Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

Tap Into Your Core Confidence with a Toned, Flat Stomach

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that targets excess skin and fat in the midsection of the body. It involves removing surplus tissue, tightening abdominal muscles, and repositioning the belly button.
  • Smooth, tight stomach
  • Reduce stretch marks
  • Strengthens core
Walk taller and experience confidence front the core outward core with a flatter, smoother, beautifully toned midsection.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic enhancement surgery that is popular among recent postpartum mothers and those who have lost a significant amount of weight. In both cases, fluctuations in the bodies size creates mild to moderate skin laxity, giving it a loose and "crepey" appearance.

Additionally, during pregnancy, the midline abdominal wall (also known as the "six-pack"), separates, a condition known as distasis recti [1] that sometimes doesn't always naturally pull back together postpartum. This can result in can the stomach protruding out further than it did before pregnancy — even if weight returns to pregnancy levels. Distasis recti is another common reason people seek out tummy tucks after childbirth. Combined with the stretched out, thin skin, a stubborn pooch is formed that in some cases, cannot be resolved without surgical intervention.

During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes incisions to remove excess skin and fat, hitting "undo" on the loss of skin elasticity resulting in loose, crepey skin post pregnancy. Moreover, the surgeon also tightens the abdominal muscles, effectively and permanently resolving diasatis recti for good, creating a smoother, flatter midsection you can tell people "was made in the kitchen" when how you keep your tummy so toned.

Tummy tucks can produce dramatic results, restoring — or in some cases, truly owning, for the first time — authentic confidence and a head-turning, fit-looking silhouette.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
  • Reduces skin infections in skin folds and creases
  • Easier, better fitting, and more flattering clothing fit
  • Reconnectimg the abdominal wall, split by pregnancy (diastais recti)
  • Removes excess skin giving the stomach a smooth, firm appearance
  • Tightens abdominal muscles, strengthening core
  • Can correct a umbilical hernia repair
  • May reduce incontinence symptoms and improve bladder function in certain patients
  • Can improve posture in some patients as a result of improved core strength
Types of Tummy Tucks
Traditional Tummy Tuck
In a full tummy tuck procedure, a skilled surgeon makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, extending from one hip to the other. This incision provides access to the underlying tissues, enabling the precise removal of excess skin and fat. Additionally, the surgeon meticulously tightens and sutures the abdominal muscles, addressing any separation or weakness to enhance core strength and stability. As part of the procedure, the position of the navel may be adjusted or repositioned to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking result. This comprehensive approach ensures not only the removal of unwanted tissue but also the restoration of a firm, toned abdominal contour.

Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck differs in that is a more localized version of the tummy tuck, concentrating on the area from the belly button down the lower abdomen and the pubic bone. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is shorter and situated lower on the abdomen than that of a full tummy tuck. Typically, this incision is made horizontally just above the pubic area, mirroring the incision pattern utilized in a C-section surgery.

Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is like the deluxe version of a traditional tummy tuck. It brings all the perks of a traditional tummy tuck, but also integrates the flanks, commonly referred to as the "love handles," depending on how well a given pair of pants fits. Most often, the flank area get a little bit of liposuction on each side and excess skin is removed, giving the whole midsection a 360 upgrade. When in Rome, right?

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as a vertical tummy tuck, is a "special edition" version of the traditional tummy tuck. While both tummy tuck varieties strive for similar objectives, they strategy to get there is different.

In a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, an additional vertical incision is made along the midline of the abdomen. The vertical incision allows for greater access to the upper abdomen, making it particularly effective for individuals with significant excess skin and fat placed both horizontally and vertically. This is fairly normal among patients who have lost a significant amount of weight as they often have more excess skin to remove.

While the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck offers the advantage of addressing excess skin and fat in multiple directions, it does come with the trade-off of a second incision and increases chances of tummy tuck scars and adds some time to a tummy tuck recovery timeline.

Tummy Tuck: Belly Button Questions Answered
Ah, the belly button—often overlooked but certainly not forgotten component of a premium tummy tuck! During a tummy tuck, your belly button is like an island that the surgeon carefully works around. Your belly button might undergo a little glow up of its one, perhaps a bit of tucking, or even a full-on reshaping to complement your sleek new silhouette.

Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

Slide to see before and after. Tummy tuck, abdominoplasty.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
Patient's desire: Patient was looking to get her pre-baby body back after 3 c-sections.
Slide for before and after. Abdominoplasty with umbilical hernia repair.

Extended Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

Patient's desire: Patient wanted a tight, flat stomach

after having twins via C-section.

Slide for before and after. Abdominoplasty with liposuction to the flanks.

Extended Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

Patient's desire: Patient presented with an umbilical hernia after three children and wanted her pre-baby body back.

Slide to see abdominoplasty with flank liposuction before and after photos.

Procedure: Flank liposuction and abdominoplasty surgery.

How Much Is A Tummy Tuck?

There are many things that go into determining a final tummy tuck cost. As expected, the more involved the procedure, the higher the tummy tuck cost.

Tummy Tuck Cost Considerations

  • Type of tummy tuck procedure (traditional, mini, extended, fleur-de-lis, etc.)
  • Surgeon's expertise and experience
  • Geographic location of the surgical facility
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Facility fees (operating room, equipment, supplies)
  • Pre-operative evaluations and tests
  • Post-operative care and follow-up appointments
  • Additional procedures performed concurrently (liposuction, muscle repair)
  • Complexity of the surgery (extent of skin and fat removal, muscle tightening)
  • Surgical techniques utilized (traditional, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted)
  • Compression garments and post-operative garments
  • Prescription medications for pain management and recovery
  • Whether insurance will cover some or all of the cost

Does Insurance Cover A Tummy Tuck?

In most cases, insurance will not cover a tummy tuck because it is considered an elective procedure (i.e., not medically necessary). However, some policies to offer coverage for tummy tucks under specific circumstances.

If your doctor determines that the procedure is necessary to address issues like hernias or severe diastasis recti that are causing problems in your day-to-day life, your insurance may cover it.

Either way, the first step it to consult your policy and speak with your insurance provider about the specific of your situation. Typically, if your particular situation is covered by your policy, you will most likely be required to go through a process. This may include medical records, imaging studies, documentation of symptoms, and evaluations by healthcare providers. Most providers would require a Prior Authorization to accept the claim — all of which needs to be arranged in advance of meeting the plastic surgeon.

Even if your insurance company does not offer coverage for a tummy tuck in your case, Bliss Aesthetics is here to empower you with the knowledge, access to qualified professionals, and resources including financing options.

To get a better estimate on what a tummy tuck would cost for you, submit this short questionnaire about your aesthetic aspirations and book a time to connect with a Bliss Patient Consultant for a free, informational call to discuss your options.

Peak confidence is within reach.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

As you might expect, the tummy tuck recovery timeline is dependent on several factors, including the type and extent of tummy tuck surgery you had, your body's natural healing abilities, and how well you follow postoperative instructions from your surgeon to ensure a smooth and seamless recovery.

But generally speaking most tummy tuck recovery timelines will fall under this general framework:

Immediately following the surgery
You will most likely spend some time in the recovery room before being discharged home.

Week 1
The first few days are typically the most uncomfortable, and you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the abdominal area. If so, your surgeon can prescribe you medication to help manage pain and discomfort. You'll need to rest as much as possible during this initial period and avoid strenuous activities. It's essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions regarding wound care, medications, and activity restrictions.

Week 2
Swelling and bruising will gradually start to improve, although some degree of swelling may persist for several weeks. You may begin to feel more comfortable moving around — but it's still important to take it easy, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities. Your surgeon may schedule a postoperative follow-up appointment to check in on your recovery progress and remove any stitches or drains if necessary.

Weeks 3-4
At this stage of your recovery, most of the swelling and bruising will have subsided, and you may start to see initial results from the surgery. If you're feeling up to it, you can begin gradually increasing your activity level while avoiding any activities that engage or strain the abdominal muscles. Your surgeon may recommend wearing compression garments to help minimize swelling and support the healing tissues minimize tummy tuck scars. It's essential to continue following your surgeon's instructions and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments.

Weeks 5-6
As you continue to heal, you can gradually resume more normal activities, although you should still avoid any activities that put strain on the abdominal muscles. It's important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, as doing too much too soon can delay the healing process and worsen tummy tuck scars. Around this time, your surgeon may clear you to return to work and light exercise, but it's crucial to ease back into your routine gradually.

Weeks 7–8+
By this time, most patients have fully recovered from the surgery and are enjoying the final results. Any residual swelling should continue to improve over the coming weeks and months. You can typically resume all normal activities, including exercise and more strenuous activities, although it's still important to listen to your body. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon may still be scheduled to monitor your long-term progress and address any concerns.

As a Bliss Aesthetics patient, both your surgeon and your Bliss Patient Consultant are available to you by phone or email whenever you have questions on concerns throughout your entire postoperative tummy tuck surgery recovery, so you'll never have to worry.

Are You Considering a Tummy Tuck?

At Bliss Aesthetics, we're here to make your cosmetic journey stress-free and successful. Selecting the right plastic surgeon is a crucial step to achieving your aesthetic goals, and we thoroughly vet the surgeons we work with to ensure you'll be in top-rated, highly qualified hands.

Each patient's needs and desires are different, making it essential to choose a surgeon with both technical skill and artistic vision. A well-executed tummy tuck requires precision and creativity to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

In addition to connecting you with experienced, board-certified surgeons, we provide comprehensive financial support options. Our goal is to ensure that you have easy access to the results you desire without unnecessary stress.

Ready to take the first step toward your aesthetic goals? Start by filling out a brief questionnaire and scheduling a complimentary consultation with our dedicated Bliss Patient Consultant. We're here to guide you through every step of the process and help you achieve the look you've always wanted.

We can't wait to see those after pictures ;)

Book a free call with a Patient Consultant

Partner with a Bliss Patient Consultant to find plastic-certified surgeons, payment plans, and achieve beautiful results.
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