As one of the leading plastic surgery practices in the region, North Raleigh Plastic Surgery specializes in helping patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals with precision and care through a tummy tuck procedure. Our skilled team of cosmetic surgeons is committed to providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Whether you’re seeking to regain confidence in your appearance, restore abdominal contour, or address excess skin and fat, our state-of-the-art facility and compassionate approach ensure exceptional results. Explore the transformative possibilities of a tummy tuck with us, where your journey to a more confident, rejuvenated self begin.
Definition of Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while also tightening the underlying muscles.
Through careful incisions made in the lower abdomen, the surgeon removes surplus tissue, repositions the remaining skin, and may tighten the abdominal muscles, resulting in a firmer, more toned abdominal contour. Tummy tucks can help restore a more youthful and streamlined appearance to the midsection, enhancing both aesthetic appearance and self-confidence.
“I could not be happier with the results if my Tummy Tuck. I am 5 weeks post op and recovering well. I see Dr. Ortiz weekly for follow-up. I am still draining out of a hole in my tummy but it is getting smaller. I love my results! Dr. Ortiz is amazing! During my weekly follow-ups, my questions are answered and he makes sure I am recovering at an acceptable pace.”
Din D.
Ideal Candidates for a Tummy Tuck Procedure
This surgical intervention is commonly sought after by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, resulting in loose or sagging abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles. In general, good candidates for a tummy tuck want to improve the contour of their stomachs, are in overall good health, and have realistic expectations.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to enhance their abdominal appearance and overall confidence.
Improved Abdominal Contour
One of the primary benefits of a tummy tuck is the improvement in abdominal contour. Excess skin and fat are removed, resulting in a smoother and firmer abdominal appearance. This can help individuals achieve a more toned and proportionate physique.
Tightening of Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations can lead to stretching or separation of the abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti. During a tummy tuck procedure, these muscles can be tightened and repositioned, restoring core strength and stability.
Reduction of Excess Skin
Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight or undergone bariatric surgery may be left with loose, hanging skin around the abdomen. A tummy tuck removes this excess skin, addressing concerns related to skin laxity and improving overall body contours.
Enhanced Clothing Fit
Excess abdominal skin and fat can make it challenging to find well-fitting clothing and may cause discomfort or self-consciousness. By eliminating this excess tissue, a tummy tuck allows individuals to enjoy a more comfortable fit in clothing and feel more confident in their appearance.
Improved Posture and Core Strength
Strengthening and tightening the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck procedure can lead to improved posture and increased core strength. This can alleviate back pain and enhance overall physical functioning, particularly for individuals who have experienced muscle weakness or separation.
Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem
Perhaps most importantly, a tummy tuck can have a profound impact on an individual’s confidence and self-esteem. By addressing physical concerns and achieving a more aesthetically pleasing abdominal appearance, patients often experience a significant improvement in their body image and overall quality of life.
Consultation and Assessment for Tummy Tuck
During your initial consultation with Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones, you will discuss your goals, as well as the degree of weakness of your abdominal wall muscles, excess skin, and subcutaneous fat around the abdominal wall. Your tummy tuck surgeon will also discuss the type of tummy tuck that is ideal for you and what kind of results you can expect.
Surgical Techniques Used for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Whether your stomach is sagging or protruding due to age, pregnancy and diastasis recti, weight loss, or prior surgeries, a tummy tuck can help you achieve a flat, toned abdomen.
During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision will be made horizontally across your stomach between the belly button and pubic area. If skin is being removed from the upper abdomen then a second incision around the belly button is required. Once the excess skin has been removed, the abdominal muscles are repaired and reshaped. The abdominal skin is then put back into place, excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed.
During a tummy tuck, a new space for your navel may be created, depending on the amount of skin that was removed. The result is a flatter, firmer, more contoured midsection.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Our Raleigh plastic surgeons perform three types of tummy tucks:
Mini Tummy Tuck
For patients with a minimal amount of excess weight and skin, a mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. “Mini” refers to the amount of skin that will be removed.
Regular Tummy Tuck
A regular tummy tuck is ideal for patients with a larger amount of skin excision. Most of the time, this procedure involves relocation of the belly button or belly button reconstruction.
Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck
A fleur de lis tummy tuck is for patients that have an excessive amount of loose skin to be removed. This involves making both horizontal and vertical incisions.
The Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck
The main difference between a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck lies in the extent of the procedure: while a traditional tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area, including both upper and lower regions, a mini tummy tuck focuses primarily on the lower abdomen, making it ideal for patients with minimal excess skin and fat below the belly button.
The Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Many patients have questions about the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction. Where a tummy tuck reconstructs the muscles underneath and removes excess skin, liposuction only removes excess fat. Liposuction will not remove or reduce loose, hanging, or excess skin.
Recovery Process Following Tummy Tuck Surgery
After your tummy tuck, you should plan to take 2 weeks off of work because you will be required to limit your physical activity and stay bent at the waistline for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, you should be able to stand up straight and return to work. You will have a draining tube for one week and wear a compression garment for 6 weeks following your surgery.
Expected Results of a Tummy Tuck
The expected results of a tummy tuck include a smoother and more toned abdominal contour, reduction of excess skin and fat, a slimmer waistline, tightened abdominal muscles, improved clothing fit, enhanced body confidence, and long-lasting outcomes with proper care.
Patients typically experience a more defined silhouette, increased comfort in clothing, and a boost in self-esteem following surgery. It’s important for individuals to discuss their goals and expectations with their plastic surgeon to ensure realistic outcomes.
Common Procedures to Combine with Tummy Tuck Surgery
When considering a tummy tuck surgery, patients may also explore combining it with other procedures to achieve comprehensive aesthetic goals. Some common procedures often combined with a tummy tuck include:
- Liposuction
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Lift
- Body Lift
- Mommy Makeover
- Thigh Lift
- Arm Lift
- Monsplasty
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
The Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery
The cost of depends on the type of tummy tuck, but most cost between $9,135 – $13,125, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Common Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best time to get a tummy tuck is typically when you have reached a stable weight and are in good health. It’s also advisable to plan the procedure during a period when you can take time off for proper recovery, which usually takes several weeks.
On the day of your procedure, you should plan to be at the surgery center for at least 3 ½ hours. The surgery itself takes approximately 2 1/2 hours in surgery and the remaining time will be spent administering anesthesia and preparing you to go home.
During a tummy tuck, your surgeon uses permanent stitches to tighten the abdominal muscles. These stitches are made of medical-grade nylon and will not dissolve over time (they are located inside your muscles and are not visible.)
Our licensed anesthetist administers IV sedation for tummy tucks.
Mini tummy tucks leave a scar approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long. The scar will be low on the abdomen and can be easily covered. A fleur de lis tummy tuck leaves the same scar as a mini tummy tuck with the addition of a vertical scar up the abdomen.
Yes, like any surgical procedure, there are potential complications and risks associated with tummy tuck surgery, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It’s important to discuss these risks thoroughly with your plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
You will have a minimum of 3 appointments with Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones after your tummy tuck: one appointment a week after the surgery, one appointment at 2 months post-surgery, and the final appointment at 6 months after surgery.
The cost of your tummy tuck includes all pre-op and post-op appointments, anesthesia, the surgery and surgical materials, as well as any post-op compression garments. Prescription pain medication is not covered in the cost of surgery and is not dispensed by North Raleigh Plastic Surgery.
We require a payment of 25% of the total cost up front to secure your surgery date. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than two weeks before the surgery takes place. While most cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance, we offer a cash discount and accept Care Credit and all major credit cards.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Raleigh
Discover the transformative benefits of tummy tuck surgery in Raleigh. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how our experienced plastic surgeons can help you achieve the toned, contoured abdomen you desire.
Take the first step towards a more confident you by exploring our tummy tuck options now. Call North Raleigh Plastic Surgery at 919-532-2270 or fill out the contact form below to get started.