Tummy Tuck
Baton Rouge
An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, removes excess fat and skin while tightening abdominal muscles, resulting in a slimmer and more fit appearance. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. J. Anthony Stephens is known for his excellent results in customizing the tummy tuck procedure to each patient’s unique specifications and aesthetic goals, as each individual is different.
Whether you are looking to restore your figure after pregnancy or seeking the final step in your weight loss journey, Dr. Stephens designs every abdominoplasty procedure around the patient's unique needs and anatomy. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team to explore how a tailored abdominoplasty can help you achieve a well-toned abdomen and a renewed sense of self.
Removes loose skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles, and flattens the stomach area.
Most patients return to work within three weeks; strenuous exercise must be avoided for six weeks.
The surgical procedure typically lasts between two and five hours and is performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical center.
Featuring the Neo-Umbilicus technique for a more natural-looking belly button.
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A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to correct a protruding or sagging abdomen. While often confused with liposuction, tummy tuck surgery goes much further by addressing the structural integrity of the abdominal wall. Patients have several options depending on their needs, ranging from a mini tummy tuck for minor lower abdominal concerns to an extended tummy tuck for those who have experienced significant weight loss. The overall purpose of the procedure is to excise excess fat and skin while reinforcing the connective tissue and muscles to create a firmer, more contoured abdomen.
Dr. Stephens specializes in a range of advanced tummy tuck techniques. During your initial consultation, he will carefully assess your goals, medical history, and abdominal area to determine the best surgical approach for you.
During a typical tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Stephens places two incisions: one from hip bone to hip bone along the pubic line, and one around the navel. Once the underlying muscles are tightened and fat is removed, the skin is rewrapped and the navel is repositioned more naturally.
Some patients may also qualify for a partial or mini tummy tuck, which is similar to a full abdominoplasty — except a smaller incision is made and the navel does not have to be moved. This option can be discussed with Dr. Stephens during your consultation.
The umbilicus (the belly button) is an essential feature of the abdomen, and the way it looks after a tummy tuck can make or break the result of the surgery.
Dr. Stephens noticed that the scar around a woman’s belly button is a telltale sign of a tummy tuck, and began to develop and perfect a technique to resolve this issue: the neo-umbilicus technique. In this method, he sutures the abdominal wall from the abdomen’s top to the lower abdomen with a continuous running suture or stitches, not allowing for a herniation repair. This ensures a tight, smooth, flat contour with overall better restoration of the abdominal wall.
The neo-umbilicus technique allows the new belly button to be positioned in a more desired location on the abdomen. It doesn’t create scarring and it can be used in cases in which the original skin and tissue of the belly button cannot be preserved. It achieves excellent aesthetic results and high levels of satisfaction among patients. However, this technique can be less effective in very thin patients whose belly button remains flat due to the lack of fatty tissue.
It’s important to note that preserving the belly button during a tummy tuck is not an unacceptable method — but it is very unpredictable when it comes to scarring. Some patients’ belly buttons look great and the scar is hidden in the umbilicus, but some leave a hypertrophic scar that can’t be improved.
Instead of having a wonderful tummy tuck result with a bad-looking belly button, Dr. Stephens’s neo-umbilicus technique can achieve a beautiful tummy tuck and an aesthetically pleasing belly button.
The abdominoplasty procedure is highly effective at treating the "pooch" or protrusion caused by separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which is common after pregnancy. It also addresses the heavy folds of loose skin and fatty tissue that remain after significant weight loss or as a result of natural aging. For many women, it also removes or minimizes stretch marks located on the lower abdomen and improves the appearance of a distorted C-section scar.
A tummy tuck provides both cosmetic and functional improvements. Benefits include:
Although tummy tuck surgery can safely and effectively remove fat and tighten stomach contours, it’s important to note that this procedure is not a substitute for diet and exercise, nor is it a solution for weight loss. Dr. Stephens may encourage you to postpone surgery if you intend to lose weight, because weight loss can loosen stomach skin.
During your consultation, factors such as your health, medical history, cosmetic goals, and expectations will be evaluated to determine if an abdominoplasty in Baton Rouge is right for you. Typically, the best candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who:
Leading up to a tummy tuck procedure, patients may be asked to:
There’s no concrete answer for how long abdominoplasty recovery will take, as recovery time depends on the technique used, your age, and your overall health. In general, most patients return to work in about 3 weeks. It’s important to understand that recovery from a tummy tuck can take from a few weeks to a few months.
Most of our tummy tuck patients in Baton Rouge and Lafayette will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help with healing. Drains may also be placed to help collect fluids. Refrain from exercise and strenuous activities until Dr. Stephens clears you to resume. It’s normal to be swollen and bruised with mild discomfort after surgery, which is typically easily controlled with prescribed medication and following Dr. Stephens’s instructions.
He will provide you with post-surgical instructions to care for your incision sites while reducing the risk of infection or complications. Dr. Stephens will also take you step-by-step through what your recovery will entail.
Most patients see their final shape at 3-4 months, with results improving over the course of the year. While the tummy tuck procedure is designed to have long-lasting results, adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine can add longevity to your results.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for abdominal surgery requires finding someone who values precision and safety. Dr. J. Anthony Stephens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. His innovative Neo-Umbilicus technique and commitment to safety and patient-focused care have made him a trusted name in the Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas. In our private, AAAASF-accredited surgical center, you are more than just a patient. You are treated like family.
At Stephens Plastic Surgery, the journey to a more contoured and confident you begins with their tummy tuck procedure, which is priced in the range of $9,000 to $13,000. The team at Stephens Plastic Surgery understands that investing in your appearance is an important decision, and we are dedicated to making it attainable for everyone. To accommodate varying financial situations, we offer flexible financing options, ensuring that you can achieve your desired results without financial strain.
A standard tummy tuck procedure addresses both the upper and lower portions of the abdomen. A mini tummy tuck differs from the standard in that it is specifically designed to treat the lower region of the stomach, which usually means the area spanning from the navel all the way down to the pubic region. While some may believe that the name ‘mini’ means that the procedure involves smaller incisions, they are actually no smaller than the incisions of a standard tummy tuck procedure.
A mini tummy tuck is most often recommended for women who are already content with the overall shape of their bodies and simply want to treat issues that have developed following a pregnancy, such as muscle separation. While getting a C-section might seem like a good way to avoid these issues, the truth is that C-section scars can cause a bulge in the area that will also require treatment. A tummy tuck is designed to treat these issues without leaving any noticeable scars, as all of the incisions are made within the underwear line.
A tummy tuck is commonly performed with other procedures to achieve a more dramatic rejuvenation, including breast augmentation, additional liposuction, a butt lift, and others.
A tummy tuck leaves a scar from hip to hip, low enough on the abdomen to be hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom. The scar should fade as it heals and become a thin white line.
The amount of weight lost with a tummy tuck depends on the extent of the surgical procedure. Patients typically lose less than five pounds. However, if the amount of loose skin is more extensive, the amount of weight loss may be between five and ten pounds, possibly more.
Because cosmetic procedures aren’t typically covered by insurance, and a tummy tuck is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered unless it is deemed medically necessary, usually after significant weight loss.
While a tummy tuck carries the risks of any other major cosmetic surgery, it is generally considered a relatively safe procedure when performed by a knowledgeable, experienced, double-board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Stephens.
You will still be able to have children after a tummy tuck, but the pregnancy may undo the results of your surgery. Dr. Stephens recommends waiting to have a tummy tuck until you know you are done having children.
While these procedures can be performed in conjunction with each other, they are quite different. Patients who are struggling with loose skin and weakened stomach muscles should have a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck targets excess or hanging skin and small pockets of fat to contour the waistline and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Liposuction simply removes unwanted fat.
Getting a tummy tuck while obese is generally not recommended, as it can carry higher risks. Doctors often advise losing weight before considering the procedure.
Yes, you can lose weight after a tummy tuck through diet and exercise, but the surgery itself is primarily for cosmetic purposes, not for weight loss. Candidates typically have excess skin or abdominal muscle laxity but are otherwise at a normal body weight.
It is usually possible to walk after a tummy tuck, but it may be uncomfortable and require taking it easy for a period as advised by your surgeon.
Yes, a tummy tuck can tighten abdominal muscles as part of the procedure to create a firmer and flatter abdomen.
Yes, men can and do get tummy tucks to improve their abdominal appearance, especially after significant weight loss.
Tummy tucks can be effective in removing excess skin and fat and tightening abdominal muscles, but results can vary from person to person. It's essential to have realistic expectations and consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if it's suitable for your goals.
