Like many men and women, you may eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise and do sit-ups every day only to find that your steadfast commitment simply isn’t yielding the toned, sculpted results you’ve worked so hard to achieve. This is quite normal, and may be beyond your control. Genetics, aging, weight fluctuations and pregnancy can make it very difficult to get flat abs.
At Legacy Plastic Surgery, our world-class plastic surgeons, Drs. Kim and Wingate, can put the finishing touches on your fitness efforts with abdominoplasty, helping you achieve the trim, fit appearance you desire. Call 610-524-8244 today to schedule your initial consultation. We welcome patients from Exton, Paoli, the Main Line, Chester County, Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania and other communities throughout the state as well as Delaware and surrounding areas.
On this page, you can find information about a number of tummy tuck-related topics, including:
- What Is Abdominoplasty?
- Tummy Tuck Candidacy
- Tummy Tuck Benefits
- Traditional (Full) Tummy Tuck
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Your Customized Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Abdominoplasty Recovery Time
- Tummy Tuck Cost
- Schedule Your Abdominoplasty Consultation Today
WHAT IS ABDOMINOPLASTY?
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. The procedure is also used to tighten abdominal muscles, providing a slim, firm appearance to your midsection.
Often combined with liposuction or as part of a mommy makeover, the procedure is customized to meet your unique goals. All tummy tucks require incisions by which excess skin and fat can be removed, but our experienced tummy tuck surgeons are careful to place these incisions under your clothing lines to help ensure that your scars are discreet and inconspicuous.
TUMMY TUCK CANDIDACY
Being overweight is not the only reason people experience abdominal bulging. Aging, weight fluctuations and pregnancy can all contribute to a bulging in the midsection. The best way to determine if the procedure is right for your situation is to meet personally with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. During this important consultation, your goals will be discussed, your questions will be answered and your candidacy for abdominoplasty will be determined.
Generally speaking, you may be an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery if you:
- Are at or near your ideal weight
- Are in good overall health
- Have tried to trim your midsection through diet and exercise with no significant results
- Suffer from loose, excess skin following pregnancy or weight loss
- Are not currently pregnant
- Are a non-smoker or are willing to quit
- Have realistic expectations
The list above represents some of the qualities of an ideal tummy tuck candidate, but does not take the place of a personal consultation. Even if you have certain qualities that don’t align with the list above, you may still qualify for the surgery or may be able to at a later time.
In some cases, it may be recommended that you reach a specific goal weight prior to your tummy tuck. Depending on your unique circumstances, liposuction may be recommended either in conjunction with your abdominoplasty or prior to it.
TUMMY TUCK BENEFITS
If you want to have a flat, toned belly and look great in a bikini and form-fitting clothes again, abdominoplasty is the ultimate way to narrow your waistline and tighten your abdominal region. Both men and women can benefit from a tummy tuck if they want to eliminate excess skin after significant weight loss.
Some common benefits of abdominoplasty surgery include:
- A safe, long-lasting solution to abdominal bulging
- Improved fit in clothing, including eveningwear and swimwear
- Improved self-confidence
- A more youthful appearance
- Can be performed just a few months after giving birth
- Addresses unsightly stretch marks
- Tightens abdominal muscles that have separated because of pregnancy
While a tummy tuck can dramatically improve the appearance of your midsection, it is not a weight loss surgery. If you are carrying excessive weight, abdominoplasty surgery may not provide the results you desire. In these cases, it may be more beneficial to achieve a healthy weight before your surgery.
All of the potential benefits and considerations for your tummy tuck will be discussed during your initial consultation with one of our skilled plastic surgeons.
TRADITIONAL (FULL) TUMMY TUCK
A full tummy tuck is an ideal option for most patients who need to address the entire abdomen, both above and below the navel. In this comprehensive procedure, an incision is made from hip to hip, and an additional incision is often needed around the belly button to reposition it after excess skin is removed and tightened.
While tummy tucks do leave scars, the incision is discreetly hidden beneath most styles of undergarments and bikini bottoms.
By removing excess skin and repairing loose muscles both above and below the belly button, full tummy tucks deliver the dramatic, transformative results.
MINI TUMMY TUCK
Mini tummy tucks are often appropriate if your primary area of concern is below the belly button. Somewhat similar to a full tummy tuck, this procedure can remove excess fat and skin and tighten loose abdominal muscles. However, unlike a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is intended for patients with a minimal amount of excess skin and only addresses the lower abdominal region.
Since mini tummy tucks are usually less involved than traditional tummy tucks, they offer some unique benefits, such as:
- Quicker recovery time
- Less discomfort
- Less scarring
- Usually eliminates a scar around the belly button
In a typical mini tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made near the bikini line. The muscles of your lower, and possibly upper, abdominal wall are tightened, and excess lower abdominal skin is removed. The remaining skin of your lower abdominal region is then tightened to achieve a more toned appearance. Liposuction is sometimes recommended to further sculpt your abdominal contour.
Your candidacy for a mini tummy tuck will be determined in a personal, one-on-one meeting with one of our plastic surgeons.
YOUR CUSTOMIZED TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
Your tummy tuck procedure will be customized to effectively address your aesthetic goals and unique needs. During your initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, a thorough physical evaluation will be conducted. Our surgeon will take time to discuss your goals and explain all of your treatment options, based on your medical history, age, weight and other factors.
Tummy tucks are performed next door to our facility at our fully-accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center. This serene, private facility is fully accredited and boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and surgical equipment in addition to world-class software and technology. Our surgery suites and recovery areas are specifically designed with your safety, comfort and well-being in mind.
Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can go home once your surgery is complete. While no two patients or procedures are the same, abdominoplasty typically takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done.
Tummy tuck results are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight and do not have a future pregnancy.
We invite you to schedule your initial consultation at Legacy Plastic Surgery to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you.
ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY TIME
Like any surgical procedure, you’ll need to take some time to rest and recuperate after your procedure is completed. For the most part, patients are able to return to work after a week or two following surgery. You may need more downtime if your job is more physically demanding.
In most cases, patients can shower within a day or two and can start jogging or other light activity in about two-and-a-half weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will want to keep a close eye on your recovery and results after surgery, and will likely request follow-up appointments at the following intervals:
- One to two days
- One week
- Three weeks
- Two months
- Six months
We then offer free yearly appointments to ensure your recovery and results are doing well. In addition to these follow-up appointments, you are invited to contact our office with any questions or concerns at any time.
TUMMY TUCK COST
The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure depends on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate you and your goals to determine the cost of your procedure.
As with all plastic surgery procedures, it is crucial that you don’t base your decision entirely on price. When patients try to cut costs by visiting a cheap surgeon, they often come to regret it, and end up paying more to have their surgery performed again to repair their botched results.
By choosing the experienced plastic surgeons at Legacy Plastic Surgery, you can be assured that your procedure meets the highest standards of quality, safety and satisfaction.
SCHEDULE YOUR ABDOMINOPLASTY CONSULTATION TODAY
If you’d like to learn more about tummy tucks and find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, please contact Legacy Plastic Surgery today online or at 610-524-8244 to schedule a consultation. We serve Exton, Paoli, the Main Line, Chester County, Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania and other communities throughout Pennsylvania, as well as Delaware and other areas.