Tummy Tuck | Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Port St. Lucie

Tummy Tuck in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie

Men and women who are unhappy with the contour of their abdomen often consider a tummy tuck to restore a more attractive shape. Often, people become frustrated when they cannot achieve the toned abdominal appearance they desire through diet and exercise. Genetics, lifestyle, and natural aging can result in abdominal laxity and excess skin. Our highly experienced surgeons perform a range of body surgery options on patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Tequesta, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and beyond, such as tummy tucks, to restore the natural, attractive contours of their abdomen.

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Benefits of Tummy Tuck
What Tummy Tuck Can Treat
How Tummy Tuck Works
FAQs About Tummy Tuck

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is an outpatient cosmetic procedure designed to flatten and contour the abdomen.¹ It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have excess skin, fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles that are resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery can help you achieve a firmer, more toned midsection, enhancing your overall body shape and boosting your self-confidence.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck

Improved Abdominal Contour: Tummy tuck surgery can remove loose skin and excess fat, resulting in a smoother, flatter abdominal profile.
Muscle Tightening: The procedure can also repair and tighten weakened or separated muscles on the abdominal wall, restoring core strength and stability.
Enhanced Body Proportions: By addressing concerns in the abdominal area, tummy tuck surgery can improve body proportions and create a more balanced silhouette.
Increased Clothing Options: After a tummy tuck, you may find that your clothes fit better and feel more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy a wider range of wardrobe options.
Boost in Self-Confidence: With a slimmer, more sculpted midsection, many individuals experience increased self-esteem and a more positive body image.

What Tummy Tuck Can Treat

Post-Pregnancy Changes

Following pregnancy, women are likely to develop a round abdominal appearance, which can be caused by a protrusion of the abdominal muscles. Frequently, women cannot improve their abdominal shape because they suffer from diastasis recti, which is abdominal muscle separation caused by stretching of weak muscle fibers. If you are dissatisfied with your lack of abdominal definition following pregnancy and exercise has yielded little results, a tummy tuck may be right for you. The procedure involves internal suturing of the muscles to tighten them and restore muscle tone. A tummy tuck can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures in a mommy makeover to address other areas of concern in one surgery.

Abdominal Changes Following Weight Loss

Losing a significant amount of weight can alter the look of your abdomen, and typically not in the ways you desire. Weight-loss patients often have folds of excess abdominal skin that mask the firm abdominal definition that results from their weight loss and muscle toning. These redundant areas of skin can be frustrating and defeating to some people, especially those who have worked hard to lose weight in the first place. Tummy tuck surgery can be tailored to meet the special needs of weight-loss patients so they can achieve a slim and firm abdomen. A tummy tuck can be combined with a range of other body contouring plastic surgery procedures after weight loss.

Age-Related Skin Laxity

The natural aging process can cause skin and muscles to become weak over time. In some patients, there is little that can be done to prevent this laxity from developing. As the abdominal tissues sag, the stomach protrudes and unwanted skin accumulates around the lower abdomen and hips. Many men and women feel that this lack of definition can age their appearance. A tummy tuck smooths and tightens your abdominal contours to reverse the clock and produce a more youthful physique.

Dr. Lickstein Discusses the Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Before & After

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How Tummy Tuck Works

Preparing for Tummy Tuck

Before undergoing tummy tuck surgery, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. During this consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, discuss your goals and expectations, and perform a physical examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will provide you with pre-operative instructions, such as quitting smoking, adjusting medications, and organizing post-operative care.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around two to four hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdomen, strategically placing the incision site to be easily concealed beneath clothing. Through this incision, excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened and repaired if necessary. The remaining skin is then repositioned and sutured, resulting in a smoother and tighter abdominal contour.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After the surgery, you will be given specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. You can expect to wear a compression garment for a period of time, as well as some temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities during the initial period of the healing process. Your surgeon will provide guidance on when it is safe to resume normal activities and exercise. A full recovery can take several weeks to a few months, during which you will see the final results gradually emerging.

FAQs About Tummy Tuck

Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are individuals who are at a stable weight and have excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.² It is important to be in general good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.

Will there be visible scarring after tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck scars are a common concern, and while tummy tuck surgery does leave a scar, your surgeon will make every effort to place the incision in a discreet location below the bikini line in the pubic area. Over time, the scar will fade and become less noticeable.

Can a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, particularly those below the belly button. However, stretch marks above the belly button may be relocated but not completely eliminated.

Does tummy tuck surgery have any risks?

Tummy tuck surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries some risks and potential complications. These can include bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, scarring, changes in sensation, fluid accumulation, and poor wound healing.³ While complications are relatively rare, being aware of the risks allows you to make an informed decision about undergoing tummy tuck surgery.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. However, factors such as pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can affect the longevity of the results.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

Yes, it is common to combine a tummy tuck with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast surgeries, as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. This approach can help you achieve more comprehensive and harmonious results.

When can I undergo a tummy tuck after pregnancy?

It is generally recommended to wait until you have completed your family and have no plans for future pregnancies before considering a tummy tuck. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can potentially undo the results of the procedure.

Will insurance cover the cost of a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if you have documented medical issues, such as hernias or abdominal muscle separation, that can be addressed during the procedure, a portion of the cost may be covered. It's best to check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage options.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, and additional associated fees such as anesthesia and facility charges. During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your case and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved tailored to your specific needs.

Sources

¹Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Accessed July 4, 2023.

²ASPS. Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/candidates. Accessed July 4, 2023.

³Cleveland Clinic. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11017-abdominoplasty-tummy-tuck. Accessed July 4, 2023.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re ready to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen, our experienced team is here to help. Serving patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie, Florida, and beyond, our board-certified surgeons are proud to provide advanced tummy tuck procedures tailored to your specific needs. We believe the best results are born from an in-depth discussion of patient goals, followed by a customized treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation.

The Doctors at Lickstein Plastic Surgery have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated: July 20, 2023