Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (or adominoplasty) is often understood as a surgery that will help a person lose inches or weight.  While this is certainly a result of the surgery, it should not be the underlying reason for it.

A tummy tuck can benefit a woman who has had multiple pregnancies, or anyone who has undergone extreme weight loss or simply has that one "problem area" where the skin simply won't tighten. 

Patients who are dealing with excess fat but otherwise do not have sagging or excess skin are generally not candidates for tummy tuck surgery, but could benefit tremendously from liposuction or even medical weight loss programs.

During tummy tuck surgery, excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed, the muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is repositioned to give the abdomen a flatter, more attractive contour.  A tummy tuck falls under 3 categories, the mini tummy tuck, the standard tummy tuck, and the extended tummy tuck.  During your consultation with a reputable tummy tuck surgeon, he or she will evaluate the extent of your unique case and determine what category you fall under. The average price of tummy tucks will depend on the type of adominoplasty received.

Tummy Tuck Categories:

Mini: A Mini Tummy Tuck tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar or scarless Tummy Tuck)

Standard: Tightens all of the abdominal wall skin (standard or moderate scarring)

Extended: Extreme cases of excess skin and tissue.  Tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back)

Typical Minimum Cost of Tummy Tuck (based on national averages):
$4,500.00
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Typical Maximum Cost of Tummy Tuck (based on national averages):
$6,000.00
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National Average Cost of Tummy Tuck:
$5,250.00
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Time Required for Tummy Tuck:
It can take 2-5 hours to perform tummy tuck surgery. Time requirements vary between each situation, depending on the extent of surgery, or which category of tummy tucks is selected.
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Is Tummy Tuck an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?
Tummy tuck is most often performed on an outpatient basis, though special cases and extended tummy tuck surgeries can require a hospital stay.
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What are the Side Effects of Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck side effects include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising.
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How Long do Tummy Tuck results last?
Tummy tuck results can be permanent, but are subject to change with future weight fluctuation or pregnancy.
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What is the recovery time for Tummy Tuck?
Day 1-3 It is usually required that patients rest in bed for up to about 3 days after surgery

Day 7-14 Most patients can return to work about 2-4 weeks into the tummy tuck recovery period

1-2 Months  At least 4 weeks should pass before any strenuous activities are attempted.  Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon could recommend up to 8 weeks of no exercise or manual labor.
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Will my insurance company cover Tummy Tuck?
Because of the cosmetic nature of a tummy tuck, insurance usually is not involved with Tummy Tuck costs. In rare situations, sometimes ones involving gastric bypass surgery, there may be some partial insurance coverage.
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Is there much discomfort for Tummy Tuck?
After a tummy tuck, discomfort is definitely evident. The surgeon will offer instructions for easing any pain, and prescription pain medication can be taken to help control it.
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What types of anesthesia is necessary for Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck anesthesia of choice is usually general, though local anesthesia with sedation may be used for less extensive surgeries.
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What else can I combine Tummy Tuck with?
For enhanced results, a tummy tuck may be combined with:

• Liposuction
• Thigh or Buttock Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation

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What else is Tummy Tuck referred to as?
Abdominoplasty. Abdominal Lipectomy.
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Are there less invasive alternatives to Tummy Tuck?

ContrAge™

Endermologie

Lipodissolve™

Skin Tightening

Thermage for Skin Tightening

VelaSmooth™

Arasys

Mesotherapy

Titan™ Skin Tightening

VelaShape™

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Find a Surgeon that performs Tummy Tuck: