Look Great. Feel Even Better.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles resulting in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour more proportionate to your body type and weight. 

Yes, there are two kinds of tummy tucks: full and mini. As the name suggests, a mini tummy tuck, or mini-abdominoplasty, is not as extensive as a full tummy tuck. Both procedures remove loose skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen, but only a full tummy tuck involves tightening of the abdominal muscles. 

You may want a tummy tuck if: 

• You have weakened or separated abdominal muscles 
• You have loose or hanging skin on your abdomen 
• Your abdomen protrudes even at a healthy weight 
• Consistent diet and exercise have not produced desired results 
• You do not plan to get pregnant 
• You do not plan to lose a significant amount of weight 
• You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen 

A tummy tuck may be done in combination with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. 

A tummy tuck cannot reverse sun damage to the skin or correct stretch marks. However, some of these things may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the excess skin that is excised. 

During your consultation, Dr. Rosing will start by asking about your goals for the procedure and what specifically you would like to change about your appearance and why. Dr. Rosing will examine your abdomen and discuss your best treatment options to achieve your desired results. In doing so, he may suggest additional changes or an alternative procedure if that better suits your goals. He will share before and after photographs of his work and set realistic expectations. He will also complete a full medical history, evaluate your current health, and make note of any prescriptions or supplements you take and whether you smoke. He will then review all of the possible risks of the surgery and a complete breakdown of the cost. 

A tummy tuck is usually done under general anesthesia. 

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure. In some instances, overnight (24-hour) observation at the surgery center or a private aftercare facility is available for patients that prefer nursing assistance. 

Depending on the extent of the change you would like to see, there are several different approaches for a tummy tuck. For a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Rosing will make an incision the width of the pubic area, similar to a C-section incision. He will then remove fat and excess skin from the lower abdomen and close the incision with stitches. 

For a full tummy tuck, Dr. Rosing will make one incision extending from hip bone to hip bone and another around the navel. He will then remove excess fat and separate the skin from the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles will be pulled together and stitched in place. Dr. Rosing will also reposition the skin around the belly button. Lastly, excess skin will be removed and the incisions will be closed with stitches. Small tubes may be placed along the incision sites to drain any excess blood or fluid. 

A mini tummy tuck takes one hour. A full tummy tuck takes 3-4 hours. 

Muscle tightening, when required, is the cause of discomfort for patients undergoing a tummy tuck. In cases where muscle tightening is not performed, there is minimal postoperative pain. This is easily controlled with a combination of muscle relaxants and pain medication. Following surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect to minimize swelling. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, and medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection. 

The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Those issues should resolve within 1-2 weeks. Scars from the incision will fade over time but never completely disappear. 

It is important to avoid any form of nicotine for, at minimum, two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine, in any form, can increase the risk for skin and tissue death and will delay your healing process and worsen scarring. You must also avoid vigorous activity or exercise for at least 6 weeks. 

Problems that may be caused by a tummy tuck include: 

• Unfavorable scarring 
• Bleeding under the skin or hematoma 
• Infection 
• Fluid accumulation 
• Poor wound healing 
• Skin loss 
• Blood clots 
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation 
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia 
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling 
• Fat necrosis, the death of fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die 
• Major wound separation 
• Asymmetry 
• Recurrent looseness of skin 
• Pain, which may persist 
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications 
• Persistent swelling in the legs 
• Nerve damage 
• Suboptimal aesthetic result 

Complications are rare and are often easily solved by Dr. Rosing if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling, calf pain, or if you have any other concerns. 

If the tummy tuck is purely cosmetic, insurance will not cover it. Have your doctor check you for a ventral or umbilical hernia. Insurance may cover a tummy tuck for patients who have either or these conditions. It is important to find out the total costs of the procedure, which includes Dr. Rosing’s fees along with fees for the operating facility, anesthesia, medicines, follow-up care, office visits, and other services. Make sure you ask your health insurance company about its policies and whether having a tummy tuck will affect your coverage in any way. Some insurance companies may raise your premiums after you get cosmetic surgery, and, in some instances, getting a tummy tuck affects future coverage. If your plan won’t cover treatment for any complications from cosmetic surgery, you may want to consider getting a supplemental insurance policy.