Overview
A tummy tuck procedure by a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. John Williams, is designed to reshape the lower abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. Ideal candidates for the tummy tuck procedure are men and women, who are healthy, at a stable weight, have realistic expectations for the outcome, and have excess skin and fat around the abdomen that cannot be changed with diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty at John Williams MD, Plastic Surgery is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction so the entire abdomen can be contoured at the same time. If the abdominal muscles have become weakened or have separated during pregnancy, also known as a diastasis rectus, they will be stitched back together during the surgery. This will help create a narrower waist and will strengthen the supporting structures of the abdominal wall. After a tummy tuck, Dr. Williams prefers that his patients spend the night at the after care center to be cared for by experienced surgical nurses. Dr. Williams has performed many successful tummy tucks resulting in a flat, firm, and beautiful contour often leaving patients thrilled with their new shape.
Tummy Tuck Reviews
Best Candidates
Patients considering a tummy tuck surgery should be at or near their goal weight. Our doctor believes that this surgery garners the most effective results once all pregnancies have been completed and additional weight gain can be avoided. In general, good candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who demonstrate:
- Excess or sagging skin of the abdomen
- Abdominal contour that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Stable weight if excessive skin is due to massive weight loss
- Weakened and separated abdominal muscles (due to pregnancy)
- Excess fatty tissue that is located primarily in the abdomen
What to Expect
During the initial consultation, our dedicated team will evaluate the overall health of the skin and assess skin quality, looseness, and the amount of fat that is present in the abdominal region. This will help our surgeon to develop an individual surgical plan. Some patients will only require minor tightening, known as a mini tummy tuck, whereas others will require a more extensive approach, which is a full tummy tuck. The difference is in the size of the incision as well as how much skin and fat can be removed. During surgery, a horizontal incision is placed just above the pubic area. The incision extends laterally toward the hipbones and the length depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The skin and fat are elevated, the muscles are tightened and the excess skin and fat are removed.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After tummy tuck surgery, patients will need to be very careful as they attempt to stand straight and begin moving around. Because of the tightening effect, it may take 3-5 days before patients are standing fully upright. Swelling and bruising are expected, but the use of an abdominal compression garment will help with this. There will be some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Patients may return to light activities within 2 weeks from surgery, and can expect a full recovery within 6-8 weeks. The outcome following this surgery is a tighter, flatter tummy with no more loose, hanging skin. Scarring is typically not seen as the incision is placed inconspicuously and is generally hidden by undergarments and bathing suit bottoms.
Plan Your Procedure
- Average Cost
- $15,000 - $20,000
- Recovery Time
- 4-6 weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 3-5 hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- 6 months
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Overnight Stay
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Attain a Flat Tummy
Tummy tuck surgery has changed the lives of countless men and women. In particular, women who have completed pregnancies or have lost a significant amount of weight find that this surgery allows them to reclaim their figure once again. If you have loose and sagging skin in your abdominal region and ready to attain a flat tummy, please call our plastic surgery office today and schedule a consultation with our acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon.