Cosmetic Surgery: Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is performed in order to remove fat and excess skin from the abdominal region. This procedure will not only eliminate excess fat from this general region, it will also restore weakened or separated muscles through the process of creating a smoother and firmer mid-section.

Some of the most common causes for excess fat in the abdominal region are pregnancies, aging, fluctuations in weight, as well as heredity. Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a tummy tuck can help you obtain the flat, toned midsection that you have always wanted.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and a proper exercise regimen. Even though the results generated from a tummy tuck are permanent, the positive outcome from the procedure can diminish greatly due to weight fluctuations by the individual. For an individual that is planning on losing weight or becoming pregnant, a tummy tuck may need to be postponed until after.

Tummy tucks cannot correct stretch marks that are already apparent in your abdominal area. Even though there will be a portion of skin removed, if your stretch marks are not present on the removed portion, then they will still be apparent on your abdominals even after the procedure has been performed.

A tummy tuck is considered to be a good option for candidates that are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, that encompass realistic expectations, that are non-smokers and are bothered with their abdominal region appearing to be large. There are some surgeons that will require that you remain in their facilities for one night after the surgery has been performed. Some surgeons engage in outpatient tummy tuck surgeries. If your surgeon agrees to allow you to travel home after your surgery has been completed, they will give you instructions to assist you with the aftercare process.

A few possible safety risks for the procedure include: skin loss, infection, blood clots, bleeding, as well as unfavorable scarring. However, your plastic surgeon will monitor your status throughout the entire recovery process in order to ensure that you are not suffering from any of these possible side effects. It is imperative that you use a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize your risk. All three of our plastic surgeons are board-certified.

The cost for the procedure varies depending on the surgeon that is performing the procedure. Plastic surgeons are allowed to set their prices for their procedures rendered, so do not be alarmed if one surgeon quotes you one price and another surgeon quotes you a completely different price for the same procedure. At Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery, we offer free cosmetic consultations and the price for an abdominoplasty is between $5,050 and $5,800 depending on whether or not you have to stay overnight. This price includes the facility, anesthesia, and physician fees. Fees not included would be for medications such as antibiotics and pain medications and if any complications were to arise.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.