You eat right, exercise a lot, but a flat, well-toned tummy is elusive. A loose or sagging abdomen can happen to people even if they live a healthy lifestyle. It can be caused by heredity, pregnancy, prior surgery, large fluctuations in weight, and even congenital spine abnormalities. If you would like a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be right for you.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin on your abdomen. Sometimes it can restore weakened or separated muscles. Abdominal contouring can be done with a variety of techniques:

• If excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, your physician would perform a tummy tuck.
• If you have abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated due to pregnancy or severe weight fluctuation, your physician can correct this as part of a tummy tuck..
• If necessary, your physician can also combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
• If localized fat is the problem, but overall skin tone is good and stretch marks are minimal, your physician can use liposuction to contour the abdomen.

A Mini-Abdominoplasty versus a Full Abdominoplasty:

A partial or mini tummy tuck corrects excess fat and tissue below your navel. It is a great option for those who don't require the more comprehensive correction of a full tummy tuck. Your surgeon may also use liposuction during a mini tummy tuck to further contour your abdomen. You will typically experience a shorter recovery time with a mini abdominoplasty. Your surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Center will help you discuss your options during your complimentary cosmetic consultation*.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your surgeon will give you certain preoperative care instructions. While we have included some on our website, they should not be a substitute for your physician's instructions.

A consultation with one of the physicians at the Plastic Surgery Center is your essential first step to learn how a tummy tuck can improve the appearance of your abdomen. If you're ready to schedule your complimentary consultation and discuss your tummy tuck in more detail, call us at 316.688.7500 or request your consultation online today.

What to Expect

Your surgery may be performed in our accredited ambulatory surgical suite or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of your preference as well as your surgeon's. At the Plastic Surgery Center, your safety and comfort are very important.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time and Expectations

Your initial healing will include swelling and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Your wound may take 5-10 days to heal. Your physician will provide you with more specific post op instructions specifically those regarding walking, standing, lifting, bending and straining. We have included some basic instructions on our website, but they are not a substitute for your physician's specific guidelines. Your healing will continue for several weeks.

After the Tummy Tuck

Your results should be almost immediately visible, although it may take several months for your final results to develop. Your new flat abdomen is relatively permanent as long as you maintain your weight and general fitness.

*Some restrictions may apply on the complimentary consultation. Does not apply to insurance funded surgeries.