Tummy Tuck in OKC

Tummy tuck surgery—also called abdominoplasty—is a popular post-pregnancy option for OKC women with excess skin who want to regain a flatter belly and a slimmer waist. As a body contouring specialist, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Oscar E. Masters is known for creating transformational tummy tuck results at his Oklahoma City, OK, practice.

What Happens During Your Consultation?

It’s natural to be a bit nervous when you arrive for a tummy tuck consultation. Dr. Masters’ easygoing demeanor sets patients at ease and helps them feel comfortable discussing their concerns with him. In addition to conducting a physical exam, Dr. Masters spends a great deal of time with patients describing the procedure and answering any questions they might have. He believes that patients are more confident when they’re educated about the surgery and have realistic expectations about what it can accomplish.

Who Gets Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Even though tummy tuck procedures are often associated with women after they have children, both men and women who lose a lot of weight can benefit from abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck patients have excess abdominal skin that remains after pregnancy or weight loss, and surgery is really the only option for removing it.

Women with belly pooches caused by separated abdominal muscles—a condition called diastasis recti—can also benefit from a tummy tuck even if they have minimal excess skin.

Who’s an Ideal Candidate?

Ideal tummy tuck candidates meet the following criteria:

• Are in good overall health
• Are at or near the weight they want to maintain, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or lower
• Have realistic expectations about the results
• Can take the time needed to recover
• Don’t plan to have additional children

It’s also important that patients lead healthy lifestyles—including exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet—to help maintain their results.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Dr. Masters customizes each tummy tuck surgery he performs based on the needs of the patient. Advanced body contouring techniques include the standard tummy tuck and multiple variations. Dr. Masters discusses these options during the consultation and recommends the approach he believes is best suited for you.

A standard tummy tuck involves making a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, slightly above the pubic area, so that the scar can be easily concealed by underwear or swim bottoms. After making the incision, Dr. Masters carefully lifts the skin and repairs the separated abdominal muscles, if needed. He typically uses liposuction to remove excess fat and create smooth contours. He also makes an incision around the bellybutton to release it from the skin, which is then pulled tight. Typically, a significant span of excess skin is removed.

Before closing the incision, Dr. Masters injects a long-acting, non-opioid local anesthetic called Exparel® to greatly reduce postoperative pain during the early stages of recovery. A research paper authored by Dr. Masters in 2013 was the first to demonstrate the post-op pain control benefits of Exparel; he earned an award for the Best Aesthetic Paper at the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s annual meeting that year.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

In some cases, Dr. Masters may perform a less invasive technique called a mini tummy tuck that involves a smaller incision. However, relatively few patients are good candidates for this approach because it only addresses concerns below the bellybutton. The abdominal muscles and upper abdominal skin are not improved with this limited procedure.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in OKC?

The cost of your tummy tuck surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the surgery. A personalized quote will be presented to you at your consultation. It includes related fees for the operating room, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and other costs. A tummy tuck is major surgery, so it’s important to choose an appropriately trained and experienced plastic surgeon.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Dr. Masters often combines tummy tuck surgery with other procedures, sometimes called a mommy makeover. Popular options include:

• Breast lift
• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction
• Brazilian butt lift

In some cases, procedures may need to be performed in separate surgeries to support proper recovery.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

We will help you with ideas of how to make your recovery as smooth as possible. Some helpful tips include:

• Arrange for help with your care and the care of children and pets for about 5 days.

• Get prescription medication filled and pick it up.

• Arrange your home environment for safety and comfort:
  • Set up a recliner or pillows for elevating your upper body during the day and while sleeping.
  • Place a side table next to where you’ll be relaxing for drinks, tissues, lip balm, etc.  
  • Clear obstacles from where you will walk around the house.
  • Collect things to keep your mind busy and spirits up, like books, music, TV remote, and cell phone charger.

• Buy or prepare healthy things to eat and drink.

• Schedule at least 2 to 3 weeks off work.

Recovery

While patient experiences vary, tummy tuck recovery generally proceeds along the following timeline:

Day of surgery: You will return home wearing an abdominal compression garment in the care of an adult. You will need help getting up and caring for yourself for a few days.

Week 1: Exparel controls pain for 72 hours when it’s typically most significant. You may need to take oral pain medication for 5 to 7 days.

Weeks 2 to 3:

• Stand upright
• Return to non-strenuous work
• Resume light activities

Weeks 3 to 6:

• Resume vigorous exercise
• OK to stop wearing the compression garment
• Lift children and objects over 10 pounds
• Swelling lessens
• Notice slimmer contours

3 to 5 months:

• Swelling fades
• See final results

12+ months:

• Scars fade

While surgical technique is a significant factor in how your tummy tuck scars will turn out, proper incision care and scar care are essential. Follow Dr. Master’s post-op instructions closely.