What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck plastic surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a major cosmetic surgical procedure that cuts away loose skin around the abdominal area. It also works to tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles. Over 80,000 men and women have had a tummy tuck plastic surgery done every year.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a partial tummy tuck surgery that helps women with only a limited amount of sagging skin. This tummy tuck procedure does not involve tightening the abdominal wall muscles.
Tummy Tuck Cost
A full plastic surgery tummy tuck lift costs on average of about $3,000 to $8,500. A partial tummy tuck costs on average of around $2,650 to $6,000.
Tummy Plastic Surgery Procedure
In the initial consultation, tummy tuck surgeons assess the patient for their excess skin and fat on the abdomen. The patient is also assessed on the basis of pregnancy, aging or significant weight loss that may have caused weakened abdominal muscles. During the tummy tuck procedure, the tummy tuck surgeon makes an incision in the bikini area across the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat are suctioned out by way of liposuction, or tumescent liposuction, and the ab muscles are tightened. Some patients are good candidates for the endoscopic technique that the surgeon uses for minimal incisions.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling and bruising will occur during the first few days following the operation. No working or driving is allowed until at least ten days have passed. No strenuous exercise is permitted until after a month. Any drainage tubes placed under the abdominal flap will be removed in the outpatient office after two weeks.
Other Helpful Information
Women should wait until after childbearing age to have the operation performed, as giving birth will undo all results. Smoking increases complications of the surgery, so it is in the best interest of the patient to quit before considering this procedure. An optimal contouring affect would be better gained if a woman considers having liposuction along the hip area (for pear-shaped women). Finally, if there is not excessive fat and skin that needs to be removed around the abdominals, individuals should consider having a mini tummy tuck performed instead of a full tummy tuck.