Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a common plastic surgery procedure performed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue of the abdomen. The appearance and contour of the abdomen can change as a result of pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, or aging. These changes can make it difficult to exercise, fit into clothing, or completely alter your self-confidence. A tummy tuck can restore the youthful look and feel of your midsection and alleviate many of these issues.

A tummy tuck surgery is typically performed with a low incision that goes from hip bone to hip bone and hides under a normal bikini bottom. A tummy tuck also usually involves an incision around your belly button to keep the belly button in the same location as before surgery. There are variations of a tummy tuck that involve shorter or longer incisions depending on the amount of skin laxity that must be addressed (mini tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, fleur-de-lis tummy tuck). During a tummy tuck we will also address any laxity of the abdominal wall musculature. A separation between the abdominal wall muscles is called a diastasis recti and is repaired with stitches during a tummy tuck.

Despite its ability to significantly improve the appearance of the front of your midsection, a tummy tuck does not alter the contour of your flanks. Contouring of the flanks is typically performed with liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck. The need for additional areas of liposuction can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Pierce

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?

    • Women who have excess skin and/or muscle laxity of the abdomen and are otherwise healthy are candidates for tummy tuck.

  • Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

    • Dr. Pierce does not perform tummy tuck surgery through insurance.

  • Can I have a tummy tuck if I am currently smoking cigarettes?

    • No, smoking cigarettes or any form of nicotine consumption significantly increases your risk of issues with wound healing and infection. You should be without nicotine for 6 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after your surgery.

  • How is a tummy tuck surgery performed?

    • A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and subcutaneous tissue from the abdomen. This is done through a low incision that goes from hip bone to hip bone and hides below a normal bikini bottom. A tummy tuck also usually involves an incision around your belly button to keep the belly button in the same location as before surgery. Through these incisions the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed.

  • Where are the incisions located for a tummy tuck?

    • Tummy tuck incisions are located along the lower part of your abdomen and around the belly button. Please visit our tummy tuck gallery to see typical incisions after tummy tuck.

  • How long does a tummy tuck take?

    • A tummy tuck usually takes 2-3 hours to perform.

  • Will I have drains after a tummy tuck?

    • Yes, you will have 2 drains after a tummy tuck. The drains are removed in the office 1-2 weeks after your surgery. The drains are placed to remove any excess fluid the tries to collect under the skin after a tummy tuck.

  • How do you control pain during and after surgery?

    • Dr. Pierce uses an evidence-based approach to pain management for surgery called the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol. This protocol uses a combination of local numbing medication, anesthesia blocks, anti-nausea medication, scheduled non-narcotic pain medication, and narcotic pain medication as needed to decrease the surgical pain and speed up your recovery.

  • Where do you perform tummy tuck surgery?

    • Dr. Pierce performs tummy tuck surgery in an outpatient surgical facility. You will be able to go home the same day as your procedure.

  • Will my abdominal sensation change after a tummy tuck?

    • You should expect to have numbness of the lower abdomen from the belly button to the bikini-line incision for at least 4-6 months after a tummy tuck. The majority of this sensation returns with time but, you may have small areas of permanent numbness along the lower abdomen after a tummy tuck.

  • What are the risks and complications associated with a tummy tuck?

    • The most common risks associated with a tummy tuck are pain, bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, scarring, asymmetry, and residual contour irregularities.

  • When can I return to work after a tummy tuck?

    • You can return to desk work 1-2 weeks after surgery. If you have a job that requires heavy lifting, we ask that you request to return to work with modified duties until 6 weeks after surgery.

  • When can I return to exercise after breast reduction?

    • You can resume low-impact exercise (ex: walking, stationary bike, elliptical) at 1-2 weeks after surgery. You can resume high impact exercise (ex: running, cycling, weight lifting) at 6 weeks after surgery. No core exercises (crunches, sit-ups, planks) are allowed until at least 6 weeks after surgery to allow for the abdominal muscle repair to heal.