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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 stomach, leaving a firmer, flatter abdominal appearance.

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.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Tummy tuck cost, like 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®.

How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?

Tummy tucks can be performed on an outpatient basis, but you will be under general anesthesia throughout the surgery. For a full tummy tuck, an incision is made along the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat is removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened.

For a mini-tummy tuck, this procedure is usually done when only the lower stomach is involved (such as following pregnancy) and a smaller incision is used. Sometimes liposuction is used in conjunction with a tummy tuck procedure.

Dr. Contogiannis can help you decide which tummy tuck procedure is best in your unique situation, and whether or not liposuction will be needed.

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What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can offer dramatic results and most patients are delighted with their outcome. A few of the many benefits include:

  • Significant increase in self-confidence and self-image
  • Stronger, tighter stomach muscles
  • Flatter stomach appearance and improved posture
  • Increased exercise tolerance
  • Decreased issues with stress-induced urinary incontinence

A tummy tuck is also often incorporated into mommy makeovers in order to firm and tighten the skin and musculature of the abdomen that can become stretched out during pregnancy.

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.

The very best way to determine if your situation requires the need for a tummy tuck is to let a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

What Can I Expect During Recovery Following a Tummy Tuck?

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.

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.