What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess fat and skin on the abdomen. In some cases, it also restores separated or weakened abdominal muscles for a smoother stomach. Many people with normal body weight and proportion develop a sagging, loose, or protruding abdomen due to aging, heredity, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or prior surgery. This procedure can help many achieve a smoother, flatter abdominal profile.

Beautifully You

Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

If you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly but still have a protruding abdomen that lacks tone, have abdominal muscles and skin that are stretched following pregnancy, or have excess, loose skin around your belly due to significant weight loss, you can benefit from a tummy tuck. Individuals who are at or near their ideal body weight, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure are ideal candidates. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons to determine if this procedure is right for you.

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Patient Results

Achieve your ideal body with body contouring, fat reduction, and rejuvenation. We offer procedures for every area of the body, including the stomach, thighs, arms, back, and more! View our patient gallery and find a before and after similar to your body type and treatment goals to see what kind of results you can expect from our team.

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

Patient Reviews

The staff was amazing from the minute I walked into the office! The office is beautiful! They greeted me right away both times, made me feel very welcomed, and comfortable. I had two consultations, 1…
- SA
From start to finish not only was this the best customer service experience I’ve ever had but they also listened to my concerns, put me at ease, and truly only do what’s best for your…
- JH
Dr. Kurtovic did an AMAZING job and I am beyond thrilled with my results. I couldn’t have picked a better surgeon. I was comfortable and supported from day one through my most recent visit, 4…
- AP

Tummy Tuck Surgery

The exact steps of tummy tuck surgery may differ depending on the individual case and the complexity of the needed surgery. However, there are three main types of tummy tuck surgery techniques that can be used, including a mini-tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, and an extended tummy tuck.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

This technique is used when loose skin and stretch marks are located below the belly button. A single incision is made just above the pubic mound, through which loose muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed to create a flat abdomen.

Full Tummy Tuck

This technique addresses excess skin and fat above and below the belly button. A horizontal or U-shaped incision will be created above the pubic mound, through which excess fat will be removed and abdominal muscles tightened. In some cases, an incision will also be made around the navel to address excess skin above the belly button for natural-looking results.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This option is best for those with excess, sagging skin hanging around the front half of their body. A longer incision will be created, through which excess, hanging skin will be removed from the front of the abdomen, as well as the flanks, and the abdominal wall will be tightened.

Recovery Process

Tummy Tuck Recovery

6-8 weeks

Tummy tuck surgery is often an outpatient procedure, so you can return home to recover. Soreness, bruising, and swelling may occur but should lessen over time. Drains may also be placed in incisions to help remove any fluid or blood after surgery. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be able to return to work after 6-8 weeks. You should avoid lifting and straining to ensure the best possible results. Be sure to follow your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions to avoid any possible complications.

The results from your tummy tuck are meant to be long-lasting, however, any future pregnancies or significant weight gain and affect your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?

Tummy tuck surgery is superficial to the abdominal organs and should not causes issues to digestion after surgery.

Can I walk after tummy tuck?

Being mobile is not only possible but encouraged after plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck to encourage blood flow and circulation throughout the body. While we recommend patients walk daily starting the day of surgery, patients are instructed to walk bent at the hips for the first two weeks to protect the incisions. After that, patients can walk upright as normal.

Can you get a tummy tuck if youre obese?

Obesity is a serious medical condition which puts patients at greater risk of medical and surgical complications after surgery. Your plastic surgeon will review your medical history in detail and determine if weight loss is recommended prior to elective cosmetic surgery.

Can you get pregnant after tummy tuck?

While its still anatomically possible to become pregnant and carry a pregnancy to full term following a tummy tuck, it is generally not recommended for those who wish to keep the results from their plastic surgery. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck will stretch the abdominal wall muscles and skin again and patients will lose their results.

Can you lose weight after tummy tuck?

Yes, although the procedure itself isnt a weight loss solution, many patients feel enhanced self-confidence and find certain physical movements easier to the degree where they begin exercising more, leading to weight loss.

Do men get tummy tuck?

Yes, men are increasingly interested in the ability for an abdominoplasty to help them slim down their last few problem areas and achieve a flat, firm abdomen. Commonly men who have undergone a large amount of weight loss, experience excess abdominal skin that they can get rid of with a tummy tuck.

Do tummy tucks work?

Yes, tummy tucks are highly effective ways of achieving a flatter abdomen and correcting separated abdominal muscles. Patients who undergo surgery at their ideal weight, and do not undergo further weight changes after surgery will experience the most longevity of their tummy tuck surgery results.

Do you get a scar from a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck scars vary depending on the extent of your procedure and are placed so they are easily concealed in the waistline of clothing, even in revealing swimwear.

Do you have to be skinny to get a tummy tuck?

While you don’t have to be thin or skinny to have a tummy tuck, the best candidates are patients who are at their ideal body weight at the time of surgery. This is important because weight changes that happen after a tummy tuck will affect your surgical results and you may lose the result.

Does a tummy tuck tighten muscles?

Yes, a traditional tummy tuck also tightens the abdominal wall muscles. Pregnancy and childbirth often place stress on the abdominal wall which can cause a permanent separation of the rectus abdominis or abdominal wall muscles. This separation or gap is called a rectus diastasis and can cause women to experience weakness of their abdominal area. A tummy tuck procedure is designed to target this abdominal wall weakness by repairing the recuts muscle separation back to midline.

How are tummy tucks done?

Tummy tucks are done by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Most women have some degree of separation of their abdominal muscles after pregnancy and this is repaired during a tummy tuck. The remaining skin is then re-draped over the abdomen in a more flattering way before being stitched closed. In some cases, a tummy tuck procedure will also include liposuction.

How can I lose my stomach fat?

Losing stomach fat quickly can be achieved through liposuction techniques. Often liposuction is performed at the same time as a tummy tuck to remove excess fat in the abdominal areas.

How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?

To prepare for a tummy tuck, you’ll want to stop smoking if you’re a smoker, stop taking blood thinner medications, maintain a stable weight, and arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and take care of you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.

How long will a tummy tuck last?

A tummy tuck is meant to provide long-lasting results. However, the duration may vary based on various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and aging. In general, a tummy tuck can last for many years, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise. Factors such as pregnancy and significant weight gain may negatively impact results.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia with patients fully asleep. Tucson Plastic Surgery surgeons, Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic, often perform abdominal nerve blocks at the time of a tummy tuck surgery using a long-acting anesthetic medication called Exparel, which continues to release numbing medication in the surgical areas over several days. Patients wake up after surgery with much less pain and find they require minimal narcotics afterwards.

What are the side effects of a tummy tuck?

Common side effects of a tummy tuck may include temporary pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort. There are also risks associated with any form of surgery, such as infection, blood clots, scarring, and changes in sensation. Your surgeon will discuss any possible side effects with you during your consultation appointment.

What do you eat after tummy tuck?

After your tummy tuck procedure, you’ll want to eat lean meat or plant proteins to help with the healing process. Fruits and vegetables and plenty of water should also be a big part of your diet.

What is the best girdle to wear after a tummy tuck?

For your recovery after a tummy tuck, your surgeon will provide you with a surgical compression garment. This should be worn as recommended by yours surgeon for the directed amount of time in order to achieve the best results.

What qualifies you for a tummy tuck?

To qualify as a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you’ll want to be at or near your ideal weight, be in good overall health, have no medical conditions that could affect the surgery or healing process, have realistic expectations, and be a nonsmoker.

Will a tummy tuck make my stomach flat?

As a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and unwanted fat while also tightening separated and weakened abdominal muscles, it can make your stomach flatter.

What should you expect during your tummy tuck consultation?

During your tummy tuck consultation, your surgeon will assess your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, explain the procedure and potential risks, and evaluate your candidacy for surgery. Youll also have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.

What are some long-term considerations after a tummy tuck?

Long-term considerations following a tummy tuck include maintaining a stable weight, adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding significant weight fluctuations, protecting your surgical scars from sun exposure, and following up with your surgeon for routine check-ups. By taking these steps, you enhance your likelihood of enjoying long-term beautiful results.

What happens during tummy tuck surgery?

The tummy tuck procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. During this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area, the abdominal muscles may be tightened, and the remaining skin is repositioned to create a smoother, firmer contour.

Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.

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