Tight and Toned
A smooth, taut waistline has the power to impart elegance to your figure, enhancing your entire appearance. However, slimming and tightening the abdominal area can be a challenge, even with a healthy diet and exercise routine. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS has dedicated her career to providing thoughtful guidance and transformative care to patients wishing to hone their aesthetic and step into their most confident selves. If you think you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck Lafayette, LA, area residents or potential visitors are invited to learn more about this procedure on this page. Then schedule your consultation with Dr. McGee to receive personalized advice on how this procedure can help enhance your physique and activate your most confident version of yourself.
Elegantly Trim
Weight loss, pregnancy, and other changes can leave behind sagging skin, lax muscles, and fat deposits that may not respond to diet and exercise or other. Abdominoplasty, a surgical procedure more commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, focuses on carefully removing lax skin, tightening muscles affected by conditions like diastasis recti, and reducing fat deposits to help patients embrace the slender and toned waistline of their dreams. Dr. McGee spends time getting to know each patient, in order to customize their tummy tuck procedure around their unique needs and help them define and achieve their aesthetic goals.
There are several types of tummy tucks to address varying degrees of abdominal concerns:
Full Tummy Tuck: Addresses excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles.
Mini Tummy Tuck: Targets the lower abdomen with a smaller incision; suitable for those with less excess skin and muscle laxity.
Extended Tummy Tuck: Extends the incision around the flanks to address excess skin on the sides.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: Suitable for massive weight loss patients, it adds a vertical incision for improved contouring.
Circumferential (Body Lift) Tummy Tuck: Addresses the abdomen, flanks, and back in a belt-like manner, ideal for extensive body contouring.
The choice between these approaches depends on your individual needs and goals. Dr. McGee can provide personalized guidance on the best type of procedure for you.
For female patients who have experienced changes in their breasts, abdomen, or other areas of the body as a result of pregnancy, Dr. McGee also offers the procedure commonly known as a Mommy Makeover. A Mommy Makeover combines surgical approaches in order to address post-pregnancy body changes. It commonly includes a tummy tuck to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, along with liposuction to contour areas with stubborn fat deposits. Breast procedures are also common, such as breast augmentation, lift, or reduction to restore breast volume and shape. The goal is to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body contours and confidence. Mommy Makeovers are highly customizable, allowing individuals to choose the specific procedures that best suit their needs and goals.
Slip Into a Slim Waistline
A tummy tuck carefully removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, resulting in a flatter, more toned appearance. It can also help improve abdominal muscle tone by tightening the underlying muscles, addressing issues like diastasis recti to create a firmer and more defined waistline. Improved physical comfort is another advantage, as some men and women with excess abdominal skin may experience discomfort or rashes as a result. Patients tend to be very satisfied with the results of their Lafayette tummy tuck procedures and are able to experience new levels of comfort and confidence in their bodies. Our goal is to provide highly skilled and individualized care to craft results that inspire you to love how your body looks, feels, and moves through the world.
A New Level of Patient Care
Dr. McGee is passionate about helping people from all walks of life experience the life-changing benefits of masterful cosmetic surgical care. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery and has an unwavering commitment to ongoing innovation and excellence in her practice, coupled with a thoughtful approach and genuine interest in getting to know her patients as individuals when designing each treatment. If you are interested in learning how a Lafayette abdominoplasty can help you sculpt a more toned waistline, improve your physical comfort, and revitalize your pride in your appearance, schedule your individual consultation with Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS.
Designed for You
Tummy tuck surgery usually takes around two to four hours to perform, with patients typically returning home on the same day with a friend or family member to drive them. General anesthesia is administered, letting you sleep comfortably through the procedure. An incision is created across the lower abdomen, with the length determined by the needs of your specific procedure. It is generally placed low enough so that it can be covered by underwear or a swimsuit. (During a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck, a second vertical incision is created to facilitate more comprehensive contouring).
Excess skin and fat are carefully removed from the abdominal area; in some cases, Dr. McGee may also utilize liposuction to further refine the contours. If necessary, she can also tighten the abdominal muscles, especially in cases of muscle separation (diastasis recti), which can occur as a result of pregnancy. The remaining skin is drawn down and repositioned over the abdominal area, creating a smooth, taut appearance, and the incision is carefully closed. When the procedure is complete, we will monitor you in a recovery area until you are ready to return home and continue your recovery there or stay overnight to recover in the surgical facility.
Step Into Your Next Era
After surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Prescribed pain medication can help manage this. You'll likely need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues usually for at least 3 months. Plan to avoid strenuous activities for six weeks. You'll gradually reintroduce light activities. Your individual recovery timeline may depend on the extent of your procedure. The incision line will initially appear prominent but will gradually fade over time. Dr. McGee and our team will give you detailed aftercare instructions and check your progress regularly, remaining ever available to support you as your recovery progresses. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and call us any time questions or concerns arise. Optimal healing and results are achieved with plenty of open communication and support during this time.
The Beauty of Confidence
You will begin to appreciate the results of your procedure right away. Bothersome excess skin will be a thing of the past, with your midsection taking on more tight, toned, athletic-looking contours. Because the incision for a tummy tuck is typically placed very low on the abdomen, you can enjoy showing off your results with confidence, even at the pool or the beach. Clothes may fit better, and you will likely enjoy exploring a wider range of styles, letting you enjoy your body and feel more authentic confidence in your appearance. By maintaining a stable weight and living a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy your results for many years to come.
You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if you have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, abdominal muscles that are weakened or separated (diastasis recti), and realistic expectations about the procedure. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and at a stable weight. Pregnancy can significantly impact the results of a tummy tuck by stretching the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially undoing the improvements made during surgery. For this reason, it is not recommended that you have a tummy tuck if you are planning a future pregnancy.
A tummy tuck often includes liposuction as an adjunct procedure. Liposuction may be utilized to remove excess fat deposits in areas around the abdomen, flanks, or hips, enhancing the overall contouring results of the tummy tuck. However, liposuction is not an intrinsic part of the tummy tuck itself, and its inclusion depends on your specific needs and goals, as determined during consultation and planning.
Schedule your Lafayette Plastic Surgery consultation with Catherine McGee, MD, FACS. We are passionate about providing life-changing results through carefully customized treatment. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Catherine McGee, MD, FACS for an exceptionally empathetic, precise, and fulfilling treatment experience in Lafayette.