Get back to feeling confident in your own skin.
The tummy tuck procedure is great for eliminating loose skin, flattening the abdominal appearance, and addressing abdominal muscle weakness. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can be performed in conjunction with a variety of other procedures.
Request A ConsultationBenefits Of A Tummy Tuck
- Eliminate Loose Skin: Loose and sagging skin is the number one concern when patients come in for a tummy tuck consultation. This procedure will eliminate the loose and sagging skin leaving your abdomen smooth and contoured.
- Tighten Abdominal Muscles: During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch to fit your baby. These muscles never fuse back together on their own. The tummy tuck procedure addresses these weak abdominal muscles by sewing them back together.
- Create Contour: The tummy tuck procedure is usually performed in conjunction with liposuction. Having the two of these procedures performed creates contour of your body giving you the hourglass figure you’ve always wanted.
- Increases Confidence: Having a tummy tuck procedure can greatly improve your confidence. Our patients love showing off their new bodies in their swimsuits and getting to wear the things that have been hiding away in their closets.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Mini Tummy Tuck
This tummy tuck procedure only addresses the skin below the belly button. It does not repair abdominal muscles or tighten any skin above the belly button. This scar is shorter than the typical full tummy tuck.
Extended Tummy Tuck
This tummy tuck procedure address the entire abdominal region. Your scar will typically stretch from hip to hip.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Gallery
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Consultation Process
During your consultation with one of our four surgeons, you will discuss your procedure goals and options. Your surgeon will recommend a procedure plan that aligns with your goals and fits your specific case needs. Click here to schedule your consultation.
What is Tummy Tuck Recovery like?
Immediately after:
Pain similar to or less than a c section. It feels like you did an abs class for the first time. Typically you will use pain pills for 3-5 days. Muscle relaxants are also very effective in decreasing postoperative pain and muscle soreness.
Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible to help avoid blood clots and improve the speed of their recovery from surgery.
You should also have someone with you for help and support for the first few days after surgery is recommended.
One week:
After the first week, you are off pain pills, driving, and drains, if needed, are usually removed 10-14 days from surgery. You are able to start showering at 48 hrs. Patients should be able to walk fully upright at 5 to 7 days.
Many patients can begin driving for short distances at around 7 days after their surgery. Patients return to work at 14 days if not doing the heavy lifting. Numbness at the lower abdomen is not uncommon and usually begins to resolve over the next 2 to 6 months though some patients will have some areas of diminished sensation in the lower abdomen for longer periods.
Two to three weeks:
Swelling is subsiding. Most patients can begin baths, swimming, and hot tubs around one month after their surgery. The patient feels normal by six weeks and begins to advance workouts. Gradual building up of workout intensity and duration is encouraged with most patients up to “full speed” in their third month after their surgery. Out of compression by six weeks. 3 -6 months final results are noted
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my scar be?
Your scar will be located below the belly button and right above the growing. It is usually hip to hip depending on your type of tummy tuck.
How long will I be out of work?
Depending on your lifestyle or career, you will typically take two weeks off of work. However, if your career requires heavy lifting or physical activity, then the recovery could be longer.
What is the typical downtime?
Most patients will take about two weeks, however, you will have restrictions for at least six weeks post surgery.
Will I have drains?
Yes. With a tummy tuck, you will have at least two drains for typically 10-14 days post-surgery.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Tummy Tuck
If you’d like to discuss your tummy tuck options with one of St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form, or call us at (636) 530-6161 to schedule an appointment.
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