Tummy Tuck in Port Saint Lucie, FL

If you want to make a huge difference in the way your clothing fits your mid-body or how you look in a bathing suit and much more, then you should consult with Dr. William Vinyard at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS). Our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Vinyard, combines specific surgical techniques that produce a flatter tummy and a tighter waist with abdominoplasty. Commonly known as a tummy tuck, this surgery for both men and women eliminates loose skin and pockets of fat in the abdomen is a VIPS top procedure. 

This popular surgery at VIPS allows you the chance to have a toned, smaller abdomen through the removal of excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen, repositioning the belly button, and repair of the rectus abdominal muscles. Skin tightening of the abdomen is a cosmetic enhancement that redefines the stomach area, achieving attractive results for patients in Port Saint Lucie, FL. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. VInyard that will consist of an analysis and conversation about your abdomen, a physical exam, and a detailed discussion of your options. In some cases, we can simulate the surgical outcome abdominoplasty through imaging. As for your treatment plan, you will also meet with our patient care coordinator (who will explain your tummy tuck quote to you). This quote is designed based on the plan that you and Dr. Vinyard have decided upon together.

Tummy tucks are beneficial for men and women who have crushed their diet and exercise goals but cannot achieve the look of a tighter stomach either because of post-pregnancy skin, weight loss, or the natural process of aging on the body. Dr. Vinyard understands the challenges of improving the abdomen and is committed to helping you achieve your objective.

You may be a great candidate for a tummy tuck if you cannot lose or reduce loose or wrinkly skin as well as pesky pockets of fat in the stomach. This body contouring procedure can help create a tighter and slimmer look. It can also repair the abdominal muscles that have separated and has not returned to their original position. Dr. Vinyard will advise you to be at a normal weight prior to surgery. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss — it surgically corrects loose skin. Liposuction is generally implemented during surgery to reduce fat. If your abdomen has healthy skin laxity, but you are still unhappy with how your tummy looks and feels, you may be more suited for liposuction. 

Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anesthesia and usually performed as an outpatient procedure. There are numerous surgical options to consider when a tummy tuck is performed by Dr. Vinyard. For starters, the incision shape and size is determined based on the amount of excess skin you have on your abdomen. Some patients with an abundance of hanging skin may require a full tummy tuck (a technique where Dr. Vinyard places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic region). When you have a smaller amount of fat and lax skin in your midsection, you may be better suited for a less invasive technique such as a mini-tummy tuck. The surgical incision for a mini-tummy tuck is in the same location but is not as wide as a full tummy tuck scar. Regardless of how it is performed, all tummy tuck procedures at VIPS involve the removal of hanging skin, fat reduction, and the repair of the rectus abdominal muscles.

When abdominoplasty surgery is completed, you will be monitored and released wearing a compression garment to decrease swelling. Standing upright and walking will be hard to accomplish at first, so you should rest for several days. Resuming normal movement becomes easier once the abdominal muscles adjust and the incision begins to heal. Most patients can generally resume a normal routine somewhere around two weeks. Exercise can resume later, closer to eight weeks or when you are cleared by Dr. Vinyard. The midsection will feel some discomfort and tightness, but you will feel healthy and normal again after recovering.

If you have a job that allows you to not move very much (such as a desk job), you can most likely return to your normal work life in two weeks. Otherwise, you will need to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive tasks for 4 – 6 weeks (when the swelling has subsided as well). Bruising You may return to the majority of all of your normal activities at six weeks. The majority of the swelling should conclude at six weeks, but you may experience intense swelling if you do too much too quickly. You will be very close to your final result at three months while you continue to experience the softening of the tissues in that area throughout the first year. Your scars will continue to improve for up to two years. We take your first official "post-op" photos at three months as well.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will customize your unique procedure plan based on your specific needs and goals before discussing costs. He can estimate your costs as soon as the type of tummy tuck has been selected, what technique will be used, what anesthesia is needed, and more. To make sure you get beautiful results from a skilled plastic surgeon, VIPS offers a variety of different payment methods and patient financing through CareCredit. We will work very closely with you throughout your plastic surgery journey and be very upfront about the costs from the beginning.

What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are three main types of tummy tucks: full, mini, and extended. In your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will ask about your needs and intentions for cosmetic surgery. Then, he can decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results. A full tummy tuck is good if you want to fix issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is good if you only have concerns below your belly button, like a "pooch." An extended tummy tuck is designed to improve the abdomen as well as the hips and upper thighs.

What will my scars look like?
Incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which type you are getting. For all tummy tucks, Dr. Vinyard makes the thinnest incisions possible to limit visibility. He also makes incisions in hidden areas (in the pubic region or belly button) so they can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear. After your surgery, it's important to follow your scar care instructions so your incision marks heal flat and blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter your results. Dr. Vinyard recommends that you be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before you consider a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, a second surgery can be performed to refresh your results.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
It is very common for a patient to have a combination of skin tightening surgeries with a tummy tuck to see more dramatic improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, talk to him about your concerns so a personalized treatment plan can be developed that resembles your goals. You may combine a tummy tuck with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for body contouring. If you are trying to improve your body after pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight, you may be an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.

Many factors can lead to a stretched-out tummy that creates hanging and wrinkled skin. We know it can be almost impossible to correct — tummy tuck surgery is generally the key to overcome loose abdominal skin. If you are bothered by the stretched-out skin in your abdomen, whether it is significant or not, skin tightening surgery by Dr. Vinyard in Port Saint Lucie, FL can help you get the tight and toned look you want. Please contact VIPS to learn more.