Tummy tuck surgery, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is designed to eliminate excess skin that has collected in the abdominal region and tighten the remaining skin for a flatter, more fit look. This procedure also tightens abdominal muscles that have become loose over time, often due to the natural aging process, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors. Basically, a tummy tuck resculpts the abdominal wall and can be a great option for addressing sagging tissue and excess abdominal fat that has not responded to traditional forms of diet and exercise. Dr. Jason Lichten, our board-certified plastic surgeon here at Central Ohio Plastic Surgery, can create a customized tummy tuck treatment plan capable of producing a slimmer, more toned-looking contour in the midsection.
Tummy Tuck At a Glance
- Potential Benefits:
- Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can reduce loose, stubborn excess skin and fatty tissue in the abdomen that has proven resistant to diet and exercise. This procedure can provide a flatter abdominal contour, tighter abdominal muscles, and skin that is firmer and smoother.
- Candidacy:
- Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery often include patients who have loose, possibly overhanging skin in the abdominal region and who would like to recontour this area to achieve a slimmer, more fit look. Abdominoplasty can be particularly beneficial for women who have experienced abdominal changes after pregnancy, as well as for both women and men who have excess skin and fat collection in the abdomen for which standard diet and fitness regimens are not producing effective results.
- Procedure:
- Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. An overnight hospital stay is usually not necessary; however, it may be recommended in certain cases.
- Recovery:
- Most patients will need to plan for about two to three weeks of rest and recovery at home before resuming normal daily routines. Bruising and swelling in the abdominal area should fade in the weeks following surgery as the treatment area heals. Patients can usually engage in more strenuous activities and return to the gym after four to six weeks.
- Follow-Up Care:
- Dr. Lichten will meet with tummy tuck patients for periodic follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and evaluate the results.
- Surgeon:
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jason Lichten is an extensively trained and experienced plastic surgeon who is particularly adept with abdominoplasty and body contouring procedures. These treatments are fully customized to each patient’s unique needs and overall treatment goals. Dr. Lichten believes that the treatment process involves a true partnership between doctor and patient, and his philosophy of care is based on attentiveness to individual concerns, honest and thorough communication, and a compassionate approach. He conducts all consultations, procedures, and follow-up appointments himself to assure patients that he is fully involved in all aspects of their care every step of the way.
Explore Topics On This Page:
- What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
- What Is a Mini-Tummy Tuck?
- Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?
- What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve?
- What Can I Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery?
- Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Painful?
- How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
- Complementary Procedures
- How Do I Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?
“I had been wanting to have a tummy tuck for a long time. I had an appendectomy scar and a c-section scar that drove me crazy because fat would hang over the scars making my abdomen look lumpy. During my yearly exam January 2017, my gynecologist discovered I had fibroid tumors and suggested I have a hysterectomy. Doing research on-line, I found that lots of women have a tummy tuck AT THE SAME TIME as the hysterectomy, so I thought “Why not?!”. From the Realself site, I found Dr. Lichten and Central Ohio Plastic Surgery in Lancaster. From the very beginning, Dr. Lichten and his staff were AWESOME! Dr. Lichten was honest and down to earth. I felt totally comfortable with Dr. Lichten and with the procedures he recommended. I look better and feel so much better about myself. I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER! I am recommending Dr. Lichten to all my friends and certainly recommend him to you all!””
What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery can benefit both women and men who are considering body contouring options for the abdomen and midsection. Ultimately, abdominoplasty can:
- Reduce excess abdominal skin and fatty tissue
- Tighten the remaining skin for a slimmer, smoother, more taut appearance
- Tighten abdominal muscles and address weak or separated musculature in this area
- Help patients achieve a better fit in desired clothing
While a tummy tuck is often advantageous for many individuals, some patients may benefit from an alternative option such as a lower body lift (belt lipectomy), which is also available from Dr. Lichten. This can be more ideal for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and are now dealing with a significant collection of excess, loose skin along the lower abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Our plastic surgeon offers numerous body contouring options and will be happy to evaluate your needs and goals during an initial consultation.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before-and-After Photos
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Individuals who have an abundance of loose, inelastic skin and lax muscles in the abdominal area are often good candidates for this procedure. Patients must also be in generally good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results. Candidates for tummy tuck surgery must also be non-smokers, or be prepared to stop smoking well-before the procedure is scheduled and long after it is performed. Smoking and nicotine cause blood vessel constriction and can significantly compromise the healing process, as well as increase the risk of complications.
Additionally, it is important to understand that tummy tuck surgery is not designed to be a weight loss procedure. In fact, patients should be at or near the average weight for their body type before undergoing this treatment. Abdominoplasty can often serve as an effective solution for those who have experienced weight fluctuations or pregnancies that have resulted in excess skin and fat accumulation in the abdomen that has not responded to diet and exercise routines.
Dr. Lichten usually advises individuals who are planning a pregnancy in the future to wait until they have completed their families before having an abdominoplasty performed so the results will not be compromised. Patients who have extra skin as a result of losing a significant amount of weight, either after bariatric surgery or on their own, may consider abdominoplasty before having children.
Dr. Lichten will meet with you for an initial consultation to determine whether tummy tuck surgery is right for your needs.
What Is a Mini-Tummy Tuck?
A mini-tummy tuck is not as extensive as a full tummy tuck and may be a good option for patients who have less severe skin laxity or extra skin and fat in the abdominal region. In comparison to a full tummy tuck, mini-tuck surgery generally requires less skin removal from the lower part of the abdomen, and the belly button does not need to be repositioned. A mini-tummy tuck also results in a smaller scar. For mini-tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Lichten typically combines liposuction with the treatment to produce a tighter surface and firmer skin. Also, as opposed to a full tummy tuck, this treatment only tightens the lower abdominal muscles.
It should be noted that not every individual will be an ideal candidate for mini-tummy tuck surgery. For patients who have a significant degree of extra skin in the abdominal region and stretch marks, a full tummy tuck will likely be recommended. Full tummy tuck surgery is also typically advised for women who have had children, depending on the extent of the concerns in the area. Patients who have minimal extra skin in the region, loose abdominal muscles in the lower area of the abdomen, and some excess fat in that area may be better-suited to a mini-tummy tuck. Dr. Lichten can make a determination as to which option can offer the best results during the initial consultation.
Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?
A tummy tuck is capable of removing stretch marks as long as they are appearing in lower abdominal areas where excess skin will be removed. In cases where stretch marks appear above the belly button, Dr. Lichten is often able to move the stretch marks to the area below it, making them less conspicuous.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve?
Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia will be necessary for tummy tuck surgery. During the procedure, Dr. Lichten will create an incision below the navel that extends from one hip to the other. He will then tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fatty tissue and excess skin. The remaining skin is redraped for firmer results, and the naval may need to be repositioned in many cases. Tummy tuck surgery usually takes between two to five hours to complete.
Scarring from tummy tuck surgery can often be well-hidden under clothing and swimwear. Dr. Lichten will use dissolvable stitches that are buried under the surface of the skin. Although some surgeons will use staples to close incisions after surgery because they are faster, Dr. Lichten does not use them because he does not believe they produce the best-looking scar. With that in mind, it is important to note that some patients naturally form thick, hard scars regardless of how skilled and careful the surgeon is during surgery. While scarring is inevitable after tummy tuck surgery, most patients find that the overall benefits of abdominoplasty make the procedure well worth it.
“I’ve never been proud of my body, but now I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I feel great, best I’ve ever felt!”
What Can I Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery?
While the recovery process is different for each patient, most individuals are able to resume sedentary work and other activities within about two to three weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Strenuous exercise and activities that add pressure to the abdomen will need to be avoided for a longer period. Swelling and bruising in the abdomen after surgery is common and should diminish as the area heals, and medication can help control discomfort. Dr. Lichten will provide thorough post-operative guidelines that should be strictly followed to maximize the safety and efficacy of the healing process. He will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and evaluate the results.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Painful?
With a major surgery such as abdominoplasty, a certain degree of discomfort is to be expected after the procedure; however, oral medication can help control this discomfort until it dissipates on its own over the course of the healing process. Additionally, many of Dr. Lichten’s patients use EXPAREL®, which is a long-acting numbing medication injected directly into the treatment site as the operation is performed.
Complementary Procedures
Many patients opt to add other cosmetic enhancement procedures to their tummy tuck surgery. These treatments can serve to complement the results of a tummy tuck by focusing on other areas of the body or the face for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Liposuction, a breast augmentation or a breast lift, and even non-surgical treatments can often be combined with a tummy tuck. In fact, tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular additions to a full mommy makeover procedure, which involves several treatments that can provide aesthetic renewal for multiple concerns.
Dr. Lichten has also had patients combine a hysterectomy or tubal ligation surgery (getting your “tubes tied”) or hernia repair with a tummy tuck. He will coordinate the surgeries with your gynecologist’s office. Again, combining surgeries can result in a cost savings, especially if your insurance covers the gynecologic procedures. Dr. Lichten will not combine a tummy tuck with a scheduled c-section for several reasons. First, a c-section is a relatively quick procedure and he does not want to add a long surgery onto the end of that. Second, to obtain an optimal result, your body needs time to recover and regain its pre-pregnancy shape before a tummy tuck. Finally, there are restrictions on lifting immediately after a tummy tuck and Dr. Lichten does not want to interfere with your bonding with your new baby.
How Do I Choose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon?
No one can guarantee your results. You can, however, ensure that your doctor has had the right training, by confirming that s/he is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Although many physicians claim to be board-certified, you should confirm their specialty. In addition, you can gain comfort if your doctor is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS). The ASPS confirms plastic surgeons’ background training and education. In addition, they ensure that the doctor keeps up on the latest medical developments and research.
Dr. Lichten holds all of these credentials and has a proven record of success when it comes to tummy tuck surgery and a range of other advanced procedures. You can find more information on Dr. Lichten’s background and professional history here.
Contact Central Ohio Plastic Surgery
For more information about tummy tuck surgery, request a consultation. We also welcome you to call 740-653-5064 (Lancaster) or 614-862-8008 (Columbus) and a member of our team can assist you with scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lichten. We look forward to hearing from you.
