Tummy Tuck

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Sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough.

Unfortunately, endless hours at the gym and even the healthiest diet aren’t always a match for stubborn fat deposits or excess, loose skin.

Complement your healthy lifestyle with a shape you love.

Tone + Tighten: Smooth and contour the body by removing isolated areas of fat and tightening loose muscles.

Eliminate Loose Skin: All the exercise in the world can’t get rid of excess skin due to weight loss or age-related decrease of skin elasticity.

Restore Your Confidence: Say goodbye to those insecurities and get back to living your best life.

Procedure Information

What is it?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an aesthetic procedure that removes loose, excess fat and skin and tightens muscles in your lower abdomen.

Why get it?

If aging, heredity, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations have left you with weak muscles or extra fat or skin on your abdomen that does not improve with diet or exercise, a tummy tuck may be right for you.

Below are some of the benefits of a tummy tuck:

Remove excess fat or skin
Tighten loose and sagging skin
Restore a flat tummy
Look better in clothes
Improve your self-image and self-confidence

What are my surgery options?

There are several different types of tummy tucks. The type of tummy tuck you receive will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat you have and your desired results. Consult with your board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon to determine the best option for you.

Full Tummy Tuck (Full Abdominoplasty)

In addition to the incision across the lower abdomen, a traditional tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel. Your surgeon removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and may use liposuction to contour the abdomen. With this surgery, your surgeon removes skin from above the navel down to the pubic area that has been compromised by pregnancies, genetic laxity, or obesity.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)

Your surgeon makes a single incision in the pubic area, which will be as low as possible and range from a few inches to the entire span of your abdomen. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten slack muscles, and possibly use liposuction to further refine the area. The ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck has laxity and protrusion below the navel. A mini-tummy tuck is usually recommended for those who have always been in fairly good shape but cannot achieve their aesthetic goals with diet and exercise.

Extended Tummy Tuck (High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty)

If you have excess skin in the love handles or hips, your surgeon can make a longer incision to address this problem. The high lateral tension tummy tuck is one of the first procedures developed to address skin excess after significant weight loss or pregnancy, and it uses a layer in the deeper tissue to support and maintain the repair. For this procedure, the surgeon does a tummy tuck in the front of the abdomen and then transfers the lift over the hip to the side of the thigh to improve your contours in this area. You can simulate the effect by grabbing the skin on the sides of your waist and pulling up as if you’re putting on a pair of pants.

What can I expect during a consultation?

Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is usually a cost associated with the initial visit.

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty and clarify what a tummy tuck can do for you. Be prepared to describe what changes you’d like so your surgeon can help you choose the best approach for you. Your surgeon may also evaluate the elasticity of your skin and take photos for your medical records. He or she may ask you about your ideal weight, realistic weight and current weight and possibly suggest a weight loss program before surgery.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history, such as your:

Previous surgeries
Past and present medical conditions
Allergies and current medications
Current use of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
History with any noninvasive cosmetic procedures

What questions should I ask my aesthetic plastic surgeon?

It’s important that you take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?
Do you have tummy tuck before and after photos that I can see?
How many tummy tuck surgeries have you performed?
Where will you perform my surgery and how long will it take?
Where will my scar be located?
What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
What will be the costs associated with my procedures?
What will you expect of me to get the best results?
What kind of recovery period can I expect, and when can I resume normal activities?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedures?
What are my options if the outcome of my tummy tuck does not meet the goals we agreed on?

What happens after the consultation?

Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and your surgeon’s training and experience, your aesthetic plastic surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, which may include:

An approach to your surgery, including the combination and order of procedures
The outcomes you can anticipate
The financial investment required for the procedures
Associated risks and complications
Options for anesthesia and surgery location
What you need to prepare for your surgery
What you can expect to experience during and after surgery
Before and after photos of cases similar to yours
Computer imaging to show you the improvements you can expect
Answers to any of your questions

Once you’ve done your research and completed your consultation, you should be able to make an educated decision on whether a tummy tuck procedure is right for you and whether a surgeon is a good fit. If you still aren’t sure how to proceed, you should feel empowered to ask follow-up questions or set up a consultation with a different surgeon.

How do I prepare for surgery?

Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions, answer any questions you may have before your surgery, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for surgery.

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon may ask you to:

Lose weight or make a lifestyle change to ensure the best results and minimize the chance of complications. You should be at a stable, dependable weight before you undergo a tummy tuck.
Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing. Your surgeon will tell you how far in advance of your surgery you should quit.
Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
Hydrate before and after surgery for safe recovery.
Prepare meals that can be easily reheated. Stock your refrigerator before your surgery with high-protein, low-sodium foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of caffeine-free beverages and water. Avoid food and drinks containing salt during your recovery.
Prepare your home for recovery. Store all the supplies you'll need during recovery where they're easily accessible (counter level, not in overhead or very low cabinets). You may have a limited range of motion after your surgery. Stockpile items like your phone, charger, TV remote, your medication organizer, water, low-sodium crackers, tissues, and anything else you may need by your bed. Prepare your bed with the necessary pillows you might need for support.
Get all your chores out of the way before surgery so you can recuperate with as little worry as possible. You should not be lifting, driving, laundry and cleaning during your recovery.
Establish a no-fail support system for the full recovery period. If you have children less than five years of age, you must have someone to take care of them during the beginning of your recovery.

Whether your surgery is an inpatient or outpatient procedure and whether you stay overnight at a recovery center depends on many variables, including your medical issues, the number of procedures you will undergo, the length of time your surgery takes, and the availability of your caregiver at home. Your board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon is your best guide. If you go home the same day, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery.

What can I expect the day of my surgery?

Be sure to consult with your surgeon before your surgery so you have the most accurate expectations.

You may have your tummy tuck surgery in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite.
Your surgeon will give you an estimate for how long your surgery will last.
The surgeon will administer medications for your comfort during the procedure.
You will likely receive local anesthesia combined with sedation, or in some cases, you will receive general anesthesia.
For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery. Once surgery has begun, the surgeon may decide to combine various techniques or change a technique to ensure the best result. It is important that you feel comfortable and trust your surgeon to make these decisions.
After your surgery, you will go to a recovery area for continued monitoring.
Your surgical dressings will depend on the procedures you undergo and may include surgical drains.
Before leaving for home, you (or someone looking after you) should feel capable of emptying and resetting the drains.

You may go home after a short observation period or spend one or two nights in an aftercare center with a nurse or in the hospital unless you and your aesthetic plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. Under no circumstances will you be permitted to go home alone or stay home without another adult present. Follow your surgeon’s recommendation concerning this decision.

How long does it take to recover from surgery?

Your surgeon will let you know how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. Your surgeon will also give you and your caregiver detailed instructions about your postoperative care after your surgery, including information about:

Drains, if they have been placed
Typical symptoms you will experience
Potential signs of complications

Follow all the patient care instructions your surgeon provides. This includes information about wearing compression garments and the level of activity that is safe for you. Your surgeon will alert you to the signs of problems to watch for, such as signs of infection. It is also important to know that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

What can I expect in the first 24 hours of my surgery recovery?

As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel dizzy, disoriented, and nauseous. These sensations should pass within a few hours, although some types of oral pain medications may cause these symptoms to recur.
If you return home the same day, you will need someone to drive you. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may have to spend a night or two in the hospital recovering from surgery.
Immediately following an abdominoplasty, expect your abdomen to feel very sore or tender. You can control any pain you feel with pain medications.
Your surgeon will cover your incision site with a dressing to keep the area clean and protected. You will also need to wear a wide elastic compression garment to reduce swelling and provide support to the skin as it tightens. You will wear this garment for several weeks.
Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck, you may have tubes in your incision to drain away fluid. Your surgeon will ask you to empty the drains a few times a day and keep track of how much fluid comes out. Your surgeon will typically remove your drains three to fourteen days after your surgery, depending on how much fluid is coming out.
Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions for managing your drains, changing your bandages, and showering during recovery. You also may need to put ointment on your incisions to reduce discomfort.
Common side effects associated with a tummy tuck include redness, bruising, and swelling. These side effects usually subside in one to three weeks as your body adjusts to the new contours, and the incisions heal.
The first few days after surgery, you should rest. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications. To prevent coughing and bleeding, do not smoke after your procedure. Do not drink alcohol for five days after surgery or while you are taking pain medication.
Arrange for someone to help you get around the house and help with your medication for at least the first three days after surgery.
You should be up and walking the day after surgery, but take it slow. It is important to walk to discourage swelling and to prevent blood clots in the legs. However, avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks, because it can trigger unnecessary fluid retention in the treated areas.
Call your surgeon immediately if you notice an increase in swelling, pain, redness, drainage, or bleeding in the surgical area, or if you develop fever, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. Other red flags include shortness of breath, chest pains, and an unusual heartbeat.

What can I expect in my first few weeks of recovery?

Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. The first two days are the most uncomfortable, so if you have to take medications at certain times, stay on the schedule. Discomfort typically drops down to a "nagging" level by five to seven days.
Make sure you continue to have lots of help at home. You won't feel like yourself for at least seven to ten days and you still shouldn't do any heavy lifting (such as picking up your children or baskets of laundry) for four to six weeks. If you have small children, you must put someone else totally in charge of their care for at least two weeks.
You will likely have a follow-up with your surgeon within five days. During this visit, your surgeon can remove your drains. Swelling should subside within five weeks.
If you have traditional sutures, you will typically have these removed within the first week or two (absorbable sutures will not have to be removed).
Plan to take about two weeks off from work, depending on the physical demands of your job.
Make an effort to ease back into your normal routine gradually rather than all at once.
The recovery period is typically longest for patients undergoing a traditional abdominoplasty, rather than a mini-tummy tuck, and for those who are combining a tummy tuck with other surgical procedures.
Wearing your compression garment as directed reduces the likelihood of loose or sagging skin after an abdominoplasty. The compression garment also helps to control swelling, resulting in a shorter recovery period.

How long will my surgery results last?

Barring pregnancy or significant weight gain, your tummy tuck results should be permanent, though plastic surgery cannot stop normal aging. Once the skin is tightened, it will gradually loosen again as you age. If you gain and then lose a large amount of weight after a tummy tuck or become pregnant, the abdominal skin could stretch out again, negatively impacting your results. For this reason, it is best to wait until after you finish having children to undergo a tummy tuck. If you’re planning to lose weight, your surgeon will recommend that you do so before your abdominoplasty surgery.

While results are individual to each patient, tummy tuck Before and After photos can help you assess what successful tummy tuck results will look like.

What do I need to consider after my surgery?

To achieve the most beautiful and safe outcome, it’s important you return to your aesthetic plastic surgeon's office for follow-up evaluations at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.

Before & After

Body Gallery

Before After Gallery / Body

Tummy Tuck Gallery

Testimonials

Dr. Rosing is a masterful surgeon who’s technique is refined and subtle. The results are stunning, yet very natural. His eye for detail and his thoughtfulness make for results that exceed expectations. I don’t know how he does it, but post-surgery downtime and healing is very minimal. Dr. Rosing truly cares about his patients and works closely with you to ensure an optimal outcome. The staff is caring and available before and after surgery for any questions or concerns. I highly recommend him as I am a repeat patient…he’s just that good.

Laurie

I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Rosing!!!! Not only is his bedside manner caring and thoughtful, but he is meticulous and has a great amount of integrity that you cannot find in many doctors these days. In August 2018, my fiance had a suspicious mole removed from his head but instead of the dermatologist closing it up or referring him to someone who could close the hole, she sent him home. She said he would most likely have a scar, even a divot but that he should consider it a badge of honor. (Basically, be thankful that you don't have cancer and a suspicious mole is now gone!) I have to say that had Dr Rosing not squeezed us in the very next day, he would have had a very high chance of getting an infection. So we went to Dr. Rosing who was confident he could close the hole in a way that there would be minimal scarring and more importantly, the hair could grow over the scar so you wouldn't see it. He called it the "O" to "Z" procedure. Not only did he get us in the day after surgery, he stayed after business hours to get the procedure done. All I can say is these pictures speak a thousand words!! We are so happy with the results provided by Dr. Rosing and his staff!! You would never know that my fiance had anything done to his head! Thank you all so very much. We are forever grateful and would recommend every one of our family members to Dr. Rosing for any procedure. He is absolutely a God Send!!

Annette

Dr. Rosing answer's all your questions and explains his approach in great detail. His education and background of credentials is amazing which he provides in the patient packet. He really listens and is kind and caring. He ensures you are both on the same page so that he can fulfill your expectations. I had the same cosmetic procedures 15 years ago (breast implants and tummy tuck) and he amazed me when he explained his techniques of surgery and the recovery process for his patients. It made me feel that recovery will be much smoother, put me at easy, took away any concerns and calmed my anxiety. His office staff are professional and courteous. His office manager Rachell, goes further in depth with you on procedure and what to expect both pre-op and post-op. She is extremely knowledgeable and answers all of your questions.

Christina

From the moment Dr. Rosing introduced himself, I knew I had found my plastic surgeon. During my consultation, he was able to spend as much time as I needed answering my questions, while teaching me along the way. My expectations were beyond exceeded and my procedure has dramatically changed my life for the better! All the staff at Allure MD are so lovely and welcoming. From helping with coordinating my surgery date, to my weekly check-in appointments, and everything else in between, I was always comfortable and well taken care of. I can assure you, when in the care of Dr. Rosing and staff, all of your needs will be met and exceeded. Dr. Rosing is more than just my surgeon; he is a mentor and an inspiration. I cannot thank Dr. Rosing and his team enough for making my dream become a reality. I am without a doubt recommending Dr. Rosing and his staff at Allure MD to anyone and everyone I know!

Kendal