Is a Tummy Tuck painful?

In the first few weeks following your Tummy Tuck recovery period, you can expect to experience some medium-level pain, or at least some discomfort, during the first week. Your belly will be sore and swollen but may be more comfortable if you use compression garments. We will also prescribe you some temporary pain medication to help with any pain or discomfort during your initial recovery.

How many appointments will I need?

Most patients will have between three and six follow-up appointments after their abdominoplasty procedure (usually at week 1, week 2, and week 6). These check-ups are primarily so your surgeon can monitor your healing process and ensure you are satisfied with your results. We will also ask your permission to take post-op pictures near your final check-up appointment so that you can track your healing journey. Your surgeon will be able to give you a better idea of how many times you will need to return and how often during your consultation. She will always let you know if and when she expects to see you again at the end of your appointment.

How long until I see results?

Depending on the technique performed for your Tummy Tuck, your general health, and skin laxity, most patients will be able to see their finalized tummy tuck results in around two to three months. With a healthy lifestyle, including a proper diet and routine exercise, patients can enjoy their results for a very long time.

Can I combine a Tummy Tuck with other procedures?

Many of our patients will combine their Tummy Tuck procedures with other body contouring procedures such as an Arm Lift , Breast Augmentation , or Breast Lift . If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please discuss your desires with your surgeon during your Tummy Tuck consultation. She will be able to recommend the best procedures to help you obtain your preferred appearance.

What are the risks associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Every surgery has its potential risks and side effects, and while choosing a Board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Savannah Moon or Dr. Stephanie Scurci can produce the most optimal outcomes for every procedure, these are the following risks associated with a Tummy Tuck: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Recurrent looseness of skin Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling Skin loss Suboptimal aesthetic result Unfavorable scarring If you begin to experience concerning reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately.

Will I need to lose weight before my Tummy Tuck?

Most surgeons will recommend that you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight or healthy weight before abdominoplasty. This does not mean that you have to be thin or extremely fit. It is a weight that works for you and that you feel good and comfortable at. This cosmetic surgery is commonly performed for patients with a history of massive weight loss, particularly after bariatric surgery, to remove excess abdominal skin, tighten the underlying tissues, and help patients achieve a flat tummy.

When can I resume working out after a Tummy Tuck?

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need to wait between four and 10 weeks before returning to routine exercise. Start with light exercise for the upper body and legs, and don’t start abdominal exercises until your surgeon says it’s OK.

Tummy Tuck

In Fort Lauderdale

What is a Tummy Tuck
Who are the the best candidates?
What are the benefits?
What’s the first step?
What to expect?
Tummy Tuck recovery
What’s the cost?
FAQ’s

Introduction

Tummy Tuck

Weight loss is an incredible achievement, but depending on the degree of change, some patients are left with stretch marks and loose, sagging skin. Well-respected plastic surgeons, Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci of Himmarshee Plastic Surgery offer Tummy Tuck surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL to help their patients feel higher self-esteem by removing excess skin and fat caused by sudden and significant weight loss. To learn more about this plastic surgery and what it can do for you, please continue reading the information below.

woman in white outfit with sun hat | Himmarshee Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale

What is a tummy tuck?

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) aims to remove excess fat deposits and skin from the stomach with the additional benefit of repairing weak abdominal muscles, which in turn, improves your abdominal contour and gives your stomach a flatter appearance.

As we get older, there are a myriad of things that can wreak havoc on our midsection, particularly extreme weight loss and pregnancy. These circumstances can make it incredibly difficult to regain tone and tightness in the lower abdomen, regardless of how many sit-ups we do or the extent of caloric intake we control.

Weakening and separation of the abdominal muscles, also known as diastasis recti, can occur following pregnancy or weight gain. Diastasis recti, stretch marks, and loose abdominal skin can be difficult to improve, even with proper diet and exercise. Tummy tucks address these concerns by sculpting and removing excess skin around the midsection and bringing the abdominal muscles together in the midline, restoring your abdominal anatomy to a more youthful state.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

A mini-abdominoplasty is less invasive than the traditional full tummy tuck and produces a shorter scar in the bikini line and no scar around the belly button. This surgery still allows for the tightening of your six-pack muscles. The main consideration for candidacy is how much skin needs to be removed, so for patients who require a lot of extra skin to be removed, a full tummy tuck procedure is probably the best option. Patients who have only a little extra skin with good natural elasticity could be good candidates for a mini-tummy tuck.

Full Tummy Tuck

Also known as a complete or traditional Abdominoplasty, it is the most common type of Tummy Tuck and involves making a low horizontal incision between the hip bones and removing excess abdominal fat and skin. If needed, the abdominal muscles are brought together in the midline to correct a diastasis recti and create a more toned and sculpted appearance. The belly button remains in its same position attached to the abdominal wall and is brought through a new opening in the skin as it is pulled down and tightened. This surgical technique is ideal for patients with moderate to severe skin and abdominal wall laxity.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is a more extensive version of the traditional option that reaches beyond the tummy to the hips and sides of the lower back. A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen that extends around the hips.

During surgery, loose stomach muscles are tightened, tissue and excess skin from the abdominal and flank regions are removed, and the skin resecured. As with a standard tummy tuck, repositioning of the navel is typically required. Recovery takes longer than a standard tummy tuck due to the longer incision. Expect two to three weeks of recovery time, at a minimum.

This technique is best for adults who have had a significant amount of weight loss and excess skin as well as those struggling to slim down love handles or back fat regions.

Who are the best candidates?

At Himmarshee Plastic Surgery, we believe good Tummy Tuck candidates in Fort Lauderdale, FL if you have some of the following characteristics:

Bothered by the aesthetic of your abdomen
Committed to maintaining results through a healthy diet and routine exercise
Has no abdominal wall laxity
In good overall physical health
Keeps realistic expectations for their tummy tuck results
Maintained a stable weight
Non-smoker and can commit to staying so
Tried losing weight in the abdominal area with limited or no success

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Tummy Tuck patients have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits that this surgery can provide:

Gives the abdomen an improved contour and can increase self-confidence
Have significant skin laxity
Improved control over bodily functions
Increases your tolerance for more intense exercises once that excess skin is gone
Minimize the risks for certain medical conditions
Motivates to lose excess weight and achieve better health
Prevents painful hernias
Relieves stress urinary incontinence (after pregnancy, some women find they have an issue with accidental leaks)
Repairs issues such as diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal wall) which often results from straining during pregnancy
Stronger and improved core
Better overall flexibility

First Steps

What’s the first step of a Tummy Tuck?

The first step in getting a Tummy Tuck in Fort Lauderdale, FL is to contact Himmarshee Plastic Surgery. When you come in for your consultation, you will be able to meet with either Dr. Savannah Moon or Dr. Stephanie Scurci and discuss what you’re looking to achieve from the procedure. She will also be able to answer any questions that you may have, perform an examination of your stomach and body type, and ask you questions about your medical history.

You should be very open and honest when talking about your medical history as this will help your surgeon determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck and make the safest decisions when creating your surgical and treatment plan.

Once your plan has been made and you agree with it, then you will meet with our Patient Coordinator who will help you select your surgical date. You will also be given a list of instructions that will help give you a more optimal surgical experience.

What to expect from a Tummy Tuck?

When you come in for your Tummy Tuck, it will begin with you being administered some anesthesia in the form of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on what is discussed during your consultation. When you are fully sedated, your surgeon will begin making her strategic incisions.

A full tummy tuck utilizes a horizontally oriented incision placed between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incisions are determined by the amount of excess skin. After your abdominal skin is lifted, the weaker, underlying abdominal muscles are repaired. If necessary, a second incision will be made around your naval as your surgeon removes excess skin in your upper abdomen.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down and any loose skin is trimmed. The remaining skin is sutured together and a new opening for the belly button is created. Your surgeon will pop the belly button up through the surface and suture it into position. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.

This surgical procedure will take approximately two to three hours.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Since Tummy Tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home to recover in peace, however, you should have a friend or family member available to give you a ride home. You will have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions and you may also be wrapped in an abdominal binder (elastic bandage or compression garment) to minimize swelling and give underlying muscles in your abdomen additional support. Your surgeon may temporarily insert some small tubes called cannulas under your skin to help drain any blood or fluid that collects.

You will likely be sore during the first week or so of your recovery process and should plan on resting and taking some downtime the first few days post-surgery, this is to reduce scarring and avoid any excess bruising or swelling. You may be able to return to work after a few days but only if you have light work, there should be absolutely no heavy lifting until your surgeon clears you to do so. Most patients require at least two to three weeks before they can do even gentle tasks.

Tummy Tuck Cost

How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost In Fort Lauderdale, FL?

The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Fort Lauderdale, FL is dependent on a number of factors, including the amount of tissue that is required to be removed the anesthetic choice, the type of Tummy Tuck performed, and surgeon and hospital fees. After meeting with your chosen surgeon and discussing everything, our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a breakdown of the full price of your treatment.

Rediscover your true self

Why choose Himmarshee Plastic Surgery?

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery is a practice that prioritizes the individual aesthetic goals of each patient, striving to achieve natural, timeless, and refined surgical results.

Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci are both board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). Following the completion of their comprehensive general surgery training, Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci went on to further specialize through a 3-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, where they met and served as chief residents. In the course of their surgical training in South Florida, Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci were in an ideal location to perform a vast range and quantity of aesthetic surgeries, developing expertise across a broad spectrum of procedures. Both Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci are dedicated to achieving results that are subtle, elegant, and natural, tailored to each patient’s individual aesthetic aspirations.

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery boasts an on-site surgical suite committed to prioritizing safety and ensuring optimal patient care. Our surgical team includes a board-certified anesthesiologist and experienced nursing staff specializing in plastic surgery, providing a familiar and expert touch throughout your surgical journey. The on-site operating room not only provides convenience and accessibility but also ensures privacy, a vital consideration for our patients. Maintaining discretion as a top priority, our practice features a private entrance and exit to the surgical suite and perioperative areas. All these factors align to make our on-site surgical suite a choice that combines safety, privacy, and convenience to create a concierge experience for our patients.

Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

In the first few weeks following your Tummy Tuck recovery period, you can expect to experience some medium-level pain, or at least some discomfort, during the first week. Your belly will be sore and swollen but may be more comfortable if you use compression garments.

We will also prescribe you some temporary pain medication to help with any pain or discomfort during your initial recovery.
Most patients will have between three and six follow-up appointments after their abdominoplasty procedure (usually at week 1, week 2, and week 6). These check-ups are primarily so your surgeon can monitor your healing process and ensure you are satisfied with your results. We will also ask your permission to take post-op pictures near your final check-up appointment so that you can track your healing journey.

Your surgeon will be able to give you a better idea of how many times you will need to return and how often during your consultation. She will always let you know if and when she expects to see you again at the end of your appointment.
Many of our patients will combine their Tummy Tuck procedures with other body contouring procedures such as an Arm Lift, Breast Augmentation, or Breast Lift. If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please discuss your desires with your surgeon during your Tummy Tuck consultation. She will be able to recommend the best procedures to help you obtain your preferred appearance.
Every surgery has its potential risks and side effects, and while choosing a Board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Savannah Moon or Dr. Stephanie Scurci can produce the most optimal outcomes for every procedure, these are the following risks associated with a Tummy Tuck:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Unfavorable scarring
If you begin to experience concerning reactions or have long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately.
Most surgeons will recommend that you are within 10 pounds of your goal weight or healthy weight before abdominoplasty. This does not mean that you have to be thin or extremely fit. It is a weight that works for you and that you feel good and comfortable at.

This cosmetic surgery is commonly performed for patients with a history of massive weight loss, particularly after bariatric surgery, to remove excess abdominal skin, tighten the underlying tissues, and help patients achieve a flat tummy.

Schedule A Consultation

We know that choosing plastic surgeons can be a daunting task, which is why when you come to us for your plastic surgery, you are choosing quality AND care. If you have excess skin and fat in your abdominal region caused by weight fluctuations or pregnancy and you’ve tried everything else to reduce a protruding abdomen, a Fort Lauderdale, FL tummy tuck from Himmarshee Plastic Surgery can help improve loose abdominal skin contour.

Call our office today or use our website to fill out a consultation request form and we will be in touch with you! We look forward to meeting with you and helping achieve a more toned and flatter abdomen.