Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Research and Compare

Local Board Certified Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Snapshot

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

$4,000 – $20,000
1-5 hours
2-4 weeks

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)  Surgeons


Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty surgery is a plastic surgery procedure performed on the abdomen which is intended to remove access fat and skin. It also strengthens weak or damaged muscle around the abdominal wall creating a sleeker body profile to the patient. Excess and sagging skin may develop around the abdominal wall due to many factors which include pregnancy and major weight loss. Sometimes this tissue does not respond to dieting and exercise, in these particular cases, tummy tucks are an ideal solution to removing that excess skin. Tummy Tucks are considered major surgeries and are usually conducted by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgeries

As stated above, there are two types of tummy tuck surgeries, the full tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty and the mini tummy tuck or the partial abdominoplasty. Both procedures are intended to remove excess skin around the abdomen and create a sleeker look for the patient.

How Tummy Tuck Surgery is Performed

There are two types of tummy tuck procedures, both are performed similar to one another. A full tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty is performed by making a large incision above the pubic area of the patient from hip to hip and a smaller incision around the naval freeing it from the surrounding skin. Next, the skin is pulled back from the abdominal wall revealing the muscle below. The abdominal wall is then tightened and strengthened by suturing the loose muscle tissue together. Excess fat is sometimes removed with liposuction before the skin is stretched back over the abdominal wall. The excess skin is removed, a new hole is made for the naval and any remaining incisions are stitched back into place. During the mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty, a much smaller incision is made above the pubic area and the procedure in general is much less invasive. The mini tummy tuck is intended to remove excess skin below the naval whereas the full tummy tuck removes skin from both above and below the naval.

Length of Procedure and Required Treatments

Both the full tummy tuck and the mini tummy tuck require only a single operation. The procedures will vary in accordance to the particular patient receiving the treatment. Typically a full tummy tuck will take anywhere from 1-5 hours whereas a mini tummy tuck will rarely exceed 2 hours and is usually done in about an hour.

Recovering from Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery and requires an extensive period of time for recovery. Make sure you have a loved one who can drive you home after the surgery; you will be very groggy from the medication and or anesthesia. The first couple of weeks after a tummy tuck surgery require you to restrict yourself to light activities. There will be a lot of swelling during this period which will gradually decrease over time. Although it is painful to walk around, it is recommended that you do so regularly in order to prevent any blood clots from forming. You should expect to be back at work from 2-4 weeks but don’t do any heavy lifting until at least 2 months. You will also have a scar above your pubic area from where the initial incision was made. Make sure to clean this wound regularly in order to avoid infection. With tummy tuck surgery, as with all procedures, it is imperative that you consult with your plastic surgeon before and after your procedure. Every patient and procedure is different as will be their individual risks and recovery time.

Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery performed by a skilled plastic surgeon is relatively safe although it must be noted that there are some key risks to consider before having one performed on you or a loved one. Some of the risks include infection to the wound, bleeding under your skin, numbness, an off-center belly button and in some extremely rare cases the belly button may be lost completely. It is important you speak with your surgeon about these risks before having your surgery.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck procedures vary greatly in their cost and are affected by the geographical area, the plastic surgeon, and the extent of the operation per the individual patient. The typical cost of tummy tuck surgery can range anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

Are you a candidate for tummy tuck surgery? Many people confuse tummy tuck surgery with liposuction. Although the two are often used in conjunction, tummy tucks are geared towards tightening loose skin and muscle, not removing fat. Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are people in relatively good health who have excess skin tissue they wish to get rid of. The most common causes of this are multiple pregnancies and major weight loss. Many people who receive bariatric surgery often find themselves with a large amount of excess skin due to their weight loss that they cannot get rid of with dieting and exercise alone. Even the natural aging process can cause extra skin tissue to sag from the body. Anyone who fits these symptoms is an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery.

How to Find Board Certified Tummy Tuck Surgeons Near You

Choosing the right tummy tuck surgeon can be a daunting task. Surgeons vary greatly in skill, experience and price. It is imperative that you speak with more than 1 surgeon before having a surgery performed on you. Don’t just shop for the best price, although a well priced surgery is a bonus, it is important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon you choose and confident that they will do the job right. Visit our tummy tuck surgeon directory for 5 Star Surgeon Network Approval Rated™ Surgeons near You.