Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, Mexico​

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, Mexico

Are you finding it hard to maintain a slim and attractive midsection? If your answer is yes, then a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty may just be the thing for you. It is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the shape and appearance of the abdomen. A tummy tuck is a common procedure these days, in fact, it emerged as one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures undertaken worldwide in a global survey.

Mexico is one of the most inexpensive countries to get a tummy tuck done. The country boasts several modern medical centers and board-certified plastic surgeons providing affordable, high-quality treatment.

In this article, we will discuss all the necessary information you’ll need to know before undergoing a tummy tuck in Mexico. We will cover:

  • The average cost of a tummy tuck in Mexico and the U.S
  • What to expect during a tummy tuck
  • How a tummy tuck work
  • How to prepare for a tummy tuck procedure
  • Advantages and disadvantages of a tummy tuck
  • Tummy tuck after bariatric surgery
  • The overall results of a tummy tuck

Average Costs in Mexico and the U.S.

The cost of a tummy tuck depends on several factors, including the type of tummy tuck, surgeon’s experience, geographical location, and reputation of the clinic.

That being said, the average cost of a tummy tuck in Tijuana, Mexico is between $3000 and $6000 in total. Your surgeon will give you a final quote after reviewing your health questionnaire and photos.

Tummy tucks are generally more expensive in the U.S. and on average cost $6154 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). However, this average is only a fraction of the total cost and doesn’t include other expenses you may have, such as fees for medical tests, anesthesia, operating room facility, and post-surgical garments.

Average cost in the U.S.
$ 1
Starting cost in Mexico
$ 1
About Tummy Tucks

What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck

The main objective of a tummy tuck is to surgically tighten the abdominal connective tissue and muscles. The procedure is usually done in a hospital, licensed ambulatory surgical center, or an outpatient surgical facility.

You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery. The procedure is fairly quick and lasts between two and five hours depending on its complexity.

How it Works

During a tummy tuck, the surgeon surgically removes excess skin and fat, giving your midsection a smoother and more toned appearance. Here’s a quick guide to how a tummy tuck is done:

  • You’ll be placed under general anesthesia
  • The surgeon makes elliptical, oval, or horizontal-shaped incisions between your belly button and pubic hair. The incisions are made in a way that’ll preserve your belly button.
  • Your surgeon will then remove excess fat or skin and tighten your abdominal connective tissue and muscles with the aid of sutures.
  • Your belly button skin and the surrounding areas will then be repositioned to give your abdomen a slimmer appearance.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Once you decide to undergo a tummy tuck, you’ll need to make a few preparations that include consultations with your surgeon as well as making adjustments to your lifestyle.

Here are a few preparations you’ll need to make before your abdominoplasty procedure:

Maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle

You’ll need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight before a tummy tuck procedure, as this will help you achieve optimum results after the surgery. This is especially important because gaining weight after the procedure will diminish the overall result of the tummy tuck.

Consult your surgeon

It is also necessary to consult your surgeon or fill out a questionnaire before getting a tummy tuck. You’ll be required to provide information on your medical history, including allergies if you have any. You will also need to provide information on medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past.

Physical examination

You will then undergo a physical examination, during which your surgeon may take pictures of your abdomen for your medical records. This is also the ideal time to discuss your expectations for the surgery, as well as learn about its advantages and disadvantages.

Avoid certain medications and smoking

Another essential preparation you have to make before a tummy tuck is to avoid taking medications like aspirin, other anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as herbal supplements as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Additionally, it is necessary to quit smoking before the procedure, as it increases the risk of post-surgical complications. It alters the immune system, delays wound healing, and can increase the incidence of infections in the surgical area.

Pros & Cons

Advantages & Disadvantages of Getting a Tummy Tuck

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of getting a tummy tuck

Advantages

Getting a tummy tuck can improve your quality of life, especially if you are battling infections or low self-esteem due to excess fat and skin. 

Self Esteem

It improves your appearance and self-esteem

Skin Clarity

Helps eliminate stretch marks in the abdominal area, giving your skin a smoother appearance

Core Strength

Can help to improve your core strength, posture, and urinary incontinence issues

Flexibility

Can improve your overall flexibility

Posture

May lessen back pain due to improved posture post-surgery

Disadvantages

While an abdominoplasty is associated with several advantages, it also comes with some potential disadvantages. 

Recovery Period

You may experience significant pain during the first few days post-surgery. However, your doctor will prescribe you some medications to help manage this.

Abdominal Tightness

Your posture may be negatively impacted at first due to abdominal tightness. This should resolve after a few days and you should be able to resume work after 2-3 weeks

Scarring

It will leave a scar along your bikini line. Fortunately, scars typically fade over time

Maintenance

Results can be diminished by weight gain or pregnancy. It is therefore advisable to have this procedure after your family is complete.

Post-surgical complications

Post-surgical complications sometimes occur like seroma (fluid build-up in the surgical area), wound dehiscence or separation of wound edges, and infections. Additionally, an abdominoplasty (4%) is associated with a higher risk of complications compared to other cosmetic surgical procedures (1.4%).

Tummy Tuck After Bariatric Surgery

The term “bariatric surgery” collectively refers to procedures used to manage obesity and obesity-related conditions. Individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery often deal with functional and aesthetic problems, hence the importance of body contouring procedures like tummy tucks.

Following a bariatric surgery, a tummy tuck can help rid you of the excess skin which can limit your ability to move, exercise, and perform personal hygiene.

However, while a tummy tuck is a fairly safe procedure, research has shown that it is associated with a higher risk of complications in post-bariatric patients. As a result, these patients require meticulous preoperative considerations to ensure safety and minimize risks.

tummy tuck in tijuana mexico
Outcomes

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

A tummy tuck is worth it if you have completed your family or plan to maintain a stable weight. Additionally, it offers a wide range of benefits, from reducing back pain to managing urinary incontinence, and improving posture.

Tummy Tuck Results

The end result of a tummy tuck is a slimmer and more toned appearance. An abdominoplasty helps rid you of excess skin as well as tightening the abdominal connective tissue and muscles, with the end result being a more ideal body shape.

However, these results take time to show. They’ll become visible after about three months when your body has had time to heal.

Summary

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the shape and appearance of the abdominal area. It revives skin elasticity, can help you get rid of stretch marks, improves your posture, and lessens back pain.

It was one of the top five cosmetic procedures conducted worldwide in 2022. Mexico is one of the cheapest countries ($3000 to $6000) to get a tummy tuck done compared to the U.S. ($6154).

When preparing for a tummy tuck, it is necessary to discuss your expectations with your surgeon, learn the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure, avoid certain medications, and quit smoking.

While abdominoplasty is a fairly safe procedure, it is associated with a higher risk of complications in post-bariatric patients, so it’s especially important to take careful preoperative considerations in these cases.

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