What is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Let’s face facts: even with a healthy lifestyle that consists of a well-balanced diet and regular visits to the gym, stubborn pockets of fat persist.
Luckily, we live in a world where advanced medical options help us reach our aesthetic goals. One of the most popular body sculpting procedures is the tummy tuck. Say goodbye to those self-conscious moments staring in the mirror and go confidently out into the world.
Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, removes excess fat and skin from an individual’s middle and lower abdomen. It may also involve some reinforcing of the muscles in the abdominal wall, which further improves the overall contour of the abdominal area.
Since 2000, the number of Tummy Tucks per year has more than doubled. Over 130,000 Americans chose this procedure in 2018. That averages out to about 15 tummy tucks happening around the nation every hour!
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, tummy tucks are one of the post-bariatric surgical procedures we perform to remove excess skin folds which causes discomfort after significant weight loss. It is a great option for anyone looking to finally wipe away that last little bit of stubborn fat and achieve the silhouette of their dreams.
If you have questions about how a tummy tuck could work with your unique situation, don’t hesitate to call us at 615-467-6777 or leave us a note on our online form. You can also schedule an online appointment to discuss your options from the comfort of your home.
About Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck typically takes two to three hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure. We can modify this procedure depending on your desired results and anatomy. This modified version of abdominoplasty, known as a partial or mini tummy tuck, targets a more precise area ranging from the navel down to the pubic area.
A full tummy tuck employs two incisions. One extends laterally from hipbone to hipbone, and the other from the navel to the surrounding tissue. First, we separate the skin from the abdominal wall to expose the abdominal muscle. Then we reinforce these muscles by pulling them together and securing them with sutures. This process will create a firmer midsection. Finally, excess skin is removed and draped over the abdominal wall. Liposuction may be utilized to remove excess fat where necessary.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
When the abdominal wall is in good shape, but there is excess skin below the navel, we may recommend a mini tummy tuck. This modified version employs smaller incisions to remove excess skin in a smaller area. You and your board-vertified plastic surgeon will determine which procedure will work best for your goals during your consultation.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
For individuals considering a tummy tuck operation, we offer a consultation process which is both informative and stress-free, all with no obligation to move forward if you change your mind. You will meet face-to-face with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons who will provide all the information necessary for you to make an informed decision. They will give you a complete physical examination, paying close attention to any excess fat and skin in the abdominal region.
You will be an active participant in the surgical plan and learn about how Dr. Melinda Haws or Dr. Mary Gingrass will plan to address your concerns. Once our surgeons have heard your goals, concerns and price point, we will provide an itemized cost analysis for you to consider and explain any financial options we have available if necessary.
With modern technology, we will give you a preview of what to expect from your results. At this stage, you will have another opportunity to address your lasting concerns with the procedure and ask any final questions.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Candidates should approach abdominoplasty as a means to improve your abdominal contour and self-esteem. It should not be done to satisfy another’s opinion on how you should look or as a method for weight loss. We are here to help you take the final steps towards a body you are proud of.
A tummy tuck should be considered if:
- You have realistic expectations
- You have stubborn fat and/or excess skin in your abdominal area
- Your weight is stable or you’re near your goal weight
- You don’t smoke or are willing to quit
Good candidates are in relatively good health, have no medical conditions which would impede the healing process, and are non-smokers.
Tummy Tuck Costs and Financing
The cost of abdominoplasty varies with the level of correction necessary and the technique we employ (mini vs. full tummy tuck), among other factors. We will discuss tummy tuck costs during your initial tummy tuck consultation and provide help with our financing options if necessary.
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
Meet the Doctors
Learn about our Board-Certified plastic surgeons and why you should choose two RealSelf 500 award winners for your next procedure!
After Abdominoplasty Surgery
After your procedure, you will experience some swelling and discomfort for the first few days. Any pain or discomfort you experience can be treated with oral medication. After five to seven days, surface stitches will be removed. Support garments can replace any dressings on your surgical incisions, as instructed by your surgeon.
What is the Recovery Process from Abdominoplasty?
It may take several weeks or perhaps even months before you will start to feel normal again. You should expect the swelling to take four to six months to completely resolve. Those individuals in good physical condition and with strong abdominal muscles will most likely experience a quicker recovery.
Although exercise helps improve post-surgical healing, you should avoid any type of strenuous activity, or vigorous exercise until you feel comfortable. It may be necessary to wait until you have approval from your surgeon to participate in such workouts.
During the first three to six months of the healing period, the surgical scars may appear to get worse. However, they will eventually smooth over and fade. With proper wound healing during recovery, they should be fairly discreet after nine months to one year. Remember, the scars will not disappear completely, but most types of clothing, as well as bathing suits, can often successfully conceal them.
Potential Risks Associated with Abdominoplasty
At the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, we offer tummy tuck surgery with exceptional results. As with all surgical procedures, tummy tuck comes with certain risks and potential complications. These may include infection, blood clots, and hematoma, although these symptons are very rare. With a measured amount of antibiotics and continuous evaluation during the recovery period, you will enjoy a safe and successful healing process.
Strolling around the house soon after surgery will help blood circulation and minimize the risk of clotting. It’s also good to be open and honest with your surgeon regarding current medications, smoking habits, or alcohol consumption. This honesty will help with your recovery and ensure your safety.
Why Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville
Whenever you are considering any type of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, you should only consider a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Drs. Mary Gingrass and Melinda Haws are both exceptional, board-certified plastic surgeons who recognize each patient’s unique perspective when facing cosmetic improvement. They both understand the importance of developing a relationship with their patients and are committed to making each individual’s cosmetic surgery experience as rewarding as possible.
To learn more on how you can achieve a tighter midsection and improve your self-confidence, contact us today at 615-467-6777 or on our online form to ask your specific questions or schedule a tummy tuck consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Tummy Tuck
Many procedures we offer at the Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville can complement abdominoplasty. One of our most popular pairings with this procedure is liposuction. A tummy tuck is also commonly part of a mommy makeover, which typically includes surgery for the breasts, abdomen, and genital area to restore the body after pregnancy.
If you’re curious how much a tummy tuck costs in Nashville, come in for a consultation. Our surgeons will teach you more about the procedure and will provide a detailed estimate of your total cost.
We can often pair procedures, reducing downtime while enhancing results. Many of our patients choose to combine breast augmentation with abdominoplasty, and your surgeon can perform them on the same day, which means you only need to worry about one recovery time.
Some scarring is normal after any surgery, but don’t worry – for most patients, these scars are minimal. Drs. Gingrass and Haws take care to place tummy tuck incisions low on the abdomen, usually below the bikini line. This placement ensures that your scars won’t be visible in most clothing or swimwear. As the body heals, scars lighten and become less noticeable.
We will discuss your goals and the level of abdominal muscle weakness, excess skin, and subcutaneous fat across the abdominal wall. We will also discuss which tummy tuck technique is ideal for your cosmetic goals.
Mild to moderate discomfort is possible during the days after your tummy tuck. We’ll give you prescriptions to manage any pain.
Many people wonder how a tummy tuck and liposuction differ. A tummy tuck will repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. If you have excess belly fat, liposuction can remove a small amount of it as part of abdominoplasty surgery.
Abdominoplasty doesn’t make any changes that can affect your ability to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. However, pregnancy will stretch your skin and strain your abdominal muscles. To avoid compromising your surgical results, we recommend waiting to get a tummy tuck until you are no longer planning to add to your family.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book your procedure with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your aesthetic journey!