Does a tummy tuck leave scars?

During a tummy tuck, your surgeon will make an incision low on your abdomen. This allows for any scarring to easily be concealed within your bikini or underwear.

Are there any risks with a tummy tuck?

Yes, like any surgical procedure, tummy tucks come with risks. Potential complications include infection, scarring, changes in skin sensation, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It's important to discuss these risks thoroughly with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you understand all potential outcomes and how to mitigate them.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Absolutely. A tummy tuck is a great surgery to combine with other cosmetic procedures. Popular combinations can include a tummy tuck and liposuction, breast augmentation or an arm lift.

What makes you a candidate for a tummy tuck?

You might be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that doesn't respond to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. It's also important that candidates are at a stable weight and do not plan significant weight changes in the near future.

What can you not do after a tummy tuck?

After a tummy tuck, you should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that strain your abdominal muscles for at least six weeks. It's also important to refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol as these can impede the healing process. Following your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions will help ensure a smooth recovery.

Tummy Tuck Nashville & Clarksville

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces fatty tissue and skin from the waist. In most cases, it also restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. The tummy tuck is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed each year.

Am I A Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals who are in good overall health and have excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdominal area. The tummy tuck is ideal when diet and exercise don’t seem to produce results, especially after significant weight fluctuations or childbirth. Good candidates are also individuals who experienced stretching of the abdominal muscles which impairs their function. The best candidates are nonsmokers who are physically healthy and at a stable weight. We also have a maximum BMI requirement of 30-39, but this may affect the location your surgery is performed.

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Different types of tummy tuck surgery are available. During a consultation with our doctors, patients will learn more about the appropriate type of tummy tuck for their cosmetic goals. The types include:

Traditional Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck involves removing stubborn fat and excess skin from the stomach, as well as tightening the abdominal muscles. It’s the most popular and appropriate option for many patients.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck does not tighten muscles, but rather only removes loose skin from the area below the belly button. It’s ideal for patients who have fewer concerns in the stomach area but still want a slimmer, tauter appearance.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes excess fat and skin from the entire stomach and also includes surrounding areas. It more extensively transforms the stomach for patients who have had significant weight loss..

How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

During a consultation with our board-certified doctor, patients will learn more about the appropriate type of tummy tuck and the surgical procedure. Preparation steps include avoiding alcohol and nicotine, which can impair healing. Finally, patients should live a healthy and active lifestyle to prevent weight changes before the surgical date.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

During your tummy tuck procedure, a cosmetic surgeon will make an incision that typically goes from hip to hip. The entire abdominal skin flap is lifted, and the underlying muscles will be tightened. The skin will then be pulled down and re-draped to maximize the amount of skin removed in the lower abdomen. Once complete, you’ll be left with a flatter belly and more defined waist.

Recovery After Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck recovery is an important time when the surgery site must heal. The time it takes to recover varies based on several factors, including the extent of the surgery and the age of the patient. Generally, patients should plan on about two to four weeks of down time for normal activities.

How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

During your tummy tuck procedure, a cosmetic surgeon will make an incision that typically goes from hip to hip. The entire abdominal skin flap is lifted, and the underlying muscles will be tightened. The skin will then be pulled down and re-draped to maximize the amount of skin removed. Once complete, you’ll be left with a flatter belly and more defined waist. The best candidates are nonsmokers who are physically healthy and at a stable weight. We do have a max BMI requirement of 34.

What Are The Typical Results?

Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone this procedure.
It’s also important to remember that tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program for a flat tummy. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas are below the belly button.

Post-Operative Recovery

Tummy tuck recovery is an important time when the surgery site must heal. The time it takes to recover varies based on several factors, including the extent of the surgery and the age of the patient. Generally, patients should plan on about two weeks of down time for normal activities. To help speed this process up, be sure to follow all instructions.

Schedule a Consultation

To meet with our board-certified doctor and learn more about the tummy tuck, contact on our four offices today by calling or filling out our online form.