Tummy Tuck Surgery
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging.
The most common causes of this include:
Aging
Heredity
Pregnancy
Prior surgery
Significant fluctuations in weight
What it won’t do:
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck 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 would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck. Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may beremoved or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.
Learn More About Cosmetic Consultations at Pearl Plastic Surgery
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Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – See the results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile. -
The decision to have a tummy tuck is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.
The risks include:
•Anesthesia risks
•Bleeding
•Infection
•Fluid accumulation (seroma)
•Poor wound healing
•Skin loss
•Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
•Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
•Unfavorable scarring
•Recurrent looseness of skin
•Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
•Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
•Asymmetry
•Suboptimal aesthetic result
•Possibility of revisional surgery
•Persistent painThese risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
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Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
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For 2023 you can expect to spend at least $9,690 for a Tummy Tuck.
***Disclamer: This information is only an approximation and not a guarantee of final costs. Pricing provided is merely an estimate of starting costs and are subject to change.
“I am so happy with my results. I kept putting off my tummy tuck because I wasn’t sure on any surgeon until I found Dr. Nichols and his amazing team at Pearl plastic surgery. Thank you for bringing me happiness.”
- 2022 Tummy Tuck Patient
“I absolutely love the staff. They made me feel completely comfortable with the whole process and have been very honest with the process from start to finish. I will recommend them to anyone wanting honest results. I will be going back for more procedures.”
-2021 Extended Abdominoplasty with Rectus Plication and Umbilical Translocation and Monsplasty Patient
”UPDATE: I had my procedure on May 9th, and while I'm still healing I couldn't be happier with my results. Dr Nichols and his entire team are phenomenal to work with making me feel so comfortable from the very beginning. They even have made follow up calls to check on me afterwards. I absolutely recommend Dr Nichols and his team. Cute little waiting room, friendly office gals. Dr. Nichols made me feel as comfortable as I could be, considering i felt extremely exposed and embarrassed being in my most self cautious state during our consultation. My stomach (excess skin) has put such a negative outlook on my body for the last 9 years now, everything ive tried to do to make that skin 'bounceback" has failed relentlessly. He answered all my questions and gave me a well detailed explanation of my upcoming procedure (TT). I feel confident in my choosing of Dr. Nichols, and would recommend him to any of my family or friends.”
-2022 Tummy Tuck Patient
”As I reflect on my surgery and post op care I would be remiss if I did not leave a review that shares my experience. First I’d like to share that I had gone through a 107lb weight loss over the past few years from good old fashioned diet and exercise. My decision to go forward with a tummy tuck is as solely for superficial selfish reasons. Being a single mom, I thought for sure plastic surgery would never be in my scope of opportunity. However after plenty of research and overtime and picking up a second job. I bit the bullet and decided to schedule some consults. I met with 5 doctors total, 3 within a 30 mile radius of my home and 2 virtually outside of the country. So why did I pick Dr. Nichols? He was the only body positive physician I talked to. I left my consult feeling good about myself even with the extra skin I was in. I had a laundry list of completely obnoxious questions, and he answered every single one with no judgement and took the time to address my concerns in a friendly and professional way. Why would I recommend Pearl Plastic Surgery to anyone? The organizational wizardry of the office staff from scheduling my consult/surgery/post op care to my quote, and exceptional customer delight I feel from the moment I walk into the office to closing the door on the way out. The nurses and surgical techs that have eased my anxious mind and shared their vast knowledge of the procedures and recovery. This team makes you feel comfortable, confident, and shares the joys of laughter and your success as if it were their own. You’re welcomed into their little work family as one of their own. And most importantly Dr. Nichols is an artist in his craft. The quality of work he provided, I still have a hard time recognizing myself in the mirror. While I started this journey thinking I was being superficial, this surgery has changed my life. I sleep better, I can exercise longer, my mental health and confidence has improved in ways I didn’t imagine. I have more plans for future procedures and will continue my transformation with this team. When I thanked Dr Nichols and the staff for changing my life, his response was “you did all the hard work, I just made the finishing touches”. If that quality of care and body positive mindset is something you are seeking in your own journey, then look no further.”
-2021 Tummy Tuck Patient
