Tummy Tuck in New Orleans, LA | Abdominoplasty

Dr. Stephen E. Metzinger performs advanced tummy tuck procedures at his office in New Orleans, LA. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, he helps people transform their bodies with stunning results and minimal scarring. If a patient has stubborn fat deposits or excess skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, our surgeon can help them get a firmer, more youthful abdomen. Dr. Metzinger is a top specialist in body contouring due to his extensive experience and full dedication to patient safety and satisfaction.

Table of Contents

What is
Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdominal area. It involves removing excess tissue and tightening the belly muscles to create a flatter, firmer, and more toned stomach. A tummy tuck requires an incision just above the pubic area, through which the corrections are performed. On average, a full abdominoplasty takes 2-5 hours to complete. The main result of this surgery is a more defined waistline and contoured abdomen.

View Our Tummy Tucks Before & After

Full Tummy Tuck

This standard procedure targets loose skin and fat in the middle and lower abdomen between the belly button and pubic area. Dr. Metzinger makes a hip-to-hip incision to remove excess tissue. The surgeon also tightens the separated abdominal muscles and repositions the belly button to ensure that the midsection looks beautiful and proportionate.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini-tummy tuck focuses only on the lower abdomen below the navel. It requires a smaller incision and targets more minor fat deposits and skin laxity in that part of the belly. A mini tummy tuck causes less scarring than a full procedure. The belly button remains in its place.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

A reverse tummy tuck specifically addresses loose skin and fat in the upper abdomen between the rib cage and navel, which is sometimes needed after major weight loss. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision under the breasts and removes excess tissue just from the upper abdominal area. The belly button is not touched.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure that targets the middle and lower abdomen, flanks, hips, and lower back. A long incision goes from hip to hip and wraps the body in the lower back. Another cut is made around the belly button to reposition it. The muscles are tightened to make the abdomen firmer. This surgery produces dramatic results but leaves extensive scarring.

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty involves a vertical incision down the middle abdomen and the traditional horizontal hip-to-hip cut. This technique enables the surgeon to contour both the vertical line of the abdomen and the horizontal area between the hips. It is used to address severe sagging.

Consultation & Preparation for Tummy Tuck

Before a tummy tuck, the patient schedules a consultation with Dr. Metzinger to discuss their goals and determine if they are a good candidate. The surgeon evaluates the person’s health, reviews their medical history, and examines the abdominal region. If the patient is approved for the tummy tuck, Dr. Metzinger explains the procedure, expected recovery time, potential risks and complications, and costs.

The patient is given pre-operative instructions to follow in the weeks leading up to surgery:

Making diet and lifestyle modifications

Stopping certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risks

Arranging transportation home from our surgical center

Preparing a recovery space with pillows and comfortable clothing.

Getting laboratory testing done

Stocking up on recommended post-operative supplies

The Tummy Tuck
Procedure

Anesthesia

The tummy tuck procedure involves general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the operation. Our anesthesiologist uses intravenous medications designed to achieve a controlled loss of consciousness. This allows the patient to be fully asleep and without sensation during the procedure while we carefully monitor vital signs.

Incisions

Dr. Metzinger selects the most appropriate incision techniques to achieve the patient’s cosmetic goals. He can perform a full tummy tuck, making a cut across the lower abdomen to pull the skin taut. Dr. Metzinger may also use the extended technique for more comprehensive results in the flanks and lower back. During the fleur-de-lis procedure, he makes openings in the lower chest to remove additional skin and fat. The locations and angles of Dr. Metzinger’s incisions depend on the degree of sagging and patient preferences.

Muscle Repair

Before removing excess fat, the surgeon may repair the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), including the obliques. This helps achieve a flatter, tighter, and more toned abdominal profile. The muscles are brought closer together, narrowing the waistline.

Skin and Fat Removal

Excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower abdomen to contour the stomach. Unwanted tissues can also be eliminated from the flanks, lower back, and upper belly. The remaining skin is stretched taut.

Belly Button Repositioning

The belly button is detached through the circular incision around it. The surgeon inserts the navel in a natural-looking position higher on the abdominal wall to match the improved body contour. The belly button is left untouched during a reverse and mini tummy tuck.

Closing Incisions

Dr. Metzinger closes the incisions with sophisticated barbed sutures that do not require tying knots. Over time, the incision lines heal and become less visible.

Recovery
After Tummy Tuck Surgery

The recovery period after a tummy tuck lasts several weeks. The abdomen is swollen and sore during the first 7 days, so pain medication is used to manage discomfort. Patients wear an abdominal binder for 4-6 weeks, providing support and compression. The first few days should be dedicated to resting, proper care of incisions, and slowly increasing mobility by walking short distances.

After 1-2 weeks, patients can return to light activity, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least 6 weeks to allow the internal incisions and muscle repairs to fully heal. Most people take nearly 14 days off from work.

Skin numbness often occurs after surgery and usually fades over the next several months. Complete healing can take up to a year. Therefore, the final results are not visible during the early stages of recovery. Following all post-operative instructions carefully allows patients to heal properly and achieve their desired outcomes.

To be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, the patient should:

Be in good overall health

Have sagging skin or fat deposits in the abdomen

Be able to undergo anesthesia and heal properly from the surgery

Not smoke or be willing to quit it for at least one month before the procedure

Be at a stable weight since losing or gaining a large mass (25 pounds or more) could undermine the results of abdominoplasty

Not plan to become pregnant after a tummy tuck, as this could reverse the effects of the procedure

Have realistic expectations

Pursue plastic surgery to improve their appearance and self-esteem, not because someone else has pressured them

During the initial consultation, Dr. Metzinger reviews the patient’s medical history and examines their belly to determine if they qualify for abdominoplasty.

Tummy tucks are among the top 3 most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. More than 170,000 abdominoplasties were performed in 2023. When diet and exercise fail to tighten sagging skin, many people undergo plastic surgery for a flatter abdomen.
Benefits of a tummy tuck procedure include:

Removes loose skin that creates an overhanging pouch

Tightens weak or separated muscles to achieve a smoother, firmer abdominal profile

Creates a more youthful, contoured shape around the waistline

Boosts self-confidence and satisfaction with appearance

Allows clothes to fit better in the midsection

Results are long-lasting if patients maintain their weight and do not give birth

Reduces the appearance of stretch marks, especially those below the navel

Cost of Tummy Tucks
in Metairie & New Orleans

The cost of tummy tucks in Metairie & New Orleans ranges from $4,500 to $17,000, depending on the type of abdominoplasty, surgeon’s fee, anesthesia costs, operating room expenses, and additional procedures (lab testing and follow-ups). Patients considering a tummy tuck should understand what aspects influence the price when budgeting and planning the procedure.

The type of tummy tuck is the main factor in calculating the costs. Fleur-de-lis and extended abdominoplasties are on the higher end, while mini procedures are more affordable. The doctor’s expertise and qualifications also affect pricing. A tummy tuck performed by more experienced board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Metzinger typically requires more expenses. However, it is worth the additional cost because patients get the best results and top-level care.

Aesthetic Surgical Associates provides various financing options to make the procedure more affordable. Patients can use CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to achieve stunning transformations with maximum comfort.

What Makes Our Tummy Tucks Different From Others?

People seeking advanced body contouring and personalized care should consider Aesthetic Surgical Associates because we are the leaders in cosmetic surgery in Louisiana. Dr. Stephen E. Metzinger is the only triple-board-certified plastic surgeon in the state. He is widely known for his precision, artistry, and commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. Dr. Metzinger’s credentials, experience, and dedication to cosmetic procedures are unmatched.

Our caring, supportive staff treats patients like family, guiding them through every step of their transformative journey. From initial consultations to surgery at our AAAHC-accredited center, people receive attentive, individualized care rooted in a genuine desire to improve their well-being. Aesthetic Surgical Associates is a top destination because we provide the highest-quality tummy tucks in Metairie and New Orleans.

Tummy Tuck in New Orleans, LA | Abdominoplasty

What is
Tummy Tuck?

View Our Tummy Tucks Before & After