Tummy Tuck

What Is Involved in a Tummy Tuck?

In medical terms, abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Commonly known as a tummy tuck, it also tightens up the walls of the abdomen, leaving a firmer, flatter appearance. Liposuction can also be incorporated into the procedure to help sculpt the belly, flanks (sides), back, and other areas to complement the overall result.

It’s worth mentioning that a tummy tuck is not intended to be a replacement for a weight loss program. It’s considered a body sculpting treatment, used to shape and contour the body. Best results are obtained with patients who are at or near their ideal weight.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, below the belly button. It’s ideal for individuals with minimal abdominal sagging or a slight pooch, often resulting from pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Unlike a full tummy tuck, it involves a shorter incision and typically doesn’t require repositioning the navel. Recovery is generally quicker, with less scarring and downtime. This procedure tightens the lower abdominal muscles and smooths the area below the navel for a more toned appearance, but it does not address the upper abdomen.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Generally speaking, if you’re a healthy adult with excess fat and skin in the lower abdominal area, you’re likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty is also often incorporated as part of a post-pregnancy mommy makeover or post-weight loss body contouring treatment plan.

The very best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck is to let a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Contogiannis, assess your goals during a consultation.

What Can I Expect During Recovery Following a Tummy Tuck?

Most patients are able to resume non-strenuous desk jobs and regular routines within a week or two. That said, every person’s body will recover at a different pace, so your recovery time may be a bit longer or a bit shorter than someone else’s. Generally speaking, returning back to normal can take from a few weeks to a few months. Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to recover.

Swelling can take up to six months to completely go away. Incision scars can take up to a year to completely flatten out to the point they don’t show under clothes.

Dr. Contogiannis will give you post-op instructions specific to your surgery. For optimal recovery results, read and follow them as closely as possible.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is $8,174, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). That said, this price does not include the fees associated with operating facilities, anesthesia, post-op medications, and other factors. Furthermore, the cost of a tummy tuck, like the cost of most cosmetic procedures, varies between patients, due to a number of variables that change from one person to the next. The doctor will discuss your treatment plan during your initial visit and you can be given a more accurate cost assessment at that time.

Many cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance, so it’s best to contact your provider to find out which procedures they will or will not provide coverage for. We’re pleased to offer financing as an option for your tummy tuck procedure through Alphaeon^® or CareCredit^®.

If you think a tummy tuck may help you achieve the image you want for your body, contact our office and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Contogiannis. The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery & Wellness is pleased to offer tummy tuck services to residents in Greensboro, NC, including Winston-Salem, Burlington, High Point, and other nearby neighborhoods.