If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you’re probably already thinking about how it will help you look and feel better. But before you commit to an invasive surgery, it’s important to consider what a tummy tuck actually does.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. The surgery is often done to improve the appearance of loose skin after significant weight loss, but it can also be performed for other reasons, including poor muscle tone or trauma to the abdomen.
But there’s more to a tummy tuck than just getting rid of excess skin and tightening up your belly button. You should also consider whether your reason for wanting one is valid—and whether or not it will have lasting effects on your health.
Will A Tummy Tuck Help With Prolapse
Typically, the tummy tuck will have no effect on your pelvic floor or prolapse since that area is not touched with the tuck. However, in many women who have a heavy hanging pouch of skin, once that has been removed, they have some improvement with their weak floor and prolapse since less pressure is present.
While a tummy tuck procedure typically does not directly impact the pelvic floor or prolapse, it can indirectly lead to some improvement in these areas for women with excess skin in the abdominal region. By removing the heavy hanging pouch of skin, there is less pressure on the pelvic floor, which can result in some alleviation of symptoms related to weak pelvic floor muscles and prolapse. While the tummy tuck may not be a direct solution for these issues, it can provide some relief for women struggling with these conditions.
What is a tummy tuck?
Formally known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and, in some cases, tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. Oftentimes, the surgeon will combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to remove stubborn areas of fat and further enhance the results of the procedure.
Why it’s done
There are a number of reasons you might have excess fat, poor elasticity of the skin or weakened connective tissue in your abdomen. These include:
- Significant changes in weight
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
- Aging
- Your natural body type
A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten weak fascia. A tummy tuck may also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button. However, a tummy tuck won’t correct stretch marks outside of this area.
If you’ve previously had a C-section, your plastic surgeon might be able to incorporate your existing C-section scar into your tummy tuck scar.
A tummy tuck can also be done in combination with other body contouring cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery. If you’ve had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may decide to have a tummy tuck because liposuction removes tissue just under the skin and fat but not any excess skin.
A tummy tuck isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against a tummy tuck if you:
- Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
- Might consider pregnancy in the future
- Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have a body mass index that’s greater than 30
- Smoke
- Have had a previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgeries
A cosmetic surgeon may recommend one of the following tummy tuck surgery procedures to help give you a firmer, flatter, abdominal contour with minimal scarring:
Mini Tummy Tuck: If you’re mainly concerned about stretch marks and loose skin below your belly button, then the mini tummy tuck surgery is the ideal option. This procedure involves making one horizontal incision below your belly button, from which your surgeon then effectively tightens the loose abdominal muscles. Surplus skin is also removed to create a flat and firm abdominal wall.
Mini tummy tuck surgeries usually take a relatively shorter time and will often have a faster recovery time, along with minimal scarring. Expect a thin scar, usually a couple of inches, along with a firmer and flatter lower abdomen.
Full or Classic Tummy Tuck: This tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen areas and will typically yield great results in removing excess fat. Your cosmetic surgeon will use either a U-shaped or horizontal incision below the belly button or the navel. Excess fat and skin are then eliminated to achieve a slim abdomen that looks natural.
The full or classic tummy tuck will typically leave a longer scar due to the extensive incisions required. However, the scar will hide below a swimsuit bottom. This type of tummy tuck benefits includes a considerably smoother, slimmer abdomen with fewer stretch marks and more comfort wearing skirts and pants.
Extended Tummy Tuck: The extended abdominoplasty is the standard tummy tuck that includes recontouring the flanks, hips, or even lateral thigh. It is quite useful for those who have experienced significant weight loss and are now dealing with excessively saggy skin on their abdomen. In most cases, the surgeon will perform liposuction around the flanks during the tummy tuck.
Risks
A tummy tuck poses various risks, including:
- Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.
- Poor wound healing. Sometimes areas along the incision line heal poorly or begin to separate. You might be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection.
- Unexpected scarring. The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but it’s typically placed along the easily hidden bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person.
- Tissue damage. During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
- Changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck, the repositioning of your abdominal tissues can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and infrequently, in the upper thighs. You’ll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness. This usually diminishes in the months after the procedure.
Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
How you prepare
You’ll talk to a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. During your first visit, your plastic surgeon will likely:
- Review your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions. Talk about any medications you’re taking or have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you’ve had.Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. If your desire for a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, your doctor will likely ask detailed questions about your weight gain and loss.
- Do a physical exam. To determine your treatment options, the doctor will examine your abdomen. The doctor might also take pictures of your abdomen for your medical record.
- Discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck, and what you’re hoping for in terms of appearance after the procedure. Make sure you understand the benefits and risks of the procedure, including scarring. Keep in mind that previous abdominal surgery might limit your results.
Before a tummy tuck you might also need to:
- Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.
- Avoid certain medications. You’ll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
- Maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you’ll maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you’re severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results.
- Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.
Which Tummy Tuck Is Right for Me?
If you’re looking to get a tummy tuck, you’ve probably seen that there are a lot of options out there. The first thing to consider is whether you want to have a full abdominoplasty or a mini-tummy tuck. A full abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening muscles.
If you’re looking to have more than just skin tightening, but also some muscle tightening, then this might be the procedure for you. On the other hand, if you’re not interested in muscle tightening but would like some extra skin removal, then a mini-tummy tuck might be right for you.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to go with a mini-tummy tuck or full abdominoplasty is how many incisions will be required to do the surgery.
If your doctor recommends that one or two small incisions are all that’s needed, then you may want to choose this option as it will be much less painful and scarring afterward than if he requires more incisions (though there is no guarantee that multiple incisions are always necessary).
Who Is a Good Candidate for A Tummy Tuck?
To be a suitable tummy tuck candidate, you should be in good overall health but have excess skin (that has lost its elasticity) throughout the abdominal area. You may also have severely weakened or separated stomach muscles. You should be at a stable weight that you feel you can maintain following tummy tuck surgery. You must not smoke, or be prepared to stop smoking for several weeks prior to and after surgery.
Finally, you should have realistic expectations for the outcome of tummy tuck surgery. For instance, while tummy tuck surgery will give you a firmer abdominal profile, it also leaves a horizontal scar that extends from hip bone to hip bone. If you are okay with having a scar that you can hide beneath an underwear or bathing suit line in exchange for having the appearance of a six pack, you may benefit from tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Stages
Below, you’ll find a handy timeline for what to expect after tummy tuck surgery. Again, keep in mind the extent of your surgery can vary. For example, a mini tummy tuck is far less invasive than an extended Sculpt tummy tuck, which means a shorter recovery time. Your mileage may vary.
Now that we’ve said that, let’s dive into a typical tummy tuck recovery timeline that you may find useful as you prepare for tummy tuck surgery:
Week 1: This is no doubt the most difficult part of tummy tuck recovery. Tummy tuck pain, swelling and even bruising are common.You may even regret having a tummy tuck. Don’t worry – these feelings are normal and this, too, shall pass.
You’ll be walking bent over at this point, and will be spending most of your time resting from the comfort of your bed or sofa. Walking every day is vital to recovery. Even just a few minutes every few hours can help.
Driving is off limits for the first 2-3 weeks.
At the 7 day mark, you will come in for a follow-up appointment. Dr. Beldholm will change the PICO dressings. Click here to learn the benefits of PICO negative pressure dressings.
Week 2: The worst is behind you. You’ll still have some discomfort, but it will decrease day by day. Swelling is still prevalent. Numbness in the lower abdomen is also normal. Your tummy still feels tender, so you will likely still need help around the house from friends, family members or an aid. By day 10, most patients will start walking upright. You’re doing great. Hang in there!
Week 3: Congrats! Most patients are allowed to start driving after a tummy tuck at 2 to 3 weeks. Now that you can drive, it frees you up to have a lot more independence. You’ll still need assistance carrying heavy groceries, etc. at this point, though. By now, you should be feeling a lot better overall.
Swelling, discomfort and bruising will decrease greatly by this stage.
The lower tummy will most likely still be numb and feel a bit “alien” for the time being. That’s because the sensory nerves in the skin were damaged during surgery (this is normal, after all, you just had surgery). Feeling will return eventually. Numbness usually subsides within 3 months as the nerves repair themselves.
Week 4: Most patients return to work around 4 weeks post-op. Returning to work signals how far you have made it in recovery. It also helps patients feel good knowing they are back in a familiar routine, so you will start to feel more “normal” again.
Week 5-8: Each day is easier and easier. You will be amazed at how far you have come in such a short time. The worst of the swelling will start going away 1 to 2 months after surgery. Most patients can resume a full exercise routine at the 8-week mark.
Exercising after tummy tuck is beneficial. It not only shows how far you have come physically, but exercise can also improve your tummy tuck results by keeping you fit and healthy. You’ll also be able to handle lifting heavy objects like groceries without assistance, which makes life easier.
Week 9: You’ve made it to the 3-month mark. This is when most of Dr. Beldholm’s patients say they really start feeling “back to normal”. Some swelling will still be present, but it will be substantially less than it was a few weeks ago. There shouldn’t be any pain or discomfort at this stage and you will be completely independent. The scars will still be red at this stage. It can take a long time for surgical scars to mature.
In the weeks and months that follow, you will notice swelling reduce even more. As the swelling settles, your tummy tuck results will become more visible. It’s amazing to see the transformation that takes place.
Remember, just a few months ago you had a totally different body with loose skin and unwanted fat that made you feel pretty low. Clothes will fit better now, and you will start feeling more like yourself as you get used to your beautiful, flat tummy.
How long until I see the results of a tummy tuck?
Getting a tummy tuck is a big landmark in many patients’ lives. It is no wonder that they feel both excited and anxious to see the results of surgery. After all, it took a lot of time and effort finding the right surgeon, taking time off work, arranging rides to doctor appointments, etc. Not to mention, the cost of tummy tuck surgery.
After all that, of course patients wish they could see results right away. The truth is, you will see a noticeable improvement immediately after surgery. That unwanted loose skin and fat will finally be gone for good. But — and this is a BIG “but” — it takes a while to see the final results because of the swelling after surgery.
In Doctor Bernard’s experience, 12 to 18 months is how long it takes to see the final results of tummy tuck surgery. However, you will feel “normal” again by the 3-month mark.
Tummy tuck scar fading is usually what takes the longest. (Hint: If you want to fade tummy tuck scars faster, try Laser Genesis to reduce scar redness.)
Average Cost of Prolapse Surgery
The cost of a tummy tuck is often a deciding factor for patients when choosing which plastic surgeon they trust to perform their tummy tuck. When searching for the best plastic surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty, it is important to note that expertise, training, skill, and ensuring the highest level of patient care, safety, cleanliness, and materials are all variables that will affect the overall cost of your tummy tuck.
If the low price for a tummy tuck seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are hesitant about the low cost of a tummy tuck, you can always do more research by asking questions about the facilities, surgeon’s credentials, and expertise in performing the procedure to make sure the plastic surgeon specializes in tummy tucks and is not cutting any corners. In order to have lower tummy tuck costs, the surgeon may not use the best quality materials or may be compromising the quality of care, service, cleanliness, and safety. Although cheaper plastic surgery may seem financially appealing, plastic surgery is real surgery and you only have one body, so you do not want to bargain when it comes to your safety & appearance.
Since plastic surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery, tummy tucks are typically not covered by medical insurance. However, tummy tuck surgery involves various costs besides the actual surgical fee for the procedure, such as labs or medications, and some of these costs may be covered by insurance. Typically, the pricing for a tummy tuck and all associated fees is broken down on a formal price quote that is presented to you at the consultation, so you will know exactly what they are paying for before committing to the surgery. We will go over the general breakdown of tummy tuck costs below.
Geographical Location
The cost of a tummy tuck varies greatly depending on the surgeon’s geographical location and the demand for the procedure in that area. The national average cost for a tummy tuck, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is around $6,000. However, in cities with high demand, like Beverly Hills, the cost of a tummy tuck can range from $12,000 to $50,000.
1. Consultation Fee
The first fee you will pay along your plastic surgery journey is the consultation fee to meet with your plastic surgeon, discuss your goals, and create your surgical plan. Some plastic surgeons do not have consultation fees, but usually, when the consultation is free, you do not meet with the plastic surgeon, you will meet with a nurse or the surgeon’s patient coordinator instead. The consultation fee secures the time and date of your appointment since there are limited consultation spots, and it is typically applied towards the total cost of your abdominoplasty procedure. Every plastic surgery office is different, so it is best to call beforehand and clarify exactly who you will be meeting with at the initial consultation.
2. Abdominoplasty Surgical Fee
The surgical fee or surgeon’s fee is the cost for the surgeon to perform the plastic surgery procedure. There are various factors that can determine the price of the surgical fee such as the surgeon’s expertise, the length of the surgery, the different types of abdominoplasty, and how complex the procedure is. Also, if it is the surgeon’s specialty and how often they perform tummy tucks. The tummy tuck surgical fee is typically the main cost in the quote breakdown since it is the price of the procedure itself.
3. Operating Room and Anesthesia
Plastic surgery is typically performed at a surgery center or hospital. These facilities have fees in order to provide your surgeon with an equipped operating room and staff to perform your tummy tuck, as well as fees to pay the anesthesiologist to administer the anesthesia, and for the anesthesia medication itself. The operating room and anesthesia fees are separate facility costs and are typically charged by the hour, so if your surgery takes longer than the expected time, you will be expected to cover the overage fees. Some hospitals charge flat rates by the procedure for operating room and anesthesia costs, instead of by the hour, so it is best to check in with your plastic surgeon’s office to ask for more details about the facilities they operate at.
4. Post-Operative Surgical Garment
Another cost to keep in mind is the surgical garment you will be wearing after surgery to help facilitate your healing and enhance your results. Some patients purchase more than one garment so it’s easier to wash and dry the garment in-between wears since the post-op garments are typically worn for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, and you are only supposed to be out of your garment for about a maximum of 30 minutes. The cost of a tummy tuck surgical garment is typically anywhere from a hundred dollars to a couple of hundred dollars depending on the quality of the material and the company that your surgeon prefers for his or her post-op garments.
5. Medications
You will be prescribed a few medications for the post-operative healing stage. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of post-operative prescriptions, even for elective cosmetic surgery, but it will depend on the insurance and your policy. You can always check with your insurance company beforehand so you can calculate the anticipated costs associated with your procedure. Antibiotics are prescribed after plastic surgery procedures to prevent infection, especially if you have drains. Prescription pain medication is also typically prescribed after plastic surgery to help with any pain or discomfort, but it depends on the surgeon. Some plastic surgeons like Dr. Cat Begovic are known for their gentle technique, so Dr. Cat’s patients do not need to take prescription pain medication after tummy tuck surgery, just Tylenol to manage any discomfort.
6. Tummy Tuck Scar Care
After plastic surgery, many patients chose to undergo scar treatment in order to have the least noticeable scar. Scar treatment will vary depending on the size and pigment of the scar, but it can range from topical silicone patches and gel to scar camouflage with medical tattooing.
You can always call your insurance company to determine which types of scars and treatments are covered and which will incur out-of-pocket costs.
Tummy Tuck Financing
Payment is due in full before the procedure, but many plastic surgery offices accept financing, meaning you can finance the amount of your procedure upfront and then pay the balance over time, making smaller monthly payments to the finance company. It is always best to check with your plastic surgeon’s office beforehand to see what their payment and financing options are before scheduling.