Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty – commonly known as a tummy tuck – is a cosmetic operation designed to re-contour the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles while removing excess overhanging tissue. This surgery is not covered by insurance.

We provide patients with cutting edge technology along with experienced doctors and a caring support staff who can help you get rid of unsightly fat areas around your abdomen.

How is a Tummy Tuck Different from a Lipectomy, Liposuction, or Panniculectomy?

• A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin and fat from the mid-section, and contours the abdomen. This procedure is considered to be cosmetic.
• Lipectomy removes hanging fat and skin from areas of the body such as the upper arm or thigh.
• Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses tiny tubes and/or lasers to remove excess fat from deposits located between the skin and muscle. There is no skin tightening involved.

• Panniculectomy is a functional procedure that removes hanging fat and skin specifically from the mid to lower section of the body. It does not improve the upper abdomen. Insurance may cover the procedure.

Is This a Good Option For You?

A tummy tuck may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy
• Your weight has remained relatively stable for about a year
• You do not smoke
• You have a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone abdominoplasty surgery.

What a Tummy Tuck Won't Do

Tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly button.

More Information?

If you have questions, please contact us. We are always willing to help you determine if this is right for you.

Abdominoplasty Words to Know

• Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck: A cosmetic procedure that contours the abdomen and removes excess fat and skin throughout the abdomen.
• Diastasis: Condition in which abdominal muscles have separated.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness. There is not any removal or tightening of skin with this procedure alone.
• Local anesthesia: A drug is injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Panniculectomy: A functional surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

Related Procedures

• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction
• Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss
• Thigh Lift
• Arm Lift
• Hand Rejuvenation
• Labiaplasty
• Scar Revision