A flat and toned abdomen is commonly sought after through exercise and diet. Unfortunately, these methods cannot always reduce stubborn body fat or loose skin. Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, helps to restore the body by removing excess fat or skin from the abdomen. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles, Diastais, can also be addressed to help create a smoother and firmer abdomen.
What is Abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck will help to restore weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess fluffy tissue and or skin to create a toned abdomen. Many individuals experience looseness and sagging skin in their abdomen due to:
- These abdominal wall changes may occur due to aging
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Previous surgery
- Weight fluctuations
A tummy tuck is not a solution for weight loss or exercise. But it can help to improve what diet and exercise cannot.
QUICK FACTS
Recovery Time
4 Weeks
Anesthesia Type
General Anesthesia
Abdominoplasty Candidates
To be considered a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery you should be in overall good health, a non-smoker, have a BMI of 30 or less and be at a stable weight for at least 6 months.
The Abdominoplasty Procedure
During a tummy tuck, you undergo general anesthesia. A low horizontal incision is made, previously marked with you by Dr. D’Agostino. Most commonly the incision will span from one hip to the other, low on your abdomen so it can be covered with your bathing suit or underwear. The abdominal skin is lifted, and any weakened abdominal muscles are repaired. The upper abdominal skin is pulled downwards, the excess skin is carefully removed, and the remaining edges are sutured. Your tummy tuck will contour your abdominal area, giving you a more toned, flat, and firm look.
Abdominoplasty Recovery
During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings and bandages may be applied to the incisions, and you will be required to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the area as it heals. Drains will be placed to help drain any excess fluid from the surgical site. Dr. D’Agostino will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for the incision area and drains, medications to take and when to take them, concerns to watch out for while healing, and when to contact the medical office. Your tummy tuck scar will continue to fade throughout the first year after surgery. The final results of your tummy tuck will emerge after your swelling diminishes. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after the procedure is essential to maintain the long-lasting results of a tummy tuck.
Schedule a Consultation
A tummy tuck can rejuvenate the appearance of your abdomen through muscle treatment, skin tightening, and fat removal. To experience the benefits of tummy tuck, contact our double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. D’Agostiino, at our 5th Avenue Plastic Surgery office today by calling or booking an appointment through our online platform.
5th Ave Plastic surgery is the best!
5th Ave Plastic surgery is the best! Everyone is so kind and makes you feel so at home. Truly a classy staff who makes you feel at home. The facility is also stunning and extremely comfortable and clean. Looking forward to visiting again soon!
-Stephanie H
Dr. D is AMAZING!
I knew two things were most important to me when looking for the right surgeon: the results and bedside manner. I feel so grateful to have hit the jackpot with Dr D who gave me the BEST of both of those. From the first moment I met her in the consult, I knew she was different from most doctors. She is incredibly kind, sweet, patient, and attentive. She made me feel cared for in a way that’s hard to put into words, but when you’re preparing for a big surgery, it’s the exact type of energy that puts you at total ease. Dr D not only answered all my questions, on multiple different occasions, leading up to surgery but she was extremely patient with them all.
I am extremely pleased with Dr. D’Agostino.
I am extremely pleased with Dr. D’Agostino. She is always on time, personable and kind! She walked me through every step of my procedure, removed all of my cancer and did an amazing job. My scar is barely noticeable at just a couple weeks after my procedure. I will definitely be back for any other cosmetic needs.
FAQ
How long do I need to wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck?
Most surgeons recommend wearing a compression garment for 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. This helps reduce swelling, supports the healing tissues, and helps your body adjust to its new contours. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your individual case.
Can a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
Yes, a tummy tuck can effectively repair diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles often occurring after pregnancy. During the procedure, your surgeon can tighten and reconnect these muscles, restoring core strength and improving abdominal contour.
Will a tummy tuck remove all my stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, below the navel. However, it cannot eliminate stretch marks in other areas. The procedure may improve the overall appearance of your abdomen, potentially making remaining stretch marks less noticeable.
How soon after pregnancy can I get a tummy tuck?
It's generally recommended to wait at least 6 months after childbirth before undergoing a tummy tuck. This allows your body time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, and for your weight to stabilize. If you're planning future pregnancies, it's often advised to postpone the procedure.
Will I have drains after a tummy tuck?
Most tummy tuck procedures involve the placement of temporary drains to remove excess fluid and reduce the risk of seroma formation. These drains are typically removed within 1-2 weeks after surgery, depending on the amount of drainage.
Do you always repair the muscle?
A tummy tuck typically involves removing the excess skin and fat of the abdomen & flanks in conjunction with tightening of the loose abdominal wall and muscles to provide a corset effect to enhance the hourglass appearance of women and athletic physique in a man.
Why Can’t You Liposuction in Front of the Six-Pack Muscles During a Traditional Abdominoplasty?
During a traditional tummy tuck, the skin is raised to allow it to be pulled tighter to achieve a flatter more athletic appearance. Raising the skin disrupts some of the blood supply. Simultaneous liposuction of the fat is not often performed at the same time in order to preserve blood supply and provide a safer outcome.
Will my “abs” show?
Everyone has “abs” which represent the rectus muscles of the abdomen. The patient’s percent body fat and BMI relates to how much abdominal muscle will be visible. Following a tummy tuck, the abdomen will be much flatter and toned. The more fat that one loses corresponds to the amount of “abs” that will be visible.
Will This Operation Help Me Lose Weight?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure; however it often times will serve as a springboard for further weight loss and a healthier lifestyle as it will be easier to exercise and be more active in daily life.
How should I prepare for my Tummy Tuck consultation?
In preparing for a tummy tuck procedure, you should have a stable body weight, be healthy enough to undergo surgery and be a non-smoker.
What should I expect the day of my tummy tuck procedure?
On the day of your tummy tuck procedure, you will be greeted by your surgeon before surgery. We will answer any and all of your last-minute questions you may have. You will then be taken into surgery. Following surgery, you will have your surgical garments in place and be underway to achieve the results and the body you have always wanted.
Will Sutures Need to be Removed After Surgery?
All sutures placed will be dissolvable and will not require removal. The resulting scar is kept low and typically will fade into a straight line pale scar.
How Long Will I Be Out of Work?
Typically patients will take 1-2 weeks off of work and can resume routine daily activity after that. Patients can exercise and perform all activities without restrictions after 6 weeks.
What are 3 things to look for in a great tummy tuck result?
3 Benefits to a Great Tummy Tuck: rnrnFlat TummyrnHourglass Appearance rnNatural Appearance of the Belly Button
What is Post-Treatment Abdominal Swelling Like?
After a tummy tuck, the majority of bruising and swelling will usually subside within several weeks; however it may take several months for all swelling to subside.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
We encourage patients to walk immediately after surgery. This will help patients recover faster after their procedure.
Will you use my own belly button? How do you recreate the belly button?
We will keep your belly button. Once the excess abdominal skin and fat is removed and the tummy is flat, we will then use your same belly button and in set it into its new position to achieve a natural and youthful appearance.
How do I choose a Tummy tuck surgeon in South Florida?
It is important to choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in body contouring procedures to perform your tummy tuck.
How do I know if I am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck restores the attractive, sexy contours of the abdomen, flanks, and hips. Assuming that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, an abdominoplasty may be a good option to remove excess skin and fat from the belly area. At 5th Avenue Plastic Surgery, we tailor each treatment plan for each patient. It is important to schedule a consultation so we can determine the best treatment plan for you.
What’s the difference between mini-tummy tuck and a regular tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen (below the belly button) which often times includes a previous c-section scar, creating a flatter tummy. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat of the abdomen as well as tightens the loose abdominal wall with an “internal corset” technique, creating a flatter tummy and accentuating the hourglass appearance.
Is 50 years old safe to do a tummy tuck? What age is the best age for body contouring?
Patients who are bothered by excess skin and fat in their abdominal area, are at or close to their goal weight, and are in relatively good health are good candidates for tummy tucks. Tummy tuck candidates should be non-smokers and not be on any medication that would impair their ability to heal from the surgery. Patients often seek a tummy tuck after one or more pregnancies as well as significant weight loss. Changes in size and body contour caused by pregnancy or being overweight, or weight loss can affect skin elasticity and the tightness of abdominal muscles. These issues can be corrected with an abdominoplasty, helping patients regain a lean and well-contoured body shape. There are no age restrictions and no ideal age as long as you are cleared for surgery from a medical perspective. We want all of our patients to look as young as they feel.
How close to my goal weight should I be before a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift, or Mommy Makeover?
I recommend reaching a STABLE weight prior to any aesthetic procedure. However, I have seen patients delay surgery for years as they struggle to lose more weight, only to say when they finally have surgery “Why did I wait so long?!”. If you are actively losing weight, keep up the good work. If you have hit a plateau in your weight loss journey, surgery can act as a spring board towards a healthier lifestyle and further weight loss.
Can you get a Tummy Tuck/Halo Lift at the same time as a BBL(Brazilian Buttock Lift)?
Generally these procedures are staged to facilitate healing, recovery, and viability of the fat. It is very common to combine other procedures such as tummy tuck or liposuction with breast surgeries such as breast augmentation of breast lift (mastopexy).
Am I a good candidate for liposuction and tummy tuck or should I lose more weight?
Body contouring, such as tummy tucks and liposuction are wonderful options to sculpt and shape your body for improved confidence. It is important to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in body contouring to help determine the appropriate procedure for you. Patients who are bothered by excess skin and fat in their abdominal area, are at or close to their goal weight, and are in relatively good health are good candidates for tummy tucks. Patients often seek a tummy tuck after one or more pregnancies as well as significant weight loss. Changes in the laxity of the skin and abdominal wall as well as an excess of fat can be caused by pregnancy, age, or weight fluctuations. These issues can be significantly improved with an abdominoplasty, helping patients regain a lean and well-contoured body shape. Good candidates for liposuction are already at or near their goal weight, have areas of fat that do not respond to weight loss efforts, and have relatively good skin tone. Patients that desire accentuated muscles in the abdomen, thighs or back may be good candidates for body etching through high definition liposuction to give an appearance of a more athletic physique. I find that the best candidates for body contouring surgery are realistic about the results they will achieve and understand that a continued healthy lifestyle will enhance their results.
Is it safe to get a tummy tuck when a sleeve gastrectomy was previously done?
A tummy tuck, otherwise known as an abdominoplasty, is a common procedure performed following bariatric surgery. It is important to discuss your weight loss journey and current medical status with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself who specializes in post-bariatric surgery as well as your bariatric surgeon to develop an individualized treatment plan that fits your needs. Even after patients have achieved an ideal weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise, excess skin and fat in the abdominal area and laxity of the abdominal muscles may still be an issue. Abdominopalsty can address these issues to help people achieve their aesthetic goals and ultimately improve their self confidence.
How Soon After My Tummy Tuck Can I Fly Back Home?
We have many patients from all over the world.We ask that our out-of-town patients refrain from traveling for a minimum of 10 days following their tummy tuck procedure. We offer many accommodations for patients to enjoy their stay in sunny, warm South Florida as they recover. If you plan to travel, it is important to stand up and walk at least every hour. In most circumstances, my patients feel well enough to travel 2 weeks after their tummy tuck surgery. By 6 weeks, given normal healing, patients are cleared to ease back into their normal activities.
