Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as “abdominoplasty,” is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. This procedure can also tighten stretched or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned midsection.
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Who should get a tummy tuck?
If patients answer “yes” to any of the following questions, they may want to consider a tummy tuck:
- Are diet and exercise unable to achieve the flat abdominal appearance you desire?
- Do you have excess fat and hanging skin following weight loss or pregnancy?
- Does your abdomen have a loss of skin elasticity or diastasis recti (stretched or separated abdominal muscles) due to pregnancy or aging?
How can a tummy tuck help?
Tighten Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy, natural aging, and weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to become stretched and separated. These loose muscles often cause the abdomen to permanently protrude from the body, and it is next to impossible to completely repair these muscles through exercise. After the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, your abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve definition and shape in the midsection.
Remove Stretch Marks
Weight gain and pregnancy are nearly always accompanied by stretch marks as the skin expands. Stretch marks that appear on the skin of the lower abdomen are eliminated as this excess skin is removed.
Eliminate Stubborn Fat
Patients who have achieved a healthy weight are often left with areas of fat deposits that are difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction can be performed during the tummy tuck procedure to remove this stubborn fat and produce a more slender midsection.
Improved Confidence
Sagging skin, excess fat, and weak muscles in the abdominal region can detract from a person’s self-confidence. Tummy tuck surgery can eliminate these problems to produce a flatter abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
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How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
The results of a tummy tuck are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy.
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How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you and your desires to help determine the cost of your procedure.
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Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
Health insurance companies usually do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck if it is undergone solely for cosmetic purposes. However, your surgeon will physically examine you to determine if there is any medical reason, such as a hernia, that may qualify you for insurance coverage. You may wish to contact your health insurance provider to learn the details of your coverage.
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Will scarring exist?
The incision for tummy tuck surgery is strategically placed along the lower abdomen so that the resulting scar can easily be hidden beneath undergarments and bathing suits. Your scar will continue to improve and fade over time, and protecting it from the sun will help prevent it from darkening.
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