An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is used to smooth the appearance of the abdominal area. This can be done by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. If you or a friend have been thinking about a tummy tuck, the surgeons at Plastic Surgeons of Memphis are ready to provide expert advice.
Why should I have a tummy tuck and am I eligible?A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess fat and/or skin to reshape the midsection. Some of our patients come to us to slim their abdominal area by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. Others have lost an extreme amount of weight and now require removal of excess skin. Many new mothers also come to us to remove excess skin and fat and tighten weakened muscles left over from pregnancy. Postpartum patients often opt for a
Tummy Tuck with Lipo as part of a Mommy Makeover.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, qualities of a good candidate include:
You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
You are physically healthy and have a stable weight
You have realistic expectations
You are a non-smoker
If you are unsure if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, we encourage you to speak with one of the surgeons by scheduling a complimentary consultation.
CostThe average cost of a tummy tuck at Plastic Surgeons is $8,000 - $10,000.
While most insurance companies do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, Plastic Surgeons of Memphis offers financing options to help pay for this procedure. Our financing option, Care Credit, offers interest-free financing options for six and twelve months.
Is it safe?At Plastic Surgeons of Memphis, they will have a purpose-built ambulatory surgery center, located in our building so you have complete control over the surgical environment, reducing the risk of infection or other common risk factors.
If you are concerned about any specific medical risks, please be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon. All procedures are preceded by a consultation with our plastic surgeons.
How do you prepare for a tummy tuck?The first step in preparing for a tummy tuck is to have a consultation with a surgeon from Plastic Surgeons of Memphis. During the consultation, you should disclose all necessary information about your health and ask any questions you may have. During the consultation, your surgeon will talk with you about potential risks, desired outcome, the procedure, expected recovery and next steps.
What is the recovery process?Once your tummy tuck is complete, the incision will be bandaged and you will be taken to a recovery room. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within a few hours of the procedure.
Before you leave for your surgeon's care, you will receive instructions from our staff on how to properly bandage your incision. You will be prescribed any necessary antibiotics, pain medications and care products for the incision area to aid in healing.
For the next six weeks, you will wear an abdominal bandage to support your abdomen and aid in healing. You will also need to watch your movements to avoid re-rupturing the incision. The staff will make recommendations on how to avoid potentially problematic movements and the best way to rest.
Regular check-ups with your surgeon are standard. Surgeons are available in case of emergencies, and you can call them at any time.
After a full recovery, you can expect a tighter abdomen and a permanent scar across the abdomen that will become less noticeable over time.
