Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

If you are in good health and you are concerned about your abdomen's appearance and function, a tummy tuck may be for you.

You May Wait to Finish Childbearing
Because pregnancy can cause the abdominal wall and muscles to separate and bulge, it may be advisable to pursue a tummy tuck after you have completed your family planning. However, a tummy tuck may be considered sooner under certain circumstances, such as following significant weight loss at a young age.

Tummy Tuck Is not Weight Loss Surgery
You should not pursue a tummy tuck while you are actively in the process of losing weight. A tummy tuck enhances your appearance following all your attempts to lose weight when excess fat and tissue remains.

You Will Have a Scar
A tummy tuck will result in a cosmetically pleasing scar that will be strategically placed under your bikini or underwear line. Occasionally, a vertical component scar will result from abdominoplasty surgery. During the tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon may also be able to improve the appearance of previous scars such as scars from C-sections or other abdominal surgeries. 

Initial Consultation Appointment
An initial visit with your plastic surgeon may take place via telehealth or in person. Your surgeon will review your medical history including previous surgeries, medications you are taking, conditions that put you at risk for surgery, and previous pregnancies. During an additional in-person visit, your plastic surgeon will examine your physical anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether a tummy tuck will give you the results you seek. Alternatively, your surgeon may recommend you lose more weight, quit smoking for a period of time, or discontinue medication before surgery to ensure you experience the best possible outcome.

Understanding the Risks
A tummy tuck carries the same risks as any other standard surgery. These include the risk of bleeding and blood clots, infection, and risks associated with anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you as you consider your options.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Cost
An abdominoplasty may be covered by insurance if it is performed for a medical reason. Insurance does not cover procedures performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Our financial counselor will discuss this with you and provide an estimate to help you determine if this is the right approach for you.

Presurgical Testing
Once your surgery has been scheduled, you will meet with an anesthesia specialist to ensure you are in good health. Depending on your health, you may be scheduled for pre-surgical testing that can include blood work, an EKG or other tests to ensure you are healthy and ready for surgery.

On the Day of Surgery
A complete abdominoplasty typically takes up to three to four hours while a mini-abdominoplasty can take about one to two hours. Both are usually out-patient procedure, meaning you will go home the same day. In some cases, you may stay overnight for observation.

Your Recovery
Pain and swelling in your abdomen will last several days. It is common to see some bruising and feel sore in the area. You may want to take one or two weeks off from work to recuperate. Your doctor will recommend you avoid major physical activity and heavy lifting for up to six weeks. Your doctor will see you for a post-op visit following your surgery to examine your wound and ensure you are healing in a timely fashion.