The belly is one of the most challenging areas to tone, and it is one of the last places we lose fat from when dropping weight. Women especially tend to carry excess weight in this area, and even healthy, fit people may have extra belly fat. But fat isn’t the only contributing factor to a belly “pooch.”

The muscles of the abdomen often become stretched and weakened during pregnancy or with weight gain. This condition is known as diastasis recti. After delivering your baby or losing weight and even after diligently exercising your abs, the muscles may remain separated and create a protruding stomach.

As excess fat and stretched muscles expand the belly, the skin of the abdomen stretches. When the skin is stretched too far and for too long, it loses elasticity and can’t return to its original shape and tightness. After weight loss and pregnancy, people are often left with loose, sagging skin on their abdomen.

If you suffer from excess fat, stretched muscles and/or loose skin in your abdominal area, tummy tuck surgery can help.

tummy tuck treatment

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery, technically known as abdominoplasty, is designed to create a flatter, firmer and more toned abdomen. This plastic surgery procedure tightens the muscles found in the abdominal wall and removes excess fat and skin.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Done?

Anesthesia

The abdominoplasty procedure begins with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Incisions

Your plastic surgeon creates a horizontal incision above your pubic area between your hip bones. If your upper abdomen needs to be addressed, a second incision around your belly button is also used.

Your skin is lifted to give your surgeon access to the underlying tissues.

Abdominal Muscle Repair

Separated abdominal muscles are brought together and secured with sutures. This creates a more toned and firm abdomen.

Fat Removal

Some fat can be surgically excised during the procedure, but liposuction can be used if you have a large amount of fat you’d like removed. In some patients, combining liposuction is recommended to achieve the best tummy tuck results.

Skin Tightening

Once the underlying tissues of your abdomen have been addressed, your skin is smoothed over the new contours. Excess skin is removed, and your incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.

What Is the Average Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Patients generally take one to two weeks off from work after abdominoplasty. After that, you should continue taking it easy and not exert yourself for another two weeks. Once you’ve finished week four of recovery, you can resume light exercise and regular physical activities. Make sure to be cleared by your surgeon before participating in highly strenuous exercise and abdominal workouts.

At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, we offer a customized Speedy Recovery Package that includes IV infusion and hyperbaric oxygen therapies. Contact us to learn more about this package if you are interested in recovery services that help your body heal faster after surgery.

When Will My Tummy Tuck Results Become Visible?

After your abdominoplasty procedure, you will have bruising and swelling that initially camouflage your results. Bruising will resolve within a few weeks, and most swelling will resolve within eight weeks. You will be able to see your tummy tuck results then, but some residual swelling may last for several months.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

The results of abdominoplasty can last the rest of your life if you maintain a stable weight, follow a healthy lifestyle and do not have a subsequent pregnancy. The removed fat will be gone forever, but the remaining fat cells in the area can increase in size due to weight gain. The tightened skin in the area can also stretch with weight gain or pregnancy, and it is even less likely to retain its original shape after weight loss since it would be thinner from being stretched again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Fort Lauderdale?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Fort Lauderdale can range significantly, with some practices starting at $5,500 and others starting at $8,000. According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average national surgeon’s fee for abdominoplasty was $6,154. This price does not include anesthesia, surgical facility, recovery garments, medications and other associated costs.

We can provide you with a personalized price quote for your abdominoplasty during your consultation. We also offer multiple medical financing options to help make your procedure affordable.

When considering plastic surgery, price shouldn’t be a main determining factor in the practice or surgeon you choose. You may get what you pay for, and your appearance isn’t something to gamble on. Look for a qualified surgeon like Dr. DuMornay, and ask to see before and after pictures to make sure you like the type of results they can achieve.

How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?

The duration of this procedure is generally two and a half to five hours. The length of your surgery will depend on the techniques used as well as whether liposuction is also performed.

Will a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?

The goal of a tummy tuck is not to remove stretch marks, but those on the lower abdomen will be removed with the loose skin they are on.

Can I Combine Other Plastic Surgery Procedures With My Tummy Tuck?

In addition to liposuction, you can combine your abdominoplasty with other body contouring surgeries. Men with overdeveloped breasts may choose to undergo male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery) with their tummy tuck. Women may consider combining their procedure with breast augmentation, breast reduction or a breast lift. Both men and women can benefit from J-Plasma skin tightening if they have loose skin in other areas of their body.

Interested in Abdominoplasty in Fort Lauderdale?

Dr. Wilson DuMornay is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), meaning he has extensive education and training as a surgeon. Only surgeons whose profession is devoted to surgical practice and who meet the ethical and professional standards of the organization are granted FACS designation.

To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and find out if you’re a candidate, Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics at 954-368-3348.

Hi. Thank you for your interest in one of our surgical procedures here at Broward ENT & Aesthetics. At this time, we don't have available dates for scheduling this procedure. Please give us a call if you have any questions. Thank you.