Tummy Tuck with Dr. Bennett Fontenot
In this Weiler Medical Minute, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bennett Fontenot discusses tummy tucks, what they entail, and what to expect from recovery. Listen below to learn more!
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
4212 Bluebonnet Blvd Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone: (225) 399-0001
Mon - Thur: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
240 Laurel St Suite 101
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 399-0011
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
2545 Veterans Avenue
Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: (985) 902-7770
Mon - Thur: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
921 South Range Avenue
Denham Springs, LA 70726
Phone: (225) 900-7002
Mon: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tue - Wed: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thur: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
1431 Ochsner Blvd Suite B
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 590-3488
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
5000 Ambassador Caffery Parkway Building 1 Suite 101
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 504-7374
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy Building M, Suite 1
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 443-2920
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
3440 Division Street Suite G
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 208-4454
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
2053 Gause Blvd Suite 250
Slidell, LA 70461
Phone: (985) 646-8222
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Weiler Plastic Surgery Group
14374 Old Jefferson Hwy
Prairieville, LA 70769
Phone: (225) 399-0005
Mon: 7:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tue: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wed: 7:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thur: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri: 7:00 a.m.–4 p.m.
At Weiler Plastic Surgery Group, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, in Baton Rouge, Covington, Slidell, Lafayette, and Metairie to help patients from New Orleans and throughout Louisiana attain the contoured look they envision for themselves. It may be the most effective solution when abdominal skin and muscles don’t bounce back after pregnancy or other major weight loss.
Procedure Snapshot:
Anesthesia:
General
Recovery Time:
2 weeks
Length of surgery:
2 to 5 hours
Type of surgery:
Outpatient
Post-op checks:
1 to 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that improves the appearance of the abdominal area. Our surgeons personalize this procedure for each patient’s unique anatomy and cosmetic goals to provide the following benefits:
- Tightening lax, wrinkled abdominal skin
- Flattening a belly bulge by repairing stretched, separated abdominal muscles
- Contouring the waist and hips
- Reshaping the belly button
- Reducing stretch marks
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Baton Rouge & New Orleans, Louisiana?
At Weiler Plastic Surgery, our surgeons customize tummy tuck surgery based on the needs of each patient. That’s why we provide a specific price quote only after you consult with a surgeon who can discuss your goals and conduct a physical exam. It is worth noting that tummy tuck surgery has a 97% “worth it” rating on the RealSelf website. You can read our blog post to learn more about the price range of tummy tuck surgery and what the cost includes. We offer financing options for qualified patients to make cosmetic plastic surgery accessible to as many people as possible.
Are You a Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Women and men visit our plastic surgeons for tummy tuck surgery to renew their midsections after pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging. Good candidates for this body contouring procedure are:
- In good physical and emotional health
- At or near their target weight
- Not planning future pregnancies
How Do You Find the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon in Louisiana?
In Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and throughout Louisiana, there are plenty of plastic surgery practices. Choosing an experienced tummy tuck expert is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Weiler Plastic Surgery Group, our board-certified plastic surgeons are body contouring specialists with exceptional training. View the results in our before and after photo gallery and read reviews from past patients posted on reputable, third-party websites before choosing a surgeon.
Can I Combine Tummy Tuck Surgery With Other Procedures?
Combining a tummy tuck with other procedures can address multiple concerns in one surgery. After pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding, women may choose Mommy Makeover surgery to rejuvenate the tummy, breasts, and other areas. After bariatric surgery, a tummy tuck may be combined with an arm lift and thigh lift for an even greater improvement.
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Winner for 4 straight years
Best Plastic Surgeon In Baton Rouge
For the third year in a row, you made Weiler Plastic Surgery your choice for Best Plastic Surgeon in 225 Magazine's "Best of 225" awards. More than 14,000 Capital Region residents cast their votes, selecting us as the team they trust to enhance their natural beauty and ensure they feel at home each step of the way.
225 Magazine's 17th Annual "Best Of 225" Awards
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#1 BOTOX® Provider in Louisiana
& Top 20 Allergan Provider
Weiler Plastic Surgery is proud to be recognized as Louisiana's leading BOTOX provider in 2023 and a 2022 Top 20 Allergan Provider nationwide.
Our team of experienced injectors is among the best, and we're delighted to partner with Allergan to bring you trusted products such as BOTOX, JUVÉDERM®, CoolSculpting®, and Natrelle® breast implants. Experience for yourself why Weiler Plastic Surgery remains one of the nation's top aesthetic practices today!
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Our surgeons perform abdominoplasty as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. They typically place an incision that spans between the hip bones just above the pubic area and a second incision that traces the inner navel. After separating the skin from the inner tissues, your surgeon repairs the abdominal muscles if necessary. Your surgeon also performs aggressive liposuction of the belly, hips, waist, and lower back—a comprehensive approach often referred to as 360 Lipo—to contour the entire midsection and create a more sculpted silhouette. Your surgeon completes the procedure by smoothing the outer skin down, inserting the navel through its new location in the tightened skin, trimming excess lax skin, and closing the incisions.
During the surgery, two thin tubes called surgical drains are inserted through the incision to remove excess fluid from the treated areas, accelerating healing and reducing swelling.
Our Talented Team of Plastic Surgeons
Our board-certified plastic surgeons bring years of experience and dedication to personalized care to the men and women of Louisiana. Founder Dr. Jonathan Weiler is known for his advanced surgical expertise, extensive knowledge, and warm demeanor. His fellow surgeons similarly bring exceptional surgical talent and a unique understanding of their patients' needs. Together, they share a vision of enriching and improving their patients' lives.
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Dr. Jonathan Weiler is a New Orleans native, and one of the most highly regarded plastic surgeons in Louisiana and the U.S. Under his leadership, the Weiler Plastic Surgery Group grew from a single-location practice to one with offices throughout southern Louisiana.
Get to Know Dr. Weiler
Dr. M'liss Hogan is a perfectionist who brings a mother’s unique perspective to plastic surgery. Dr. Hogan honed her surgical skills during a 3-year cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She specializes in body contouring and breast enhancement procedures.
Get to Know Dr. Hogan
Dr. Daniel Womac combines experience, exceptional surgical skills, and a compassionate bedside manner to create a positive patient experience. He is a cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery specialist with advanced training in microsurgery.
Get to Know Dr. Womac
Dr. Mary Ghere was originally an art student at Tulane University, which contributed to her advanced aesthetic sense in the operating room, where she creates attractive, natural-looking results. Her patients appreciate her compassion and the perspective she brings as the mother of five children.
Get to Know Dr. Ghere
Dr. Bennett Fontenot uses his advanced surgical training to specialize in complex breast and full-body reconstruction procedures, in addition to cosmetic body contouring, breast enhancement, and facial rejuvenation surgery. A native of Lafayette, he returned to Louisiana after completing a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Texas in Houston.
Get to Know Dr. FontenotHow Long Does It Take To Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
While recovery rates vary, most patients are ready to return to work and daily activities within 2 weeks. You will need an adult friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and help you out for the first few days. Because a non-opioid medication called EXPAREL® is applied to the surgical area during surgery, pain is typically well controlled for the first 72 hours.
Help the Healing Process
While you may not be able to stand fully upright initially, it is important to get up and walk slowly as soon as the evening of your surgery or the next morning. Light walking promotes circulation and facilitates the healing process.
You will need to wear a surgical body-shaping garment at all times for the first 2 weeks and then as much as possible for 4 to 6 weeks. The constant gentle pressure minimizes swelling and encourages smooth contours as your body heals.
Your surgeon may also recommend postsurgical lymphatic drainage treatments with Ballancer®Pro to improve your comfort and healing.
Check in With Your Doctor
You will return for your first post-op check a day or 2 after surgery so we can remove your dressings and examine the incisions. Drains are usually removed at the 1-week post-op visit.
Return to Your Workout Routine
You will need to hold off on strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
Enjoy a Few Perks
For one full year following your surgery, we invite you to enjoy special discounts and rewards through our Post-Op Perks program.
Will I Have a Scar After a Tummy Tuck?
While scars are unavoidable, our plastic surgeons take special care to place the tummy tuck incision where it can be concealed by underwear and swimsuits. The vast majority of patients say that the scar is worth it in exchange for the impressive improvements they gain.
Frequently Asked Questions in Louisiana
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What weight do you have to be to get a tummy tuck?
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The ideal weight for a tummy tuck is typically within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight, as future fluctuations can affect your results. More important than weight, however, is your body mass index. Most plastic surgeons recommend that patients have a BMI of 30 or lower before getting a tummy tuck.
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Does tummy tuck surgery include love handles?
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No, a standard tummy tuck does not generally include the love handles. However, adding liposuction to your treatment plan can address these stubborn fat deposits. In addition, choosing an extended tummy tuck can smooth the flanks and hips in addition to contouring the abdomen.
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How many sizes do you drop after a tummy tuck?
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Many tummy tuck patients see a drop of 2 to 3 clothing sizes after surgery, but results vary depending on how much excess skin and fat are removed. While the procedure isn’t for weight loss, it can create a flatter, firmer midsection and help clothes fit more comfortably. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you enjoy your results for years to come.
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How do you afford tummy tuck surgery?
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Most patients pay for tummy tuck surgery using payment plans through trusted financing partners, personal loans, or FSA/HSA funds for qualifying expenses like postop medications. Tummy tuck surgery isn’t covered by insurance, so many people use flexible financing options to make the procedure more manageable over time.
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How many years does a tummy tuck last?
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Tummy tuck results can last many years, depending on factors like weight stability, aging, and pregnancy. Maintaining a consistent weight and a healthy lifestyle helps preserve your flatter, firmer midsection over time.
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How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or liposuction?
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You may need a tummy tuck if you have skin laxity and muscle separation in the abdomen, while liposuction may be better for you if you have localized pockets of fat. If you’re wondering whether lipo or a tummy tuck is better for your needs, we recommend coming in for a personal consultation. The good news is: we nearly always combine tummy tuck with liposuction for our patients from the New Orleans area.
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How do I reduce the appearance of tummy tuck scars?
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You can minimize the appearance of tummy tuck scars by avoiding excess sun exposure, applying silicone creams and gels, and following all postoperative instructions. If you’re wondering whether scars are noticeable or hidden after a tummy tuck, you may be relieved to learn that our plastic surgeons take as much care as possible to place the incision as low and discreet as possible, so that it is hardly noticeable even in swimwear or underwear.
Next Step
Finding the best tummy tuck surgeon in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or Lafayette, Louisiana, is the first step in getting the firmer, flatter abdomen you want. Request a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons by using the online form or calling us at (225) 399-0001 to schedule an appointment.
