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Tummy Tuck
There are three main issues that commonly prompt patients to inquire about tummy tuck surgery: extra fat in the midsection, excess skin above and/or below the belly button, and a loss of abdominal wall integrity from muscles having been stretched beyond their normal limits. Often caused by factors such as pregnancy, significant weight loss, or simply genetics, these three issues frequently prove to be resistant to even the most nutritional diets and stringent exercise routines. With tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Daniel C. Mills can address these common concerns and give the abdominal area enhanced contours and a firmer, flatter appearance.
- What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Why Should I Choose Dr. Daniel Mills for My Tummy Tuck?
- Tummy Tuck Benefits
- Tummy Tuck Options
- Tummy Tuck Consultation and Procedure
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck Scars
- Tummy Tuck Results
- Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy
- Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks
- Tummy Tuck Cost
- Additional Tummy Tuck FAQs
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen while also tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall for a flatter, more toned stomach. While liposuction on its own can be an excellent solution for the removal of extra fat surrounding the midsection, the excision of excess skin below and/or above the belly button will generally require a mini-abdominoplasty or a full abdominoplasty, respectively.
The key to tummy tuck surgery is to match patient expectations with the proper procedural plan. About 60% of the time, this includes combining liposuction with either abdominoplasty procedure in order to achieve the most beautiful, natural-looking results.
Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Those who undergo tummy tuck surgery are often dissatisfied with excess fat or loose skin in the abdominal area. Good candidates for this procedure typically include patients who experience those conditions after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or as a byproduct of the natural aging process, and have not been successful with improving the conditions via traditional diet and exercise. An ideal candidate should be in reasonably good health in order to safely undergo surgery and should be a non-smoker. It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the procedure and healing process, and to understand that they will need to live a healthy lifestyle after surgery in order to maintain results.
A few factors may make an individual ineligible for tummy tuck, most of which pertain to how your surgeon predicts you will withstand the surgery. Examples include:
- A body mass index (BMI) of over 30
- A history of surgical complications
- Interfering medications
- Major health issues, such as heart disease
At your consultation, Dr. Mills will carefully go through your history to ensure tummy tuck is the right choice for you. Many patients are candidates for this procedure; however, if this is not the ideal treatment for your needs, Dr. Mills can discuss alternatives that may be able to help you achieve your goals.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Daniel Mills for My Tummy Tuck?
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for all of your generous encouragement and support. My story is much like many other women’s stories. I had given birth to two wonderful children and my body was suffering from the effects imposed on it as a result of child rearing. My self-confidence and self-esteem were at an all time low and for the first time in my life I was seriously considering having breast augmentation surgery. After my initial consultation and first meeting with you and your staff, I knew that this is what I wanted to do.
I cannot thank you enough for all of the words of encouragement and the patience exhibited by you and your staff as you answered all of my silly questions. Today, I could not be happier with the results of the procedure. Dr. Mills, you are a gifted physician and a wonderful person. My self-confidence as well as my self-esteem is now at an all time high and I truly feel good about myself. My sincerest thank you!”
– A.T.*“I had a Mommy Makeover with Dr. Mills and I could not be happier with my results. Dr Mills is meticulous, professional, amazing and detailed. I feel I feel like a new woman…”
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
No matter the cause for excess skin and fat buildup in the abdominal region, tummy tuck surgery can provide a number of different benefits. Some key benefits of abdominoplasty may include:
- A significant reduction in both skin and fat of the stomach region
- A slimmer, more firm stomach and lower abdomen
- An improved waistline
- A better fit for clothing
- A restored sense of confidence in the way you look
Ultimately, tummy tuck surgery can help you achieve a flatter, more youthful-looking contour for your midsection.
The Tummy Tuck Consultation and Procedure
During your initial consultation, Dr. Mills will help you determine which tummy tuck technique can most effectively achieve your goals. To do this, he will perform an extensive physical examination and listen carefully as you describe what specifically concerns you about the appearance of your midsection. Based on this information, Dr. Mills will develop a personalized treatment plan and provide a detailed overview of all aspects of the procedure. In addition, he will answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. If you are satisfied with the proposed plan and decide to move forward with surgery, the date of your tummy tuck can be scheduled.
On the day of your abdominoplasty, you should allow approximately three to four hours for your surgery. From the moment you enter our facility, you will be cared for by our experienced surgical team which includes Dr. Mills, a nurse anesthetist, a registered nurse, and surgical technician. This group is committed to providing you with the best care possible from the time you are admitted to the moment you are discharged.
During the full and mini tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Mills will carefully remove excess skin and repair any stretched or torn abdominal musculature. Liposuction will also typically be used to remove stubborn fat and sculpt the region. Once complete, the remaining skin is pulled taut and the incision is meticulously closed, creating a smoother, more toned stomach and midsection.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Following your procedure, Dr. Mills feels it is safer to stay at an overnight facility with a post-operative care nurse the first night in order to decrease complications and increase your level of comfort. You can typically expect some swelling and/or bruising to occur in the days following your operation, and any discomfort can generally be diminished with medication or a special pain pump provided by Dr. Mills. Normal activities can often be resumed after about two to four weeks, but it is recommended that you refrain from strenuous exercise for at least three to four weeks. Any scarring from surgical incisions should begin to fade after about nine to twelve months.
Throughout your recovery process, Dr. Mills and our staff will be happy to do anything in our power to help ensure you heal as quickly, comfortably, and effectively as possible.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
While liposuction can provide body contouring benefits in the abdominal area, and while liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck procedure, these two options are not interchangeable. The principal function of a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin, tightening abdominal muscles, and re-draping the remaining skin. Liposuction, on the other hand, is designed to remove pockets of excess fat, and can be effective in attacking fat buildup on the stomach. Dr. Mills usually suggests that liposuction be incorporated into tummy tuck surgery to achieve optimal fat removal and body contouring. With that in mind, some patients may only require one or the other (liposuction or tummy tuck surgery). It all depends on individual circumstances, and Dr. Mills will be able to determine the proper course of treatment during the initial consultation.
Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Be Obvious?
Scarring is an inevitable aspect of any procedure involving incisions. That said, Dr. Mills does everything in his control to make tummy tuck incisions in inconspicuous locations as well as manage wound healing to promote an optimal final appearance. In many cases, the incision for abdominoplasty will be placed low along the bikini line, enabling the resulting scar to be concealed by most underwear and bathing suit styles. In the event a patient has delivered a child via C-section and is undergoing a mini-abdominoplasty, the existing cesarean scar can often be incorporated into the incision. Regardless of which technique is employed, however, the vast majority of Dr. Mills’ patients find that the benefits yielded by tummy tuck surgery are far superior to any concerns they have about scarring.
How Long Will a Tummy Tuck Last?
Tummy tuck results can be maintained for an exceptionally long period of time as long as some precautionary steps are taken. These include keeping weight fluctuations to a minimum, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. By making sure you take good care of your health and adhere to positive lifestyle habits, you can maximize the chance that the results of tummy tuck surgery last well into the future.
Can I Get Pregnant After Tummy Tuck?
Technically, it is possible to have a normal pregnancy following a tummy tuck procedure; however, it is very important to note that a pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery has been performed can reverse the results. Since the abdominal muscles are likely to stretch and possibly tear during pregnancy, and since excess skin accumulation may occur as well, we typically advise patients to wait until they have decided that their families are complete before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.
Is a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Possible?
There are currently no non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck procedure that can produce the same kind of results. This is a very important thing to be aware of since there are numerous articles and postings around the internet claiming that certain products or exercises can achieve results similar to a surgical abdominoplasty. Options such as the “Tummy Tuck Belt®,” specific diet plans, or other devices and lifestyle routines are not capable of the very things that tummy tuck surgery is designed to do: tighten lax abdominal muscles, eliminate inelastic skin, and re-drape the abdominal skin to create a firmer result and an enhanced contour.
This is not to say that there are no alternatives to a tummy tuck whatsoever. In some cases, a patient may simply not need a tummy tuck to accomplish their goals. This could be the situation for individuals who are primarily affected by excess abdominal fat rather than skin, which may only require liposuction to achieve the desired result. Patients with mild to moderate levels of excess fat in the abdominal region may even be able to attain effective outcomes with CoolSculpting®, a non-surgical fat reduction treatment. The best treatment will always depend on individual expectations and the precise cause of the aesthetic concern. During the initial consultation, Dr. Mills can explore all of the options that may benefit your needs and make a recommendation on the ideal treatment.
Can a Tummy Tuck Treat Stretch Marks?
A full tummy tuck surgery can often treat stretch marks that are present in the lower area of the abdomen since excess skin in this region is typically removed. Stretch marks that appear in a higher area of the abdomen, or on the sides, will likely not be able to be effectively addressed with a tummy tuck surgery. If stretch marks are of particular concern, Dr. Mills can talk with you about other treatments, such as microneedling, which may be good options to reduce signs of the condition.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Tummy tuck pricing varies based on a number of different components. Factors that most commonly impact the overall cost of treatment include:
- The specific technique used—full abdominoplasty or mini-abdominoplasty
- The quantity of excess skin and fat that needs to be removed
- The extent of tightening or repair of the abdominal muscles
- Fees for the operating facility and anesthesia
- The experience and expertise of the plastic surgeon
- The city and/or region of the country in which the practice is located
- Whether or not breast or additional body procedures are combined to create a mommy makeover
To determine an exact price for abdominoplasty, Dr. Mills will need to conduct a physical assessment and develop a personalized treatment plan at the time of the consultation. For individuals who are interested in financial aid, our practice accepts plastic surgery financing options through PatientFi™. This lending institution offers low monthly payment plans that enable qualified applicants to pay for their treatment over time.