Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty

Serving clients near Mansfield, Arlington, Fort Worth & Dallas, Texas

What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures performed by Dr. Michael Thornton?

There are varying degrees of a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery procedures that Dr. Michael L. Thornton performs at Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center. No two tummy tuck surgeries are alike.  This determination is dependent upon the amount of loose skin, underlying fat, stretch marks, abdominal scars, and the laxity of your underlying abdominal muscles at the time of your tummy tuck consultation.

For patients whose underlying abdominal muscles have minimal weakness and minimal loose skin-especially if isolated to the lower abdomen below the belly button, then a mini tummy tuck may be considered.   In contrast, individuals with moderate to severe amounts of loose skin, stretch marks, and abdominal wall weakness will benefit from a full traditional abdominoplasty procedure.  Following successful bariatric surgery or after massive weight loss, patients with considerable skin excess may be an excellent candidate for an extended abdominoplasty or a fleur-de-lis vertical abdominoplasty to remove excessive and redundant skin in the midline.

Dr. Michael Thornton specializes in performing the following tummy tuck surgery procedures:

Traditional abdominoplasty
Mini tummy tuck
Umbilical float mini tummy tuck
Mommy makeover tummy tuck
Avelar lipoabdominoplasty
Reverse tummy tuck
Revision or secondary abdominoplasty
Diastasis recti repair
Abdominoplasty scar revision
Post bariatric Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty

Can Dr. Thornton perform liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck?

Yes, it is possible to undergo simultaneous liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs or pubic region to compliment the abdominoplasty procedure.  This combination procedure–tummy tuck with liposuction–is also known as a lipoabdominoplasty.

Does Dr. Thornton perform the Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty for massive weight loss patients?

Yes, Dr. Thornton performs fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty surgery for patients following significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.  Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (aka a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck)  is a highly specialized tummy tuck technique typically used in post-bariatric patients after significant weight loss to remove skin both horizontally and vertically.  This technique creates two separate scars: one horizontal across the lower abdomen and one vertical along the midline, with the final scar resulting in an upside down “T.”

Does Dr. Thornton perform revision or re-do abdominoplasty procedures?

Yes, if you are unhappy with your previous abdominoplasty result, Dr. Thornton will be happy to see you for a complimentary consultation to review your abdominoplasty revision options.  Previous unsuccessful abdominoplasty with the development of scar widening, dog-ear deformity, recurrence of the muscular diastasis defect, or the development of an abdominal hernia are all reasons you may need revision abdominoplasty.

What can I expect during my tummy tuck consultation?

During your tummy tuck consultation, you will meet privately and exclusively with Dr. Michael Thornton where you will collectively share in the decision making process about your personal needs, desires, and expectations.  Dr. Thornton will complete a thorough medical history and perform a careful examination, including the identification of underlying hernias and location of previous scars. Most importantly, he will formulate a personal surgical plan that is best suited for your body anatomy.

The complexity and extent of the abdominoplasty surgery depends on the amount of excess skin, amount of fat and the laxity of the underlying abdominal muscles. In circumstances where there is minimal weakening of the muscle with minimal skin excess, a mini tummy tuck may be best suited. In addition, for those individuals requiring liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks, a lipoabdominoplasty may be performed to provide the best aesthetic result.

What is the recovery time following a tummy tuck?

Your recovery time following a tummy tuck will vary based upon the complexity of procedures performed on your body. Dr. Thornton will provide you with a better timeline during your consultation, but patients generally require 10-14 days to return to minimal activity.  You can expect a full recovery following a tummy tuck by 4-6 months.

Where can I see Before and After photos of tummy tuck procedures?

Dr. Thornton has extensive body photo galleries with before and after photos of various abdominoplasty procedures including mini tummy tuck, tummy tucks, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, and lipoabdominoplasty.

Where will my tummy tuck surgery take place?

All tummy tuck – abdominoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia at Baylor Surgicare at Mansfield, a AAAHC certified out-patient surgery center, located in Mansfield, Texas. On average, your procedure will take 3 – 6  hours to complete, depending upon the complexity of the case or if additional liposuction or simultaneous breast surgery (mommy makeover) will be performed. Furthermore, all tummy tuck procedures are performed using general anesthesia as provided by board-certified anesthesiologists and certified anesthesia providers.  Dr. Thornton does not perform ‘awake’ tummy tuck – abdominoplasty.

Want to know more?  Review more of our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for abdominoplasty