Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Tummy Tuck

A sculpted, toned abdomen is something that both men and women desire, and a slim waistline is not always easy to achieve. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can help patients attain a tighter abdomen for a more aesthetically pleasing midsection. During a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Jones manually tightens abdominal muscles, resulting in a sculpted, toned tummy that's free from excess sagging skin. A popular procedure for post-pregnancy mothers, a tummy tuck can be performed to remove excess skin, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and permanently improve the proportion of a woman's body after childbirth. If you are considering abdominoplasty for a firmer, flatter tummy, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Pregnancy frequently causes separation of the rectus muscle, as well as significant weight gain.  During the abdominoplasty, Dr. Jones individually sutures the muscle back together which both brings the waistline in and flattens the stomach.  Sometimes a little liposuction is needed for blending the abdominoplasty into the surrounding tissues. Dr. Jones is exceptional at getting the stomach super flat and tight giving a very nice result.

Sometimes the distribution and type of fat inhibits how flat he can make the stomach.  Some fat is located more superficially (outside the abdominal cavity) which can be helped with both an abdominoplasty and liposuction.  However, some patients have abdominal fat that is located deeper within the abdominal cavity.  This type of fat can't be removed with an abdominoplasty or liposuction.  This fat tends to be located high on the belly, above the belly button, within an organ called the omentum.  An abdominoplasty is still effective in removing a large portion of fat and flattening the stomach so that clothing fits better, but will not make the stomach as flat unless there is significant weight loss prior to the surgery.  A better result will always be achieved when as much weight loss occurs before the surgery so that Dr. Jones can remove as much skin and fat as possible.  How flat Dr. Jones will be able to get your stomach and whether or not additional liposuction for blending it all together will be necessary is something to discuss during your complimentary cosmetic consultation.  The typical tummy tuck scar is low enough to be hidden by a bathing suit or underwear.  If you have had a prior c-section, the c-section scar is usually removed and the incision is made in the same location.  The incision is usually from hip bone to hip bone, but partly depends on how much skin and fat is removed.  The scar is initially red, but fades significantly over the course of a year.  In most patients it eventually looks like a fine white line.  The scar, like all scars, should be kept out of the sun for the first year for the best result (lightest scar possible).  Sun exposure can permanently darken the scar while it is in the healing phase.

Often a tummy tuck is combined with breast augmentation surgery.  Typically, the breasts deflate and droop somewhat after having children or weight gain & loss.  When more than one procedure is done at a time, the secondary procedure is discounted by the hospital, anesthesia and Dr. Jones.

Tummy Tucks are not performed directly following a c-section because the uterus has to have time to shrink back to its normal size.  The abdominal muscles also need to return to a more normal state.

Patients are usually thrilled with the results of a tummy tuck with a flatter, tighter stomach.  Check out our gallery to see some before & after pictures.