A tummy tuck, which is also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. The surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen in order to create a more toned and contoured look. The abdomen can change in appearance as a person continues to age, experiences a pregnancy, or has a significant loss or gain in weight. Besides eliminating excess fat and skin from the abdomen, the surgeon is also able to provide a firmer and smoother look to muscles that have been separated or weakened in the abdomen wall. A tummy tuck can improve the look of, or remove, stretch marks that are present in the lower abdomen. Patients will enjoy a flatter stomach, reduced skin imperfections and an overall improved tone to the stomach. It is not intended for patients who suffer from obesity or want to enjoy a significant amount of weight loss.
Medically Reviewed by: Robert Deconti, MD
A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat, and the tightening of the abdominal muscles, in order to achieve a firmer and smoother look to the abdomen. The steps involved in a traditional tummy tuck procedure include:
The total cost of a tummy tuck depends on the type of abdominoplasty procedure performed by the doctor, the amount of work that needs to be performed, any additional fees charged by the medical facility or the surgeon and the area of the country where the tummy tucks is performed.
In general, the cost of any tummy tuck technique is:
A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat, and the tightening of the abdominal muscles, in order to achieve a firmer and smoother look to the abdomen. Below are the steps involved in a traditional tummy tuck procedure.
The amount of downtime and recovery after having a tummy tuck varies per patient. It depends on the abdominoplasty technique performed by the surgeon and the amount of work performed by the doctor. Here are the general downtime and recovery steps patients can expect after a tummy tuck:
- Patients can expect the recovery process to take anywhere from 4-6 weeks
- Patients should keep the upper body slightly raised, with the knees bent at an angle, to help reduce the amount of swelling while sleeping
- Pillows can be put under the knees to reduce any pressure on the abdomen
- Patients will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce the amount of swelling (even while they are sleeping) for about six weeks
- Drainage tubes might be placed after the surgery to help get rid of excess fluid from the body
- Patients should try and walk after the surgery to reduce the chances of any blood clots
- Patients will need to take a week or two off work for recovery (if the job requires manual labor, the patient should take two weeks off)
- Any strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks (or until cleared by the surgeon)
The amount of downtime and recovery after having a tummy tuck varies per patient. It depends on the abdominoplasty technique performed by the surgeon and the amount of work performed by the doctor. Here are the general downtime and recovery steps patients can expect after a tummy tuck:
- Patients can expect the recovery process to take anywhere from 4-6 weeks
- Patients should keep the upper body slightly raised, with the knees bent at an angle, to help reduce the amount of swelling while sleeping
- Pillows can be put under the knees to reduce any pressure on the abdomen
- Patients will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce the amount of swelling (even while they are sleeping) for about six weeks
- Drainage tubes might be placed after the surgery to help get rid of excess fluid from the body
- Patients should try and walk after the surgery to reduce the chances of any blood clots
- Patients will need to take a week or two off work for recovery (if the job requires manual labor, the patient should take two weeks off)
- Any strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks (or until cleared by the surgeon)
Scarring
Seroma (accumulation of fluid under the skin)
Changes in skin sensation
Damage to the tissue
Asymmetry to the results
Infection
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin
Looseness of the skin
Pulmonary embolus
Some of the results of a tummy tuck are immediately visible but it can take up to six months to see the final results (as the swelling resolves on its own). The results of any type of tummy tuck technique are considered to be permanent as long as the patient is committed to a healthy lifestyle. The patient will need to follow a healthy diet and maintain a steady weight in order to maintain the results. Significant fluctuations in the weight of a patient (weight loss or weight gain) can cause the skin to stretch and/or become loose again.
Some of the results of a tummy tuck are immediately visible but it can take up to six months to see the final results (as the swelling resolves on its own). The results of any type of tummy tuck technique are considered to be permanent as long as the patient is committed to a healthy lifestyle. The patient will need to follow a healthy diet and maintain a steady weight in order to maintain the results. Significant fluctuations in the weight of a patient (weight loss or weight gain) can cause the skin to stretch and/or become loose again.
Liposuction
Liposcution is an ideal option for patients who are only worried about the removal of excess fat from the abdomen (or other parts of the body such as the hips or butt). Small incisions are made in the targeted area of the body. A cannula, which is a tube that is inserted into the body, is placed inside the incisions to suction out fat cells that have proven to be resistant to diet and exercise. While liposuction does remove fat from the body, it is not considered to be a weight loss method.
CoolSculpting
Coolsculpting uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy the fat cells of a patient. The doctor will apply a gel pad and applicator to the targeted area on the body. The applicator works to deliver a controlled amount of cooling to the targeted fat of the patient. The device is moved over the skin in order to apply both suction and the cooling technology to the designated section of the body. The fat cells are destroyed by the extreme cold and are then absorbed by the body.
Emsculpt
Emsculpt contracts the muscles at the equivalent of 20,000 muscle contractions within a 30-minute period. Highly focused electromagnetic energy is focused on the targeted area which causes fat cells in the area to break down their contents. The contents are released as free fatty acids. This will result in the fat cells dying and being absorbed the body and expelled as waste. The contractions also thicken and strengthen the muscles which gives them a more toned and firmer look.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of a tummy tuck, research cosmetic surgeons in your area to find the right one for you that is experienced in providing the desired results. In order to help you find the best cosmetic surgeon for your medial needs, please use our “Find a Doctor” search page.
