Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. This procedure can also tighten stretched or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned midsection.
Pregnancy, natural aging and weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to become stretched and separated. These loose muscles often cause the abdomen to permanently protrude from the body, and it is next to impossible to completely repair these muscles through exercise. After the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, your abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve definition and shape in the midsection.
Patients who have achieved a healthy weight are often left with areas of fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be performed during the tummy tuck procedure to remove this stubborn fat and produce a more slender midsection.
Weight gain and pregnancy are nearly always accompanied by stretch marks as the skin expands. Stretch marks that appear on the skin of the lower abdomen are eliminated as this excess skin is removed.
Sagging skin, excess fat and weak muscles in the abdominal region can detract from a person’s self-confidence. Tummy tuck surgery can eliminate these problems to produce a flatter abdominal area.
Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are most effective in helping those with abdominal wall laxity and excess skin. Most commonly this is after weight loss and/or pregnancy.
There is no ideal age for a tummy tuck; however, it is best performed when an individual has reached a stable weight and does not plan any future pregnancies. It is also important that the patient is in good general health to minimize any surgical risks.
The results of a tummy tuck are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy.
The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you and your desires to help determine the cost of your procedure.
Health insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck if it is undergone solely for cosmetic purposes. However, your surgeon will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage. You may wish to contact your health insurance provider to learn the details of your coverage.
Mommy makeover is a tailored set of cosmetic procedures designed to address the physical changes that can linger after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A tummy tuck as part of this package helps restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state, while additional procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, and/or liposuction can rejuvenate other areas of the body. This customized approach ensures that each patient’s individual concerns are addressed, helping mothers feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
A standard abdominoplasty is performed through a low transverse abdominal incision. The placement of the incision is low on the abdomen, at or below the level of a standard C-section incision. The sutures utilized are absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed and are placed beneath the skin to minimize scarring. We continue to work closely with you after your surgery to improve your scars' final appearance.
Most patients are able to resume some form of exercise approximately three to four weeks after surgery. It usually takes a few more weeks before beginning more aggressive exercise such as running or core exercises. Our team works closely with each patient to get you back to full activity as soon as possible.