Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure at Spectrum Plastic Surgery that removes excess tissue from the abdomen while strengthening the ab muscles. Both men and women with lax skin on the abdominal area may benefit from a tummy tuck. The result is a taut, flat abdomen. There are many reasons a person may have loose skin on the abdomen and unwanted, uneven fatty deposits. For example, a post-partum woman is prone to having excess skin on the stomach which is why tummy tucks are almost always part of the customizable “mommy makeover.” Someone who used to be obese or overweight and lost a large amount of weight quickly is also likely to have excess skin on the stomach, and a tummy tuck is a popular procedure for those who underwent gastric bypass surgery or any other type of weight-loss surgery.

To get a flat abdomen, diet and exercise is often the prescribed approach but only a tummy tuck can address loose skin. No amount of healthy eating or exercise can re-shape skin, and it’s well-established that “spot reducing” through diet and exercise is not possible. Abdominoplasty can be a solution for many people who are healthy but struggle with sagging skin on the abdomen. An ideal candidate is not pregnant and has no plans to become pregnant in the near future. Women should bear in mind that pregnancy changes the skin and muscles of the stomach, and sometimes women choose to wait until they have finished having biological children to opt for a tummy tuck. Smokers must also quit before undergoing any cosmetic procedure including a tummy tuck.

There are many benefits to a tummy tuck, including:

Patients can achieve a flat, taut abdomen with abdominoplasty
When necessary, bellybuttons are re-shaped or re-created for a natural appearance
Abdominal muscles are strengthened and tightened during an abdominoplasty
Incision scars are easily hidden below the beltline
Post-partum women with diastasis recti have their abdominal muscles repaired during a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, and offer immediate results.

Tummy Tuck Photos

Tummy Tuck Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liposuction included with a tummy tuck?Lily2020-04-25T15:20:06-07:00

Is liposuction included with a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is not part of the tummy tuck procedure, but it is a very popular additional procedure that gets requested with a tummy tuck. Most patients have at least some amount of liposuction during a tummy tuck to address uneven fatty deposits. In addition to a tummy tuck, patients undergoing their personalized mommy makeover also opt for breast augmentation and liposuction in other parts of the body.

What’s a mini tummy tuck?Lily2020-04-25T15:37:20-07:00

What’s a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that only addresses skin below the navel, which makes the re-creation of the bellybutton less likely. Mini tummy tucks also have a shorter incision. Patients with excess skin exclusively below the navel might be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. The recovery period is also shorter.

What if I want to have more biological children in the future?Lily2020-04-25T15:36:46-07:00

What if I want to have more biological children in the future?

It’s advised that if a woman has immediate plans to become pregnant that she wait until after the pregnancy. Many women also choose to wait until they have completely finished having biological children to get their tummy tuck. However, there are also many women who have had a tummy tuck and go on to have healthy pregnancies.

Will my tummy tuck scar really be hidden?Lily2020-04-25T15:35:48-07:00

Will my tummy tuck scar really be hidden?

The exact length of a tummy tuck incision is dependent on the amount and distribution of skin to be removed. It is common for an incision to span hipbone to hipbone. Women who have undergone a C-section may be able to have a tummy tuck incision “hidden” within this existing scar. However, all tummy tuck incisions are created to be hidden below the belt so patients can be fully confident regardless of what they choose to wear.

How long is recovery from a tummy tuck?Lily2020-04-25T15:38:15-07:00

How long is recovery from a tummy tuck?

Most patients wear an abdominal binder for six weeks post-surgery in order to minimize swelling and provide abdominal support. The majority of daily activities can also be resumed at the six-week mark, although patients begin returning to some aspects of their normal daily lives earlier. Recovery periods vary among patients, and your surgeon can provide you with a personalized timeline for you.

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Reviews from patients who underwent a tummy tuck by Spectrum Plastic Surgery surgeons can be a good tool when choosing a doctor to perform your procedure. The following reviews are from real patients.

“[Dr. Geoghegan] is smart, creative and medically extremely competent! I had a lot of reconstruction issues, none attributable to her, and she worked miracles. She returned a call from me on Christmas Eve! I trust her with my life. She is a great communicator and has excellent listening skills. Her office staff are friendly and very helpful. They are like family to me!”

“I can NOT say enough about Dr. G! Her manner, her listening skills and how she just gets what each individual wants while balancing the not possible due to body skin and so on-her incredible care and skill is impeccable, just the best! She will take care of you before surgery during and after. Nurses in after care speak of her skill. That says something. Thank you!”

“Very pleased with my experience with Dr. Stutman and his staff. Had a tummy tuck and have great results. Surgery was not as painful as expected. Got rid of all my extra skin and stretch marks! Great experience.”

See What People Are Saying

Patient Reviews

Reviews from patients who underwent a tummy tuck by Spectrum Plastic Surgery surgeons can be a good tool when choosing a doctor to perform your procedure. The following reviews are from real patients.

“[Dr. Geoghegan] is smart, creative and medically extremely competent! I had a lot of reconstruction issues, none attributable to her, and she worked miracles. She returned a call from me on Christmas Eve! I trust her with my life. She is a great communicator and has excellent listening skills. Her office staff are friendly and very helpful. They are like family to me!”

“I can NOT say enough about Dr. G! Her manner, her listening skills and how she just gets what each individual wants while balancing the not possible due to body skin and so on-her incredible care and skill is impeccable, just the best! She will take care of you before surgery during and after. Nurses in after care speak of her skill. That says something. Thank you!”

“Very pleased with my experience with Dr. Stutman and his staff. Had a tummy tuck and have great results. Surgery was not as painful as expected. Got rid of all my extra skin and stretch marks! Great experience.”

Tummy Tuck Recovery and More Info

The recovery period after a tummy tuck will differ for every patient. Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and Spectrum Plastic Surgery offers both the full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck. Whether a patient opts for a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck, it is best to arrange for someone to help you for the first few days after your surgery. Swelling and bruising is to be expected, and it’s necessary to take some time off work to recover. The exact amount of time will depend on the patient and their work. Strenuous activity must be avoided for at least four weeks post-op.

Choosing the right surgeon to perform a tummy tuck or mini-tummy tuck is a big decision. Before and after gallery images and reviews are helpful, but nothing compares to seeing your own body in a simulated “after” image. Spectrum Plastic Surgery has the Vectra 3D Imaging System that allows for simulated after photos so patients can see the exact results they can expect from a tummy tuck, liposuction, and other cosmetic procedures.

Learn more about tummy tucks and complementary procedures such as liposuction, Cellfina, and BodyTite. Contact Spectrum Plastic Surgery today at (480) 579-2090 and learn more about tummy tuck surgery.