Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
You Can Achieve
The Shape You Want To See
It’s easy to feel overextended in today’s fast-paced world. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to look overextended, especially in your midsection and especially after years of yo-yo dieting, multiple pregnancies or bariatric surgery. Many people visit our practice for a tummy tuck to flatten and sculpt their abdominal area.
Save $50 on your consultation (regularly $150), or call us at (410) 740-9330. Please note, this discount cannot be applied to procedures covered by insurance, only applies to cosmetic consults, and is valid for new patients only. For existing patients, please contact us online or call the office for an appointment.
Why Get a Tummy Tuck?
Women and men from Baltimore County choose tummy tuck surgery, technically called abdominoplasty, to renew their abdominal area. The results include:
- Firmer, flatter abdomen
- Narrower waist
- Slimmer silhouette
Many women also choose to combine their abdominoplasty with breast enhancement procedures including breast lift and breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover.
Dr. Eric Chang
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Dr. Jessica Wang
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang has advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and is devoted to excellent results.
DR. ERIC CHANG
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
DR. JESSICA WANG
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang has advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and is devoted to excellent results.
Your Consultation
Your tummy tuck consultation at Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is just that – your consultation. It is your time to have all of your questions and concerns answered and addressed. The office setting and protocol for consultations was designed around the needs of our patients. We truly want your visit to be comfortable and informative, and any decision you might make regarding a tummy tuck to be based on the facts and made for the right reasons – yours.
At your consultation, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will assess the amount of excess skin and fatty tissue around your abdomen, as well as its overall tone. You’ll learn how the 2 to 3-hour body contouring procedure is performed, the differences between a full abdominoplasty and a mini-abdominoplasty, and whether or not your tummy tuck can be enhanced by liposuction. You will also be fully informed about recovery, scarring, and risks. Our staff can discuss the cost of a tummy tuck at the consultation and provide a detailed price quote if requested.
Before & After Gallery
See some of our many happy patients who have achieved excellent results through cosmetic surgery.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Each tummy tuck is different, but most surgeries follow the same course. First, your surgeon makes an incision that runs horizontally across the abdomen. The incision is placed just above the pubic area, so the resulting scar is well-hidden in clothing and swimwear. The surgeon then removes excess fat using liposuction and surgically tightens loose or damaged abdominal muscles. Excess skin is cut away and remaining skin is redraped for a smooth, taut contour. In some cases, your navel may be repositioned for a natural-looking placement and an attractive appearance.
Enliven & Refresh
Learn how a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures in a mommy makeover, a transformative procedure that provides comprehensive results.
Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
After a tummy tuck, most patients return home the same day. You will need to have an adult drive you home and help care for you for the first day or 2. If you have young children, arrange help for their care for at least the first week. It’s important to get plenty of rest at this time and allow your body to heal.
Although you will not be able to stand completely upright initially, it’s important to take short, light walks at least a few times a day to reduce the risk of blood clots. You will need to wear a compression garment, called an abdominal binder, to minimize swelling and bruising and provide support. You should wear this garment as much as possible for the first 6 weeks or so, except while bathing. Surgical drains may be in place for about a week to reduce fluid accumulation. You can manage any discomfort with prescription medicine.
What Is the Recovery Time?
Tummy tuck recovery is different for every patient, but most people plan to take a few weeks off work to recover. Within about 10 days to 2 weeks, you should be able to stand fully upright and be ready to drive and return to a non-strenuous job. Most patients can return to their regular exercise routine after 6 weeks. It’s important to not resume any activities before you feel fully ready. By taking it easy and allowing your body to heal, you’re doing your part to ensure your recovery is uneventful and your outcome is beautiful.
While diet and exercise are great, they’re simply not good enough to tone stretched skin or to repair the separation of abdominal muscles resulting from weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Abdominoplasty can do all of these things. And when you continue to eat right and exercise regularly, the results of your tummy tuck – a firmer abdomen and a slimmer silhouette – can be enjoyed for years to come.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
How much weight can I lose from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, and it’s not a good match for people who are significantly overweight. Although you will lose a nominal amount of weight simply due to the removal of fat and skin, the surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for a person who is close to his or her goal weight but who has sagging abdominal skin and tissue that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
Dr. Eric Chang,
Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
How is a tummy tuck different from liposuction of the abdomen?
Liposuction is often done in conjunction with a tummy tuck at our Baltimore-area practice, but they can also be performed separately. Liposuction of the abdomen removes pockets of stubborn fat, but it does not address excess or stretched skin. In addition to removing excess fat from the midsection, a tummy tuck also tightens the abdominal muscles and reduces loose, hanging skin. When combined into one surgery, these individual components create a harmonious result.
Dr. Eric Chang,
Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
Am I a candidate for a mini-abdominoplasty?
A mini version of a tummy tuck appeals to many patients because it leaves a shorter scar, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. If you have loose skin and tissue both above and below your navel, you likely would benefit more from a traditional tummy tuck. If your loose tissue is confined to the area below your navel, a mini tuck may be an option. Our goal is to provide you with your best possible results, so he will recommend the option that best suits your needs.
Dr. Eric Chang,
Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy after tummy tuck is safe, but we advise against it. The changes the body undergoes during pregnancy can alter the results of a tummy tuck, potentially necessitating revision surgery. If possible, we recommend putting off a tummy tuck until you’re finished having children.
Dr. Eric Chang,
Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
Will a tummy tuck affect my tattoo?
Because the surgery removes and repositions loose skin, it is possible that an abdominal tattoo would be affected. If this is a concern, Dr. Chang may be able to adjust the surgical technique to minimize this possibility.
Dr. Eric Chang,
Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
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Telephone No.(410) 740-9330
