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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, our Orange County plastic surgeon can address these common concerns and give the abdominal area enhanced contours and a firmer, flatter appearance.

Quick Facts About Tummy Tuck Procedures

  • Sedation: General anesthesia
  • Procedure Length: Usually 3 to 4 hours (depending on techniques utilized)
  • Potential Benefits: Firmer, flatter, and more sculpted midsection; restructuring of abdominal wall muscles; a trimmer waistline; reduction of unwanted excess skin and fat
  • Recovery: Regular activities can often be continued after about 2 to 4 weeks; strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks
  • Cost: Varies upon specifics of procedure

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.

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.

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.

“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…”

*Individual Results May Vary

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.

Complementary Procedures to Tummy Tuck Surgery

While liposuction is frequently incorporated into the abdominoplasty procedure, additional treatments can often be performed alongside a tummy tuck, as well. Depending on your needs, these options may include breast enhancement surgeries (e.g. breast augmentation or mastopexy); facial contouring procedures (such as facelift or eyelid surgery); or even non-surgical solutions, like BOTOX® Cosmetic or other injectables.

What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?

At our practice, Dr. Mills offers two different tummy tuck options: mini-abdominoplasty and full abdominoplasty. Each technique is outlined below.

Mini-Abdominoplasty

A mini-abdominoplasty is often most beneficial if you have a buildup of excess skin and fat from the belly button down, as well as no laxity of skin above the belly button. Dr. Mills typically utilizes this technique for women who have a hysterectomy or C-section scar with a little “pooch” above the scar.

Full Abdominoplasty

A full abdominoplasty is generally most beneficial if you have a substantial amount of excess skin both above and below the belly button. With this approach, Dr. Mills can often remove fat and tighten lax abdominal muscles while concealing incisions along the bikini line.

What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Entail?

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 a 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Choose the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon

The experience, skill, and credentials of a surgeon are often directly correlated with the quality of results that are able to be achieved through tummy tuck surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Daniel Mills has received specialized surgical training and actively undergoes continuing education courses that enable him to learn and employ only the most ethical and effective abdominoplasty techniques. He also served as President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) – now known as The Aesthetic Society® – which is considered one of the premier plastic surgery organizations in the world. Here, Dr. Mills had the opportunity to lead and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Mills’ extensive medical background and surgical expertise serve to benefit patients as he has consistently been able to achieve optimal tummy tuck outcomes throughout his distinctive career. To view the type of results he has helped patients achieve, please visit our tummy tuck photo gallery.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with Over 25 Years of Experience

Additional Tummy Tuck FAQs

Is a tummy tuck safe?

A tummy tuck is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon; however, all major surgeries come with inherent risks. While rare, reports of infection, abnormal bleeding, and poor wound healing following the surgery have been associated with this treatment. Dr. Mills prioritizes the safety of every patient and welcomes you to bring up any safety-related concerns at your consultation.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

General anesthesia is utilized during surgery, so patients should not experience pain during the procedure itself. Since abdominoplasty is a major surgery, it is common to experience a certain degree of discomfort while healing, which can often be mitigated with over-the-counter pain medication.

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

Although a tummy tuck is usually not covered by insurance since it is typically categorized as an aesthetic treatment, some patients may qualify for PatientFi™, a program that helps finance cosmetic procedures. Dr. Mills cares deeply about each of his patients and would never want financing to stand in the way of their cosmetic goals. Learn more about our financing options.

What will my belly button look like after tummy tuck surgery?

An experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Mills, will strive to create a natural-looking effect in the navel area following tummy tuck surgery.* In some cases, the procedure will involve the repositioning of the belly button, but even when this is necessary, Dr. Mills will take care to produce subtle and flattering results.

What is a seroma after tummy tuck surgery?

Seroma refers to a buildup of fluid that can accumulate after a tummy tuck. If it occurs, a seroma usually appears around two weeks after surgery in the form of a lump. While it can be alarming, it is extremely common and can often be effectively drained by a medical professional. It is important to immediately let our team know of any potential seromas (large or small) or other irregularities that you may experience during the healing process.

How can I reduce swelling after a tummy tuck?

Many patients will notice a certain degree of swelling after a tummy tuck, but this is very common and manageable, and is to be expected after a major surgical procedure. We recommend drinking lots of water, limiting sodium, and taking anti-inflammatories (upon the guidance of our surgical team) when needed during the healing process. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to properly care for the treatment area during recovery, and the majority of swelling should go down within a few weeks.

How can I preserve my tummy tuck results?

To reap the full benefits of your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Mills advises you to be mindful of your health in the years following the procedure. For many, this means adhering to a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Otherwise, since having children may interfere with the results of surgery, patients are usually advised to complete their families before pursuing abdominoplasty. Finally, always make sure to follow your aftercare instructions.

For more information about tummy tuck surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills, please contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute today.

Medical References*

University of Virginia Plastic Surgery

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