Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure which removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. It is indicated for individuals who, through weight gain and loss or pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. A waistline which is hidden under excess skin can be recreated. The clothing which simply could not fit over the excess skin may fit more comfortably or may even need to be a size smaller following recovery from a tummy tuck. The best candidates are healthy, in good physical condition, and have loose skin with or without pockets of fat which have not responded to diet and exercise. Individuals who have an abdominoplasty often have an enhanced self-confidence from their improved appearance.

The abdominoplasty surgery is generally performed as an out-patient procedure at a hospital or surgicenter.  Although general anesthesia is usually required, it may be possible to have the surgery under local anesthesia with sedation depending on the extent of the procedure planned.  During the surgery an incision is made just above the pubic area (in the area where C-Section scars usually lie).  This incision may extend from hip to hip or may be much shorter.  The exact length of the incision will depend on the amount of loose, overhanging skin which needs to be removed.  The incision and subsequent scar often are easily hidden under a bikini and, in some cases, even under a string bikini.  In a full abdominoplasty, there will be a second incision around the umbilicus (belly button) to enable removal of all of the skin below the level of the umbilicus.  The abdominal muscles are then tightened to give the abdomen a flatter contour.  The umbilicus will be brought out through the skin in a new location once the lower incision is closed.  Since the skin is removed below the original belly button, A tummy tuck can remove most of the stretch marks below this level.  However, the stretch marks above the belly button or on other areas of the abdomen will remain.  Depending on the amount of loose, hanging skin, a mini-abdominoplasty may be indicated.  In this case, the incision is usually shorter, and there is no incision around the belly button.  An abdominoplasty often takes about 3 hours.  A mini-abdominoplasty may take approximately 2 hours.

Once your surgery is done, you should expect some soreness, stiffness, swelling, and possible bruising.  Although the amount of discomfort varies greatly between different individuals, it is not usually severe.  Some people need prescription pain medication; others feel fine with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.  The incision is usually closed with sutures which dissolve on their own.  However, in some cases a few stitches may need to be removed in a few days.  The incisions will be covered with small tapes in order to minimize tension on the incision and facilitate healing.  A compression garment (like a girdle) will be required for a few weeks.  The garment helps to minimize the swelling and bruising and may speed recovery.  Lymphatic massage is recommended and can also aid in speeding recovery and eliminating swelling.  Once the incision is sufficiently healed, scar treatments will be recommended in order to improve the appearance of the scar.  Most of our abdominoplasty client are back to work in 1-2 weeks.  However, strenuous activity will not be permitted for a total of 6 weeks.

The cost of an abdominoplasty can vary depending on the actual surgery being performed (abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, with or without liposuction) and where it is to be performed (which hospital or surgicenter) as different procedures and facilities have different associated fees.

Abdominoplasty Portfolio:  Before and After Photos (click to view)

Liposuction and SlimLipo

In some cases it may be permissible to perform liposuction at the same time as an abdominoplasty.  In many cases SlimLipo will be recommended instead of traditional liposuction due to the improved results.  For further details about liposuction and SlimLipo or LifeSculpt™, please see our SlimLipo page.

Lower Body Lift

If you have lost a large amount of weight over the past few years and have noticed skin hanging from your abdomen, back, and sides, then you may be a candidate for a lower body lift or belt lipectomy. This procedure is the circumferential removal of excess skin and fat from the lower torso and upper outer aspect of the legs. The procedure is a combination of a tummy tuck, buttock lift and upper, outer thigh lift all in one.  It looks somewhat like a tummy tuck that goes all the way around the body like a wide belt.  A lower body lift or belt lipectomy is usually indicated in individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have developed a large amount of loose, hanging skin. Many individuals can achieve a more normal body proportion after such a procedure.  Depending on the amount of excess skin and loose adipose tissue, simultaneous augmentation of the buttocks may be possible by simply moving the loose, excess tissue into the buttocks to create a fuller, more attractive shape to the buttocks.  Individuals who have a lower body lift often have an enhanced self-confidence from their improved appearance.

The lower body lift surgery can be performed as either an out-patient procedure or an in-patient procedure at a hospital or surgicenter with 24 hour stay capability.  General anesthesia is usually required.  During the surgery an incision is made just above the pubic area (in the area where C-Section scars usually lie) and extending around across the buttocks to the other side.   The incision and subsequent scar often are easily hidden under a bikini and, in some cases, even under a string bikini.  There will be a second incision around the umbilicus (belly button) to enable removal of all of the skin below the level of the umbilicus.  The abdominal muscles are then tightened to give the abdomen a flatter contour.  The umbilicus will be brought out through the skin in a new location once the lower incision is closed.  Since the skin is removed below the original belly button, lower body lift can remove most of the stretch marks below this level.  However, the stretch marks above the belly button or on other areas of the abdomen will remain.  A lower body lift often takes about 3-6 hours.

Once your surgery is done, you should expect some soreness, stiffness, swelling, and possible bruising.  Although the amount of discomfort varies greatly between different individuals, it is not usually severe.  Some people need prescription pain medication.  The incision is usually closed with sutures which dissolve on their own.  However, in some cases a few stitches may need to be removed in a few days.  The incisions will be covered with small tapes in order to minimize tension on the incision and facilitate healing.  A compression garment (like a girdle) will be required for a few weeks.  The garment helps to minimize the swelling and bruising and may speed recovery.  Lymphatic massage is recommended and can also aid in speeding recovery and eliminating swelling.  Once the incision is sufficiently healed, scar treatments will be recommended in order to improve the appearance of the scar.  Most of our lower body lift clients are back to work in 1-2 weeks.  However, strenuous activity will not be permitted for a total of 6 weeks.

The cost of lower body lift can vary depending on the actual surgery being performed (with or without liposuction) and where it is to be performed (which hospital or surgicenter) as different procedures and facilities have different associated fees.

Lower Body Lift Portfolio:  Before and After Photos (click to view)