Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens abdominal muscles and gets rid of excess fat and skin.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases it can also be performed using a local anesthetic with a sedative. Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has earned a “Gold Seal Approval” outpatient surgery center accreditation by the Joint Commission. All abdominoplasty surgeries are performed on-site at our Westlake, Downtown Austin, and Round Rock locations.

A tummy tuck begins with an incision across the abdomen that can range from a few inches to one that goes from hip bone to hip bone, and then another incision that frees the navel from the attached abdominal tissue. The surgeon can then tighten slack muscles and eliminate excess skin. The remaining skin is re-draped over the abdominal area and sutured into place.

Before and After Tummy Tuck

View Tummy Tuck Photo Gallery

What kind of recovery should be expected?

For about a week after a tummy tuck procedure, the abdomen will be swollen and sore and there may be some difficulty in standing upright. Most patients require one to two weeks before returning to work and a normal schedule, and can expect to be fully recovered in about six weeks. It is a good idea to exercise after surgery, but only after enough healing time has passed so that you can exercise comfortably. There will be a scar from the procedure that may appear to worsen during the first three to six months, but after about eight or nine months they will flatten and lighten in color.

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?

Patients who have lost elasticity in the skin or whose muscles have become stretched, often due to significant weight loss or pregnancy are good candidates for abdominoplasty.

The purpose of a tummy tuck is not to lose weight, but rather to change your body shape. If fat is localized in the abdomen, but there is no excessive skin, then liposuction is probably a better alternative to tummy tuck. Liposuction and tummy tuck are not usually done at the same time, but may be incorporated at a later date to achieve a smoother contour.

Our Plastic Surgeons

• Daniela Atencio, MD (Downtown Austin)
• Amy Bekanich, MD (Domain Northside)
• Cameron Craven, MD, FACS (Westlake)
• Timothy McGee, MD (Round Rock)

How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of abdominoplasty can vary greatly from individual to individual based on the specific type of tummy tuck performed (mini tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck) and procedural difficulty. Learn more about tummy tuck pricing

Additional Tummy Tuck Resources

• Ask A Plastic Surgeon: Hourglass Tummy Tuck
• Will My Belly Button Change After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
• Fact Check: 8 Common Tummy Tuck Myths Debunked
• Exercising After Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery
• Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Body Contouring – Which Method Is Best?
• Will Tummy Tuck Surgery Leave Scars?
• Tummy Tuck Recovery: Tips + What To Expect
• Different Types Of Tummy Tucks – Which Technique Is Best?
• Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction