Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Tampa, FL
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer midsection. Many individuals seek this procedure because they desire a more sculpted body contour that may be hard to achieve through diet and exercise alone. Excess skin and loose abdominal muscles are also common after weight loss or pregnancy. (1)
PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery, led by Dr. Samuel Sohn, is here to guide and assist you throughout your abdominoplasty journey. To learn more about how this procedure can improve your quality of life, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with one of our skilled tummy tuck surgeons. If you have any further questions or would prefer to schedule your appointment over the phone, please call our Tampa office at (813) 400-1465.
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Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging can affect your body proportions and self-esteem. The muscles can also become stretched and weakened, resulting in muscle separation that impacts your core strength. Our customizable body contouring procedures can help patients sculpt their figures and address excess skin in multiple areas, yet in cases where the abdominal area is affected, a tummy tuck may be the best solution. (1)
Tummy tuck patients can dramatically improve their appearance by reducing localized fat and excess skin. Patients with diastasis recti (separated core muscles) due to pregnancy or weight gain can have their ‘belly pooches’ corrected with this surgical procedure. Those with excess skin may feel uncomfortable, experience skin irritation, and have lower confidence about their appearance. Tummy tuck surgery addresses these issues by tightening the abdominal muscles while removing unwanted skin and tissue for a smoother, more toned midsection.
Tummy tuck procedures have become increasingly popular since the advent of modern cosmetic surgery techniques. According to recent statistics, tummy tucks rank among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries worldwide. (1) Individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement often opt for this type of surgery due to its effectiveness.
Benefits
Tummy tucks offer numerous benefits for patients who want to balance and sculpt their midsection for a smoother appearance. At PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our team of experts helps patients achieve their goals through:
- Improved body contours: You can enjoy a flatter, more toned abdomen that balances your proportions.
- Excess skin removal: We can remove loose, sagging skin affecting your proportions.
- Abdominal muscle tightening: We can tighten the abdominal muscles for a firmer core.
- Enhanced self-esteem: Many patients report increased confidence after achieving their desired abdominal appearance.
- Scarring management: We make incisions along the natural curves of your body to minimize scarring.
- Reduced stretch marks: A tummy tuck can improve the appearance of stretch marks on the lower abdomen.
- Customization: We can combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to remove pockets of stubborn fat that are not responding to diet and exercise.
- Long-lasting results: With a healthy lifestyle maintained, results from a tummy tuck can be long-lasting and satisfying.
Candidates
Good candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who have lost a large amount of weight, those with sagging abdominal skin due to aging, or those experiencing drooping skin after pregnancy. Candidates should ideally be at or near their goal weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before surgery have better outcomes.
Personal Consultation
An in-depth consultation is an essential part of your abdominoplasty experience. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have and discuss your aesthetic goals. After your skilled and experienced plastic surgeon reviews your medical history and lifestyle, they will explain the tummy tuck procedure, what a tummy tuck can accomplish, and your customizable options. The reputable surgeons at PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery prioritize your safety, and the instructions you will need to follow to reduce post-operative risks will also be discussed.
Preparation
Preparing for your tummy tuck is crucial for a smooth surgery and recovery. Following these instructions is vital for optimal results. Instructions will be unique to each patient, accounting for their personal goals and medical history, but common requirements include:
- Discontinuing blood thinning medications and certain supplements as advised.
- Avoiding nicotine for several weeks leading up to the procedure to promote healing.
- Filling any necessary prescriptions beforehand.
- Arrange for a ride home after surgery, especially if under general anesthesia.
- Setting aside adequate recovery time away from work and social engagements.
Procedure
After administering general anesthesia, one of our skilled surgeons will make an incision just above the pubic area (underwear/bikini line) that extends from one hip bone to the other. (2) The size of your incision will depend on the scale of your procedure. Your surgeon can perform liposuction to remove excess fat in the entire abdominal area. They can repair the abdominal muscles as well, if necessary.
In some cases, your surgeon will create a new belly button. Because the mini tummy tuck targets the areas below the belly button, relocation of the navel is not always required. The procedure typically takes between two and four hours, but this varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. (2) Our philosophy is to create the most natural results and never do more than is necessary.
Recovery
A tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients typically go home on the same day as their surgery. Compression garments are placed over the treated area to minimize swelling, aid in proper healing, and help retain your new shape. Most patients will need about 2 weeks of downtime, after which most patients can resume their normal daily routine with some limitations. Avoid strenuous work, exercise, and other rigorous activities for six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon. Recovery time varies depending on the type of tummy tuck you receive. Your surgeon will provide a more precise timeline and vital instructions for your recovery. Following your surgeon’s instructions, keeping your incisions protected, and wearing your compression garment as directed will be important to help your body heal. Other tips for abdominoplasty recovery include picking up your prescribed pain medication before your procedure, having help for the first 24 to 48 hours after discharge, getting plenty of rest, having precooked meals available to eat, drinking lots of water, wearing comfortable clothing, and taking gentle walks periodically.
Results
As swelling and bruising subside and your body heals, your results will become more apparent. Your outcome will often become fully visible within six to eight weeks. Most tummy tuck patients find their slimmer waist makes them feel much better about their body and consider their results worth the downtime they experienced. Abdominoplasty does cause scarring, but any scars often fade over time and are easily concealed under clothing. However, subsequent pregnancies or fluctuations in weight can affect your results. Practicing a healthy lifestyle can ensure your results last a long time.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Tummy tuck surgery is primarily designed to remove skin and tighten muscles, but fat removal can also be performed. Liposuction alone may be ideal for you if you have elastic skin. You will be evaluated during your consultation to determine the best procedure to meet your needs. During a liposuction procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision and then inject a tumescent solution. This tumescent solution helps to swell the fat, reduce bleeding, and numb tissues internally. They will then insert a liposuction cannula and vacuum out the fat.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Tampa
The cost of a tummy tuck differs from patient to patient, depending on individual needs. The scale of your procedure, surgical and anesthesia fees, and more will all influence your final price. A more exact price will be discussed during your consultation. PREMIERE Center for Cosmetic Surgery also offers financing options for all procedures. Take a moment to schedule a consultation today and begin your journey toward your newfound confidence. If you have any further questions, please call our Tampa office at (813) 400-1465.
FAQ
Does a tummy tuck eliminate stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can significantly reduce or eliminate stretch marks, especially those located on the lower abdomen, as this tissue is removed along with excess skin.
What are the risks associated with tummy tucks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. Ensuring that you follow all preoperative and postoperative instructions can mitigate these risks.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
Anesthesia is used during the procedure. Postoperative discomfort is typically managed effectively with prescribed medications. Patients often describe the sensation as tightness during their recovery.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Future pregnancies may alter the results of the surgery. We recommend that you finish having children before considering this procedure.
How long do the results of tummy tucks last?
Results from a tummy tuck surgery can last for many years, provided a stable weight is maintained. It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to protect your outcomes.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Ramirez AE, Hsieh TY, Cardenas JP, Lao WW. Abdominoplasty: My Preferred Techniques. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2021;86(3S):S229. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000002639
