What Is A Tummy Tuck?
Excess skin and fat around the abdomen can be frustrating for both men and women, often due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery in Pensacola, FL, we offer tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to redefine the stomach area and boost confidence. This procedure is customized to each patient's needs. For less extensive correction, a mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen, removing excess skin and tightening muscles. Contact us to schedule your consultation, and find out which option is best for you.
What Is the Surgical Technique?
Tummy tuck surgery at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery is done under general anesthesia and tailored to individual needs. The incision size depends on the excess skin. An extended tummy tuck, ideal for extensive sagging, uses a hip-to-hip incision. For less skin laxity, a mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen with a smaller scar. Both methods remove hanging skin and fat, achieving a contoured look. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
What to Expect After a Tummy Tuck
After the procedure, you will be monitored and released with a compression garment to help reduce swelling. Standing and walking may be challenging initially, so it's recommended to rest for a few days. As your abdominal muscles adjust and the incision heals, movement becomes more comfortable, and most patients can resume normal activities in about two weeks. Light workouts can typically start around two months or sooner with your surgeon's approval. While you may experience some soreness and tightness, you'll feel and look more like yourself once fully healed.
What Are the Benefits of A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery in Pensacola, FL offers many benefits, including:
- Trimming and toning the abdomen
- Tightening abdominal muscles
- Removing excess fat and skin
- Improving overall trunk stability and appearance
- Potentially reducing back pain and correcting hernias or incontinence
- Strengthening spine support and flexibility
For less extensive needs, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen with a smaller incision and quicker recovery.
Tummy Tuck Reviews
I was very fortunate to have Dr. Leveque do both a breast reduction and abdominoplasty. I had 3 hernias that were repaired and an extensive vertical 8” scar removed. For the breast reduction, I am about 6 cup sizes smaller - for a 36D-DD. I chose to have the mesh and am incredibly pleased with the results. The staff and Dr. Leveque were professional, kind, and diligent to meet my needs. I feel like I have the body of a 30 year old ( I am 60)
Words can not describe the experience that I have had at Gulf Coast Plastic. From the front desk, to the paperwork, to the procedure. Doctor Jocelyn Leveque has truly transformed my life. She performed a beautiful tummy tuck with the best belly button! True Magic! She will never know how much she has changed my life! Her nurses are also phenomenal and bring such comfort. Recovery isn't easy and her staff is expectional! The surgical staff was also expectional and brought me such comfort on such a big day. The anesthesiologist kept me informed and made me feel calm and safe. They have a dream team at Gulf Coast Plastic and I am so grateful I made the decision to go with them!
What a wonderful experience. I traveled from Pennsylvania to personally see Dr Leveque back in 2022 for a tummy tuck with lipo. The results still stand amazingly. Headed back down for a Breast augmentation in August I can’t wait to see the results. Her work is Immaculate and her bedside manners are phenomenal. Thank you Again Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery
Dr Patterson did my tummy tuck, I am 5 weeks post op and I absolutely LOVE my stomach and my new belly button is adorable!!! He was such a good Doctor and he explained everything in detail and was very nice and thorough. His nurses, the office staff and the surgical team were ALL AMAZING and so very nice! I can’t say enough good things about them ALL! I will be definitely using him again to do my arms next. I can’t recommend them enough! It was a wonderful experience!
I lost well over a hundred pounds over the last couple of years. I had lots of loose skin and sagging. I met with Dr Patterson in late 2025. Felt super confident that he was the right doctor for me. I had a tummy tuck and breast lift with breast augmentation in January 2026. Recovery went great. I feel amazing! The whole practice is amazing. I love everyone who works there. I was honestly a bit sad when my post op visits were over lol. I missed seeing the girls every time I had a follow up. That’s never happened before! They’re all just so nice. I plan to have any future work done here. My results are amazing. I feel great. I have my life back. Thank you so much to Dr Patterson and staff! 💜
76
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Am I A Candidate for A Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery can be offered to both men and women. If you cannot lose or reduce sagging skin and excess fat in the lower abdomen, this cosmetic surgery can help create a tighter and slimmer silhouette. Dr. Butler recommends you be at an average weight prior to surgery. Tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss — it surgically corrects loose skin. A form of liposuction is usually used during surgery to remove fat. If your abdominal area has healthy skin tautness but you are still unhappy with how your tummy looks and feels even on a healthy diet, you may be a better candidate for liposuction. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to ensure the surgical outcomes are not affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
During your consultation, we will customize your unique tummy tuck plan to reach your specific concerns and goals before discussing costs. We can better estimate your costs once the type of abdominoplasty has been selected, what technique will be used, which anesthesia is needed, and more. To ensure you get great results from an experienced, Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery makes it easier to afford your tummy tuck by taking several payment methods and giving you information on low-interest medical financing.
What type of tummy tuck should I get?
There are three most common types of abdominoplasty: full, extended, and mini. We will ask about your concerns and goals in your initial consultation before examining your stomach. Then, we can help you decide the technique that will produce your best results. A full tummy tuck is good if you want to correct issues in the lower and upper stomach, while a mini tummy tuck is better if you only have problems under your belly button, like a "pooch." An extended tummy tuck is designed to address issues in the stomach, hips, and upper thighs.
What will my scars look like?
Incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which technique is being used. During all tummy tucks, we make the smallest incisions possible to minimize scars. We also make incisions in areas that are less visible (through the belly button or in the public region) so they can be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit. After your tummy tuck, it's important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your incisions heal properly and blend into your natural skin.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you can get pregnant following a tummy tuck, it will affect your results. We recommend that you be finished building your family before you get a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant following your tummy tuck, a second surgery may be performed to refresh your results.
Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
Several patients combine another body surgery with an abdominoplasty to see more dramatic improvements. At your consultation, discuss your desires so a personalized surgical plan may be developed to match your goals. You may combine abdominoplasty with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or other areas for all-over body contouring. If you are trying to rejuvenate your whole body after pregnancy or losing a lot of weight, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.
Achieve Your Ideal Shape
A variety of factors can lead to a stretched-out abdomen that creates hanging folds of skin. We understand this can be almost impossible to correct — tummy tuck surgery is usually the primary way to overcome this. If you are bothered by the hanging skin on your abdomen, regardless of the severity, Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery in Pensacola, FL can help you get the body you want.
