What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Surgery in Ohio

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure for patients with worries about loose skin and excess fat, or concerns about the contour of their abdomen or belly.

Dr. Pankaj Tiwari and Dr. Ergun Kocak, of Ohio’s Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery, are leading board-certified plastic surgeons with over 20 years of combined surgical experience. With offices in Gahanna and Columbus, Dr. Kocak and Dr. Tiwari annually craft hundreds life-changing tummy tuck results to men and women throughout the Midwest.

The average cost of abdominoplasty is $6,449 – $9,069. The final costs will be determined by miscellaneous medical fees that include operating room (OR) fees, surgeons fees, and the technique required to attain desired results.

An accurate quotation will be provided at the end of your initial consultation. Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery accepts all major credit cards, personal checks, and third-party financing through CareCredit.

• Mini Tummy Tuck
  The mini tummy tuck uses a very short incision scar to remove only a small amount of skin from the lowest part of the abdomen, while tightening that area of the abdominal wall.
• Full Tummy Tuck
  A full or traditional tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tightens the internal muscles of the abdominal wall, from the breastplate down to the pubic region. This is a very effective method for smoothing contour and removing extra skin and fat from the entire stomach area.
• Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
  It is a full tummy tuck with the addition of a vertical incision along the center of the abdomen. By removing excess fat and skin in two directions, the abdominal region can be tightened to a greater degree. This is often used on patients who have experienced massive weight loss.
• Circumferential Tummy Tuck/Belt Lipectomy
  The circumferential body lift or belt lipectomy is the removal of the tissue on the front, sides, and back of the lower torso. A full tummy tuck is performed first, with incisions on the flank and back done separately. The resulting scar forms a belt around the abdomen, but it can be easily concealed.

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia because it is a major surgery. It can take 3 – 5 hours to finish, depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed and the laxity of the abdominal area.

Your abdomen will be marked with a surgical pen before the operation. Once you are sedated, you will be taken to the operating room. Your surgeon will make incisions along the markings, removing an area of skin and fat.

Liposuction will be performed on your torso as needed. The muscles in the abdominal wall are then tightened and the remaining skin will be pulled downwards. If there is any additional skin below the torso, it will be removed.

The belly button may be in the same position or may be repositioned depending on each individual patient. Incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.

The abdominoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure, but you may opt to stay overnight in a private recovery room. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment 24 hours a day for 1 – 2 weeks, and you may have drain tubes inserted into your abdomen for up to 10 days to prevent fluid buildup and blood clots.

Our doctors recommend having a loved one assist you around the house for 1 week. During this time, doctor-prescribed painkillers can be used to alleviate any discomfort you may experience. Showers, chores, and light exercises can be resumed within 2 weeks, or once the drain tubes have been removed. Depending on your physician’s assessment, you may resume driving and return to work as well.

The continued use of a compression garment may be needed for several hours a day for around 6 weeks, until your abdomen has settled into its new shape.

Your results will be considered final after 6 – 8 weeks, with minor changes manifesting over the next 3 months.

Associated scars usually thin and fade over time and are easily hidden underneath underwear. Results are permanent with consistent diet and exercise.