The resulting scar is carefully positioned so that it is hidden from view by most clothing, and good surgical technique is essential to minimize scarring. A full tummy tuck is the most common type of abdominoplasty.

Extended Abdominoplasty

Extended abdominoplasty uses the longest incision of the three techniques, but it will also offer the most comprehensive results. This technique is usually reserved for those who have lost a large amount of weight and need the excess skin removed to show their slim, toned results. This procedure not only removes skin and repositions the belly button, but it also removes skin from the flanks, or love handles. 

Tummy Tuck with TAP Block

Tummy tuck surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. Some patients may also benefit from a TAP nerve block, which is a special anesthesia technique that can reduce pain in the first days after surgery. TAP stands for “Transversus Abdominis Plane” and we use TAP blocks for many of our tummy tuck patients. 

What is a TAP nerve block?

The TAP block is an injection of local anesthetic (numbing medication) into the neurovascular plane between the transversus abdominis muscle and internal oblique muscle, which the numbs the tissues of the lower abdomen from the belly button to the upper thigh. A TAP block prevents the nerves from sending pain signals from your surgical site, thereby reducing pain post-surgery.

How is a TAP block performed?

Proper placement of the TAP block is crucial for ensuring adequate numbing of the nerves that control sensation in the lower abdomen. During the surgery, Dr. Kirby uses ultrasound imaging to visualize your abdominal musculature. She then guides placement of the injection between the appropriate muscle layers of the abdominal wall.

Dr. Kirby Performing a Tap Block during a Tummy Tuck surgery to better control post-surgical pain for the patient. Dr. Kirby is board-certified in plastic surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Kirby performing an ultrasound-guided TAP block during tummy tuck surgery

How long does the TAP Block last after the tummy tuck surgery?

Pain relief from a single TAP block should last up to 12 to 24 hours. A TAP block does not eliminate pain entirely. You will still use additional pain medication after surgery, but patients report using less narcotic pain medication and for a shorter period of time when a TAP block has been performed.

As the TAP block wears off, you may begin to notice increased sensation slowly returning to your abdomen. It is a good idea to take your pain medication before the numbness has worn off fully to ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.

What are the possible risks of a TAP block?

Most complications are rare, but there are some risks associated with a TAP block—as with any injection. Typically, side effects are mild and short-lived, and may include:

  • Infection at the injection site
  • Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST)
  • Puncture of surrounding structures

By choosing a board certified plastic surgeon, these risks can be greatly reduced.

What are the benefits of a TAP block?

Dr. Kirby has found that using a TAP block for tummy tuck patients comes with a number of benefits, including:

  • Feeling less sedated and more alert after surgery
  • Able to be up and walking sooner post-surgery
  • Able to start eating a regular diet earlier after surgery
  • More effective pain control
  • Less constipation caused by narcotic pain medications
  • Less nausea caused by narcotic pain medications

Many of Dr. Kirby’s tummy tuck patients opt for a TAP block to reduce discomfort after surgery so they can get settled at home and start the healing process.

What are drainless tummy tucks?

A drainless tummy tuck is a variation of the tummy tuck surgery that combines liposuction with a traditional tummy tuck and does so while using a specific layered suturing technique that eliminates the need for postsurgical drains.

Typical tummy tucks include a drain, or tubing, as part of the recovery process. Since your body naturally produces liquid as an immune response (swelling) after surgery, these drains collect excess liquid the body can’t absorb and allow it to move out of the abdominal cavity.

A drainless tummy tuck, in contrast, uses sutures to reduce the space between the skin and muscle tissue. Liquid from swelling then distributes evenly through the abdomen making the fluid collection less noticeable.

Dr. Kirby performs drainless tummy tucks whenever possible.

Minimizing scarring with Embrace scar therapy

Although Dr. Kirby takes care to place tummy tuck incisions low on the belly, where they can more easily be concealed by a swimsuit, she understands that you want the least noticeable scar possible, no matter what you are wearing! To help, Dr. Kirby offers Embrace® scar therapy, an FDA cleared treatment that is clinically proven to improve scar formation.

What is Embrace scar therapy?

Tummy tuck scar treatments with Embrace adhesive strips help create thinner, less noticeable scars on the abdomen
Embrace is an adhesive strip that reduces tension on the skin at a suture location

Embrace strips are flexible, comfortable, and breathable clear silicone tape strips that gently contract around your incision to dramatically reduce tension, protect your healing incision, and create the optimal environment for healing. Our patients who use Embrace during their postoperative care are very happy they did—they have much thinner, lighter, and flatter scars in the months after tummy tuck surgery than they expected.

Tummy tuck scar before and after using Embrace to reduce scarring by relieving tension at the site of the incision along the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone. The scar is flattened and fading to match the patient's skin tone, and will continue to fade. Compression garments and drain tubes can also help, if your doctor recommends them, to promote a healthy healing process.
Before & after using Embrace. Photos* from Neodyne Biosciences, inc.

Embrace strips are easy to use and stay on for about 10 days each, even while showering and sleeping. Dr. Kirby and her team will show you how to use Embrace scar strips during your post-operative visits if you choose to use it.

Tummy tuck surgery FAQ

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are lasting, the final outcome can be influenced by changes in your weight following surgery. For this reason, if you are planning substantial weight loss or if you are considering future pregnancy, you may be advised to postpone tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is generally a good option if you are healthy and at a stable weight.

While a tummy tuck is an effective body contouring procedure, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy exercise program. A tummy tuck will not get rid of stretch marks, unless they are located in areas of skin that will be removed during surgery. Typically, the tissues removed are below the belly button.

Where will my incisions be?

A tummy tuck incision is placed near the pubic hairline, under the belly button. Typically, the incision goes across the entire lower abdomen, from hip to hip. Some patients may require longer or shorter incisions for the best tummy tuck results. An additional incision is made around your belly button. The placement of your incisions is specific to your body and to your surgery. Dr. Kirby will discuss the incisions with you prior to your surgery.

If you are having a mini tummy tuck, your incision will be shorter than it is for a full tummy tuck since less tissue is removed than in a full tummy tuck. The incision around the belly button may or may not be needed, as well.

“From the beginning, it was apparent that Dr. Kirby is a caring individual who was interested in my welfare and recovery.”

—FR

READ MORE PATIENT REVIEWS*

How long will my surgery take?

If performed alone, a tummy tuck typically takes 2-3 hours. It may be performed in combination with other procedures, such as liposuction, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation. Combination surgery will take longer.

What kind of anesthesia will I have for a tummy tuck?

Dr. Kirby performs tummy tuck surgery using general anesthesia for optimal comfort and safety. This means you will be asleep for the entire procedure.

To help patients better manage postoperative pain, Female Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kirby now offers TAP blocks to her Fort Worth tummy tuck patients.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

The decision to have a tummy tuck is personal and you will need to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Possible abdominoplasty risks include unfavorable scarring, fluid accumulation (seroma), bleeding (hematoma), infection, wound healing problems, blood clots or fat clots, changes in skin sensation, skin discoloration, loss of the umbilicus, fat necrosis, asymmetry, recurrence of loose skin, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, persistent swelling in the legs, nerve damage, or sub-optimal aesthetic result. Some problems may require revision surgery. Most complications are rare.


Patients Love Dr. Kirby

“Thank you so much for all the work you have done. You did a wonderful job and I appreciate it so much.”*

—AS

How do I prepare for surgery?

Prior to any procedure, it is necessary to review medications you are taking that may affect your surgery. You may be asked to stop or to adjust some medications you are on. As always, it is important to include supplements on your list of medications. Aspirin and aspirin products (Alka-Seltzer®, Carisoprodol, Excedrin®, Goody’s®, Midol®), anti-inflammatory medications (except acetaminophen, or Tylenol®), and herbal supplements must be avoided for 2 weeks prior to your surgery. Learn more about which medications and supplements to avoid. Dr. Kirby will discuss your medications with you.

Depending on your medical condition, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical checkup prior to your surgery. You may also be asked to have an updated mammogram prior to your surgery if you have not had one recently.

Tobacco products impair your body’s ability to heal. You will be asked to stop smoking for 6 weeks prior to surgery. Tobacco step-down products such as chewing gum and Nicoderm® continue to provide your body with nicotine and must be stopped as well. Please ask Dr. Kirby if you will need assistance with quitting.

Be sure to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your surgery. You will need someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours following your surgery as well. If you are having abdominoplasty (a “tummy tuck”) in combination with another procedure, Dr. Kirby may ask you to stay overnight in the hospital following surgery. Dr. Kirby will discuss this with you prior to surgery.

You will receive specific post-op instructions for your surgery day from Dr. Kirby’s office.

What is tummy tuck recovery like?

After surgery, you should expect to have some soreness, swelling, bruising, and some temporary changes in sensation. Typically you can expect to return to work within 2 weeks after your procedure, depending on your occupation. You will not be able to return to strenuous activity, however, until 6 to 8 weeks following surgery. Gentle walking is encouraged starting the day of surgery. Soreness will likely last for several weeks. You will wear a fitted garment following surgery to help your body heal appropriately. You may also need compression socks after surgery to help keep blood flow moving in your legs. You may have drains placed at the time of surgery that require management.

Stitches placed during your surgery will dissolve over time and will not need to be removed after surgery. You may also have skin glue, tape or other dressings placed at the time of surgery that will remain for a while postoperatively.

Immediately after surgery, you will not be able to stand up straight. Since the operation involves tightening the abdominal muscles, you will need to keep a slightly flexed position at the waist (walking slightly hunched over) for 2-3 weeks after surgery. During this time you may want to place a pillow under your knees while in bed to keep the tension off of your incision as it heals. Your abdomen will relax as part of the healing process after surgery.

Expect Minimal Downtime, Thanks to ERAS

Dr. Emily Kirby uses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, also known as “multimodal analgesia,” to minimize recovery time, and we see real results: our patients experience less nausea and feel more alert, mobile, and comfortable after their procedures.

“I had very hard recoveries in the past…it took me weeks to get back to caring for my family. With Dr. Kirby, I had a wonderful recovery and was back to my activities surprisingly quickly. Don’t tell the doctor, but I was at my child’s sporting event the day after my surgery, and I felt great!”

—Real patient of Dr. Kirby

How long until I see final results after a tummy tuck?

Even with the best attention to recovery and at-home scar care, it is important to remember that you will not see the final result for several months. We will plan to take your “after” photographs about 6 months following surgery.

Before and after image of a good tummy tuck result. Notice the slimmer profile, the tighter skin, the reconstructed belly button, and the more toned appearance of the abdomen in this tummy tuck patient
Notice the slimmer profile, tighter skin, reconstructed belly button, and more toned appearance of this tummy tuck patient in this before and after example

How do tummy tucks compare with non-surgical fat reduction?

Tummy tucks and non-surgical fat reduction with procedures like CoolSculpting can both improve the appearance of the abdominal area, but tummy tucks offer far more extensive and dramatic improvements, while also addressing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). The CoolSculpting procedure (or “fat freezing”) only treats stubborn areas fat cells, with results that appear gradually and typically require multiple treatment sessions. Surgeons are required to perform a tummy tuck, while CoolSculpting can be offered by other qualified medical providers.

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Call today to book your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Emily J. Kirby
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