Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, and to tighten patient’s abdominal wall fascia, thinning the waistline. Tummy tucks are commonly performed after child bearing and weight loss.

This tummy tuck surgery may combined with other surgeries, such as liposuction, body lift, thigh lift, arm lift and breast procedures. The best tummy tuck candidates are close to their ideal body weight and are otherwise healthy. In my opinion, active smokers are not a tummy tuck candidate for this procedure.

Patients with large amounts of fat inside their body (intraabdominal fat) will not see as good results as patients whose fat is localized and external. A careful surgeon can work with you to determine if you are a tummy tuck candidate, whether liposuction and tummy tuck can safely be combined, and whether preoperative medical care, such as nutritional improvement in massive weight loss patients, smoking cessation or diabetes control, are indicated for the safest, best tummy tuck results. (Karen Vaniver, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

The two most common groups of patients that I see for this procedure are:

1.Patients who have had children and their skin has stretched out,or

2.Patients who have had massive weight loss after gastric bypass or gastric banding

Some patients also have extra fat accumulation (lipodystrophy) so it is necessary to perform some liposuction of the abdomen and flank area at the same time as the tummy tuck. About 50% of my patients have these procedures done as an outpatient, although the larger more complicated procedures usually require that the patient stays overnight.

Patients who have a lower body lift (removing skin and fatty tissue circumferentially)require a two night stay. (Joseph M. Perlman, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

Candidates for a tummy tuck

A good candidate for a tummy tuck is a healthy patient who is a non-smoker with loose skin. Tummy tucks will tighten loose skin, re-establish the abdominal girdle by tightening the abdominal muscles, and sometimes a bit of contouring with liposuction can contour the waist area as well.(Christa Clark, MD, FACS, Sacramento Plastic Surgeon)

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

As i offer smart liposuction as an office based laser liposuction procedure, i often see women who desire abdominal rejuvenation after pregnancy. whether or not a patient is a better candidate for abdominoplasty, liposuction alone, or possibly a mini-abdominoplasty has to do with many factors. skin quality, desired final outcome, abdominal muscle weakness and the balance between the scars expected for an abdominoplasty (usually hip to hip) and the improved general outcome are some of the factors that have to be evaluated. i think many non-plastic surgeons who perform laser liposuction but not abdominoplasty leave a deflated but not tightened abdomen which in my opinion is very suboptimal.
(Eric Chang, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)

Who should get a tummy tuck?

This a very common question especially with all the new liposuction devices out on the market. A tummy tuck is a excellent body contouring procedure for patients (men or women) with excess SKIN and FAT. Patients factors such as pregnancies, hereditary changes, weight fluctuations, and aging can result in excess fat, uneven contours, loose muscles and excess skin. Body contouring surgery improves the shape and proportions of the body which are resistant to change with diet and exercise alone.

Depending on your age and the location of the excess fat and skin will determine the best procedure for you. Liposuction can help areas of excess fat, but if it is a considerable amount and your skin is not as elastic as it used to, you will continue to have loose excess skin. In addition, after childbirth, the tough fibrous layer of tissue between your abdominal muscles loosen. The only way to correct that is surgical tightening it. If you only have loose skin and fat below your belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck.

However, if you desire an improved contour over the entire belly, a standard tummy tuck is the procedure for you. Be careful of claims that laser lipo can tighten the skin. While it may be good for very small areas, it may not be right for you. Do your homework and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. (Scott J. Engel, MD, FACS, Sarasota Plastic Surgeon)

A tummy tuck removes excess tummy skin (below the belly button) and tightens the remaining skin, removes the excess abdominal fat and fat around the sides, and tightens the loose tummy muscles that let the tummy push out. If you have some of these problems, then you may be a tummy tuck candidate for the procedure. Your plastic surgeon can tell you for sure – after he examines you! (Randy J. Buckspan, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)

Skin laxity and unwanted fat deposits may form around the abdomen as a result of age , weight loss/gain, childbirth, herniations… just to name a few.

The advantage of the tummy tuck procedure is that it can address several components of the abdomen that may be deficient all at once. Skin as well as fat underneath the skin may be removed . Muscles supporting the abdominal wall may also be reeinfoced to improve the shape of the waistline while creating a flatter midriff.

If you have abdominal skin laxity and/or a mildly protruberant abdomen (a “pouch” as apposed to a ” beer belly”) Then a tummy tuck may be right for you (Nick Masri, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

A tummy tuck is a powerful cosmetic procedure because it addresses three major post-pregnancy aesthetic problems with the abdomen- loose skin, loose abdominal muscles and connective tissues, and excess fat. Liposuction and non-invasive (Thermage, Zeltiq etc) are not going to correct these issues. Its a major surgical procedure, and has some down-time associated with it.

There are a variety of ways to do a tummy tuck. The operation is tailored to your individual anatomy. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for more information. (Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tucks and abdominal rejuvenation surgery should be customized to fit the patient and her goals.

If you only have a little extra fat, but your muscles are tight and your skin is in good condition (no stretch marks) liposuction may be the only thing that you need.

In my practice, the patient helps design the tummy tuck incision size and position so that it will always be hidden under their clothes.

All of the tummy tucks that we perform also include liposuction. We feel this is important because liposuction allows us to treat areas we otherwise would not be able to with a tummy tuck alone.

Make sure that your tummy tuck fits you, your personal style, and meets your goals! (Pat Pazmino, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)