Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as “abdominoplasty,” is a procedure that produces a flatter and more slender abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure can also tighten stretched abdominal muscles to achieve a more toned midsection.

Tummy tuck surgery is by far one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in plastic surgery. It’s history dates back to the 1800s where it evolved from a reconstructive procedure for treating bulging belly buttons to the cosmetic tummy tuck surgery of today that corrects excess abdominal skin and fat. After nearly three decades of performing this procedure, Dr. Rondi Walker’s tummy tuck approach has evolved as well. Her tummy tuck today offers many techniques customized to her patients needs with results that offer a minimal abdominal incision and preserves the belly button whenever possible, to the standard full or extended abdominoplasty.

Do I need a tummy tuck?

Although not a substitute for weight loss, a tummy tuck is for patients of all ages, men or women, whose proportion and body weight is not ideal.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, a tummy tuck may be right for you.

• Are diet and exercise unable to achieve the 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?
• Do you want to remove unsightly skin and fat deposits, as well as properly align your abdominal muscles, to produce a more flattering appearance?

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. During your tummy tuck surgery, after the skin and underlying tissues are separated from the abdominal wall, your abdominal muscles are tightened to improve your definition and shape your midsection.

Remove Stretch Marks

Weight gain and pregnancy are nearly always accompanied by stretch marks as the skin expands. A tummy tuck can eliminate stretch marks that appear on the skin of the lower abdomen 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. Ideally, liposuction can be performed during the tummy tuck procedure, this allows Dr. Walker to remove the underlying stubborn fat and produce a more slender hours glass midsection.

Improved Confidence

A tummy tuck can be the solution for the correction of sagging skin, excess fat, and lax abdominal muscles. Any of these issues in the abdominal region can cause embarrassment and detract from a person’s self-confidence. Tummy tuck surgery eliminates these problems to produce a flatter and more attractive abdominal area that you won’t be afraid to show off.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

A. The results of a tummy tuck are generally permanent and will last as long as you maintain a healthy weight, have minimal fluctuations in your weight and do not have a future pregnancy.

Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?

A. The exact cost of a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and several other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Walker will evaluate you and your desires to help determine the cost of your procedure.

Q. Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

A. 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.

Q. What is a mini tummy tuck?

A. A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with minimal abdominal skin laxity and will not address extreme loose skin or tighten the abdominal muscle above the umbilicus. A full tummy tuck on the other hand is for patients with extremely excessive skin laxity, will result in tightening of the underlying abdominal muscle as well as a reconstruction of the belly button. It is most indicated for patients following massive weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or severe separation of the abdominal muscles.

Q. Will scarring exist?

A. The incision for tummy tuck surgery depends on the technique used during your procedure. A mini tummy tuck results in a smaller incision while the resulting incision from a full tummy tuck extends to the hip bone. Dr. Walker’s goal is to strategically place the incision 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.

Have additional questions about the tummy tuck procedure?

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