Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck is a popular procedure that creates a slim, well defined waistline by removing excess skin and fat, and repairing weak or separated abdominal muscles. Scars are generally hidden under the bikini line and around the belly button. Patients can feel confident again in swimwear and form fitting clothes.

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

Candidates for a tummy tuck are patients with healthy body weight, but excess abdominal skin and fat that won’t go away with exercise and diet.

Childbirth, aging, hereditary factors and weight fluctuations all contribute to sagging skin and a protuberant abdomen.

Mothers after child birth often experience persistent belly bulge despite exercise, which is due to a condition called rectus diastasis. Rectus diastasis occurs when the abdominal wall muscle fascia weakens between the rectus muscle (a.k.a six-pack muscle). Tummy tuck surgery corrects this by repairing this weakening.

Types of tummy tucks

Mini Abdominoplasty – tightens skin below the belly button only.
Full Abdominoplasty – tightens skin of the entire abdomen.
LipoAbdominoplasty – combines the benefits of liposuction and abdominoplasty to enhance the contour of the waist and thin the skin of the abdomen.

Expected Results

A tummy tuck with give you a flatter and tighter abdomen. Results are long lasting with a healthy diet and exercise. Some stretch marks are removed, however, the marks above the belly button usually remain.

Abdominoplasty – Before & After

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Procedure Details

The procedure is performed in an operating room under heavy sedation or general anesthesia and the lasts from 3-4 hours. An incision is designed to be concealed below your undergarment and around your belly button. Excess skin is removed and the tummy is contoured. The belly button is brought into its new position. If liposuction is needed it can also be performed to enhance the waist contour. Incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical drains are placed for about one week. A light dressing and compression garment is placed. Some patients prefer and overnight stay in the hospital.

Recovery

Patients typically experience pain, bruising, and swelling. You will be sore and unable to completely stand straight for about a week. An overnight stay in the hospital is recommended, however some patients choose to go home the same day. Patients usually return to work with activity restrictions in 1-2 weeks. Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 6 to 8 weeks. A compression garment is worn for about 4-6 weeks to decrease swelling. Full resolution of swelling can take about 6 months.

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Cost

A tummy tuck on average costs around $6,000 to $7,000. After consultation with Dr. Carpin, a personalized quote will be given for the procedure.

Risks

Most patients experience pain swelling, and a tightness after surgery. Additional risks will be discussed during consultation.

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FAQ

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

Tummy tuck surgery is safe to combine with other cosmetic procedures, like liposuction or breast augmentation. Some women prefer a tummy tuck while undergoing a hysterectomy.

Tummy tuck or liposuction?

During consultation Dr. Carpin will examine your midsection and determine if liposuction and/or a tummy tuck is needed. Important considerations include skin laxity, muscle weakening or muscle separation. If significant skin laxity or overhang is present, for instance, after major weight loss, a tummy tuck is recommended. If muscle weakening is present, a fully tummy tuck is needed to repair the muscle weakness.

When do we do both liposuction and tummy tuck?

Some patients have excess skin and excess fat. Careful liposuction can be performed to thin the abdominal fat and waistline improving the contour of the abdomen in a procedure called lipoabdominoplasty.

Liposuction alone is ideal for patients with good skin tone, no skin overhang, and no muscle weakness.

Should I wait after children to have a tummy tuck?

Dr. Carpin believes you should wait until you finished having children to have a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can re-stretch your skin and muscles.

How long does tummy tuck surgery swelling last?

Swelling after a tummy tuck decreases in the first 3 months, but final swelling may take 6 months to completely resolve and reveal the final contour.

What can I put on my scar to make it less noticeable?

Scar management begins as early as 2 weeks after surgery, once all the incisions have healed. Regular scar massage and application of silicone sheeting or gel can improve scar appearance. Avoidance of sun is also important to keep the scar from darkening. Dr. Carpin will routinely monitor your scar.