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:

-Pregnancy

-Aging

-Significant fluctuations in weight

-Heredity

-Prior surgery

-Massive Weight Loss / Bariatric Surgery

Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. It’s important to know that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.  A tummy tuck removes stretch marks, flattens the abdomen and creates a youthful "hour-glass" figure.   

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally oriented incision very low in the pubic area so that the scar is hidden below a bikini bottom.  The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary and any previous surgery scars.  Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin are removed.  In patients with a minimal excess of skin, a mini-Tummy Tuck which allows a shorter incision and no scar by the bellybutton my be possible.  In patients with extensive scars from previous surgeries, a vertical incision (the Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty) may occasionally be necessary.

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 with your new slimmer profile.

Following your surgery, dressings and bandages will be applied to your incisions, and you will be wrapped in a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. Two small, thin tube will be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Insurance coverage is sometimes available for a tummy tuck ("Panniculectomy") if it can be shown to be medically necessary.  We work with your doctor and your health insurance to provide proper documentation in order to authorize these procedures.  In cases where procedures are not medically necessary or we cannot obtain authorization, the costs of the cosmetic procedures may be defrayed by doing medically necessary procedures (such as gynecological procedures or hernia repair) at the same time.