Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, resulting in a toned and smoother appearance. Many tummy tuck surgeries are performed following pregnancy or significant weight loss, and this is also a popular procedure to correct the visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin. The goal of abdominoplasty is to achieve a flatter and younger-looking stomach by improving waistline contours.

What You Should Know about a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgeries are intended for patients who have a significant amount of excess skin or fat in the abdominal region. Though considered major surgery, a tummy tuck is a great option for those who’d like to lose the excess skin and fat around their waistline and experience increased self-confidence. Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty have maintained their weight for at least a year. Both men and women can undergo tummy tucks, although this procedure is most popular with women who have given birth or lost weight. Most patients are between 25 and 60 years old.

Find out if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

During a full tummy tuck, an incision running from one hip to the other allows the surgeon access to all abdominal tissues, resulting in the most dramatic change. A partial or “mini” tummy tuck requires shorter incisions, and is intended for those whose excess skin and fat rests underneath the position of the belly button. Your surgeon can help you determine which procedure is right for you.

Once these incisions are created, the surgeon is able to remove excess skin and fat, tighten the abdominal muscles (which tend to become loose during pregnancy) and sculpt the abdominal tissue into a smoother appearance. The overall goal of tummy tuck surgery is to improve the appearance and contours of the abdominal region. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures.

Get more details about how the tummy tuck procedure is performed.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Tummy tucks are major abdominal surgery performed with general anesthesia. After awaking, the patient feels groggy and tired for several days. Some patients must spend a night or two in the recovery room, while others return home the same day. The area may be covered in surgical dressings or a compression garment, and there will also be fluid drains and sutures to contend with. Your abdomen will feel swollen and sore. Bruising and redness are also common. These side effects generally take one to three weeks to subside. During this time, follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to reduce swelling, promote healing, and support the tissues as they adjust to their new contours. Most patients are able to return to work in about two weeks, though strenuous activities must be avoided for six weeks or more.

Learn more about what to expect during tummy tuck recovery.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck is about $5,264, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This price quote does not include anesthesia or facility fees, bringing the average cost of a tummy tuck into the $6,000-$9,000 range. Be sure to ask about the fees and factors affecting these fees before scheduling your tummy tuck. Because this procedure is considered cosmetic surgery, it is not typically covered by health insurance, though most surgeons offer payment plans to make the surgery affordable.

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