Tummy Tuck

The final incision lines will be around the belly button (umbilicus) and a low horizontal incision hidden in the underwear line. The umbilical incision is usually placed in a manner so that it is hidden from view.

Most patients who require a tummy tuck also have a laxity in their abdominal wall muscles, mainly their rectus abdominus or “six-pack” muscles. This laxity or weakness is often caused by weight gain followed by weight loss or pregnancy, both of which stretch the tissue out that holds the two muscles in the center. This is known as diastasis recti and repair of this occurs during the tummy tuck procedure by placing stitches to bring the muscles back into the center, giving you a tighter, flatter abdomen.

When the upper abdominal skin is pulled down tight, the normal position of the belly button (umbilicus) is marked on the skin. An oval shaped incision is made and the umbilicus is pulled through and sutured to the surrounding skin to re-create a normal, natural appearing belly button.

Patients who have the best results from an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are those who have excess lower abdominal skin with a significant degree of laxity or looseness. Also patients who have a large degree of ab muscle separation or rectus diastasis are also good candidates. Your weight should be stable for 3-6 months prior to surgery and you should not be planning on having any further pregnancies.

We understand that life happens, and plans change. While we recommend you being done with your child bearing years to prevent recurrence of the excess skin and muscle laxity, your body can adapt to accommodate the changes without significant issues.

The short answer is YES! A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is very often combined with liposuction to improve the contour and shape of your body an accentuate your natural curves. A “mommy make-over” often combines a tummy tuck, liposuction, and some sort of breast procedure (lift, augmentation, reduction, etc) and can all be done safely, with one operating room trip.

Most patients state it is less painful than a cesarian section with more soreness from the abdominal wall tightening than anything at the incisions. They often equate it to “doing 1000 sit ups at once.” During the surgery, a long-acting local anesthetic is injected into the abdominal wall that can help alleviate most of the worst discomfort for the first 2-3 days, where the inflammation is peaking. This has made a huge change in the patients’ comfort level and ability to return to normal activities sooner.

You will be placed in compression garment after surgery that will help with swelling and encourage proper skin contraction. You’ll be asked to walk and lay/sleep in a slightly crouched or hunched position to take tension off the lower abdominal skin incisions for the first 2-3 weeks until the skin slightly relaxes, and the incisions begin to heal. Lastly, to allow the abdominal muscles that were tightened to heal in their proper positions, you’ll be restricted from any heavy lifting (>15lbs) for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Most patients are encouraged to take at least 1 week off of all work related activities (including emails, phone calls, conferences etc) to allow themselves a chance to heal and wean off of any narcotic pain medications that may be needed. However, some patients have felt well enough to return to a light duty work as early as 3-4 days after surgery. We do not recommend returning to any active duty work (lifting, long periods of standing/walking, etc) until cleared by the doctor.

The cost of a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty starts from $5500 - $6500 depending on your needs, and will increase based on the extent and amount of skin removed, not including OR, implant or anesthesia fees.