Although Tummy Tucks are one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures we offer, many people don't know what it is or if they actually need one. But we are here to help. You've got questions, we've got answers! This blog article will walk you through the ins and outs of a Tummy Tuck including what it is, who is a candidate, the costs, recovery, and more!
What is a Tummy Tuck? A Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess fat and skin from your midsection to create a flatter, firmer belly that looks natural, yet toned. It can also be used to repair stomach muscle separation (diastasis recti). When combined with liposuction, a Tummy Tuck works in 360 fashion making both your belly and waist look better. And it is also the only guaranteed way to remove stretch marks. The procedure takes about two to three hours to complete under general anesthesia and it is often followed by an overnight stay in a surgical facility or hospital.
Who is a candidate? Anyone who has a lot of stomach skin and fat following weight loss, weight gain, or pregnancy is a candidate. Anyone who struggles with a pooched-out belly appearance from stretched stomach muscles is also a candidate. To be honest, it is great for anyone who just doesn’t like the appearance of their belly because of too much loose skin, stubborn belly fat, and/or stretched stomach muscles!
Cost of a Tummy Tuck? Insurance companies rarely cover the cost of a Tummy Tuck, therefore, you will have to pay out of pocket. The price of a Tummy Tuck includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and all other related medical expenses that occur during or after the procedure. This does not take into account the cost of missing work. When combined, these costs can really add up! As the total cost will vary depending on the extent of the surgery you need, we encourage you to set up a free consultation with our office today for a more accurate quote. FYI, our easy-to-use telehealth platform allows you to do this from the comfort of your own home.
How about the recovery? You can typically return to work or light activity after 1 week and resume your normal daily routine by 4 weeks. You should refrain from strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks but you can start light exercise at 3-4 weeks as long as it doesn’t engage your core (think arms and legs). Most feel discomfort-free after a month but tightness and aches can persist. Swelling is also common in the area of surgery and it can take weeks or months to resolve.
Choosing a Tummy Tuck is an exciting decision, but you want to make sure that you're making the right choice for your body and lifestyle. Our golden rule: make sure you look at all the surgical options before deciding on the procedure that is right for you. As for Tummy Tucks, there is no better way to learn about this procedure than by reading reviews, watching informative videos (like below!), and looking at before and after pictures (like above!). Remember, Tummy Tucks should be performed by an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon so make sure your surgeon has all of his or her certifications before scheduling a consultation. Good luck and if you feel that a Tummy Tuck is right for you, schedule a free consultation with us today!