Tummy Tuck Overview
Guide To Tummy Tuck
What I Wish I Knew
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Through a horizontal incision on your lower abdomen, excess skin and subcutaneous fat are removed. Also through this incision, your abdominal wall muscles are sutured together to improve your abdominal contour. There are no sutures to remove as they are all internal. The resultant scars are a horizontal scar across your lower abdomen and a small scar around your belly button. Depending on your abdomen, one or two drains will most likely be placed to aid in the healing process.
Typical Timing/Age
>35-65 years old
Cost
$9,200 *This is an estimation & prices may vary. An exact price will be given at your consultation appointment.
Problem
Excess abdominal skin and subcutaneous fat. Abdominal wall muscle laxity. This is usually caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations and aging.
Goal
To improve abdominal contour.
Facility
Surgery Center or Hospital
Preparation
Patients should be at a stable weight and cannot be using any nicotine-containing substances.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Hospital Stay
This is outpatient surgery. In the vast majority of cases, patients go home after surgery.
Positioning
After an abdominoplasty, you will need to keep your hips flexed at all times for 1-2 weeks to help minimize the tension on your skin incision. This means walking around a little hunched over and sleeping in a recliner or in bed with pillows under your back and your knees.
Work
1-2 weeks, depending on your type of work.
Bruising
Usually subsides after 2-3 weeks
Risks & Complications
Hematoma, seroma, infection, poor scarring, dehiscence, delayed wound healing, skin necrosis, asymmetry, numbness, thromboembolism, contour irregularities, need for revision, complications related to anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a tummy tuck help stretch marks?
What is the recovery time?
Am I a good candidate?
Where are the scars located?
What should I expect post-op?
Assistance
You will need someone to help take care of you after surgery as you will not be able to lift children, heavy items, etc.
Walking
You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
After 48 hours, you should remove your dressings and take a shower.
Exercise
You will need to wait 2 weeks for light exercise, 4 weeks for regular exercise, and at least 6 weeks for abdominal exercises.
Sex
Wait 2 weeks because you don’t want to stress your incisions or increase your blood pressure during the early healing period.
Related Procedures
Arm Lift
Upper Body Lift
Mini - Tummy Tuck
Belt Lipectomy
Before & After Gallery
Procedures are performed by board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, and Dr. Patterson in Pensacola, FL.
Meet Our Team
At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that the selection of a plastic surgeon is an extremely important decision for any prospective patient. We believe communication, education and individualized patient care are the foundation for creating a strong and trusting patient-physician relationship. Our entire staff is absolutely committed to providing compassionate, personalized, individual attention before, during, and after surgery. We work together to deliver the best possible aesthetic outcomes in a setting that embodies the standards and lifestyle you seek.
We Accept Financing
Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery offers a variety of payment options so that your cosmetic surgery will suit your budget. All major credit cards are accepted, and financing plans are available.