Tummy Tucks Explained with Dr. Josh Waltzman

Wondering if a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you? If you have recently lost weight, gone through a pregnancy, or just have some stubborn belly fat that exercise can't seem to budge, then it might be. Our expert, Dr. Josh Waltzman, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, gives us an idea of what this procedure is, who it is best for, how it works and what to expect during recovery.

What is a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that treats the abdomen. Over time, the muscles of the abdomen can become separated due to age, pregnancy, and childbirth. This creates what is known as a diastasis due to this separation—which is not the same thing as a hernia. A tummy tuck:

• Removes excess skin and fat along the lower abdomen.
• Tightens the rectus muscles down the abdomen by plicating or sewing them together, improving your core.
• Is a form of body contouring.

What Area(s) Does a Tummy Tuck Treat?

A tummy tuck only treats the front of the abdomen. It does not treat the sides, flanks, and back.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Both men and women can get tummy tucks. A good candidate for a tummy tuck:

• Does not have a lot of weight to lose and is at or near their ideal body weight.
• Has a BMI of 30 or less.
• Has lost or maintained weight loss but has stubborn areas that they can't fix with diet and exercise alone.
• Is in good cardiovascular health.
• Has an active, healthy lifestyle.
• Wants a flatter, tighter abdomen.

You may not be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you:

• Have a large abdominal hernia.
• Are overweight or need to lose weight.
• Have a pre-existing health condition that requires treatment before surgery.
• Smoke.

What Questions Should Patients Ask About a Tummy Tuck?

Prior to choosing a surgeon, speak with a few physicians to see who you feel most comfortable with doing the procedure. Dr. Waltzman recommends limiting this number to three or fewer, so you won't get overwhelmed by the information they will give you. When meeting with your doctor, ask them several questions, including:

• If they are a board-certified plastic surgeon.
• How many Tummy Tuck procedures they have done or do in a week.
• Where they will perform the surgery.
• If they will have a board-certified anesthesiologist at the surgery.
• What kind of anesthesia they will use.
• How they will work with you through your recovery, especially during the first year.
• If they recommend any additional procedures, such as liposuction of the flanks or other "mommy makeover" procedures and can they be performed at the same time as the tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Risks

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that does come with some risks. These risks include:

• Blood clot formation in the legs and lungs.
• The surgical incision becoming infected or opening during recovery.
• A temporary decrease in sensation around the incision.

The risks of blood clot formation in the legs can be reduced with the use of compression boots during surgery. You'll also want to move around your home to prevent blood clot formation after surgery.

How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed at a surgical center and is done under general anesthesia so that you won't be awake during surgery. During surgery:

• The doctor makes an incision from hip bone to hip bone across your abdomen.
• They lift the skin flap of fat and skin to just above the level of the muscles.
• They then continue the surgical dissection to the small xiphoid bone between the ribs.
• This incision allows the doctor to examine your rectus muscles to see how much suturing is needed to tighten them.
• They will then suture the muscles together with a needle and suture material.
• Your excess skin is then pulled down, trimmed and sewn back together.
• To trim as much possible excess skin away as possible, the patient may be seated in a more upright position while under anesthesia.
• Your belly button will then be relocated to a new location through a slit in your skin.

In total, the procedure will typically last around two and a half hours.

What to Expect After a Tummy Tuck?

Just after surgery, you'll be taken back to a recovery area with an IV to provide a bit of pain medication as needed. Dr. Waltzman injects a medication called Exparel into the muscle and incision during surgery, which provides up to 72 hours of pain relief for the patient.

Post-Op

• You may feel some discomfort, similar to doing lots of crunches and exercise.
• Your doctor will give you a compression garment to wear that keeps the surgical area snug and tight.
• You'll have surgical drains.
• Your doctor will prescribe prescription pain medication and recommend over-the-counter pain medication during your recovery.
• You will be able to walk for short distances the day after.

Recovery

• The scarring and redness from the incision will fade over time. Your doctor may prescribe a scar treatment plan to help with this.
• The incision will take a full year to heal, and will start to fade from month three to month 12.

Follow-up Appointments

• You'll see the doctor after the first week and then weekly until the drains are removed, usually within the first two weeks.
• Follow-up visits will then occur after the first month, after three months, after six months, and then annually.

Results to Expect

After healing from your tummy tuck, you can expect to have:

• A flatter, tighter abdomen
• Tighter core muscles
• Increased confidence
• Better-fitting clothing

Remember, it's important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight to ensure these results last.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Tummy tuck costs can vary for each patient. A tummy tuck typically costs between $8,000 and $10,000 for most patients, according to Dr. Waltzman.

CareCredit Financing for a Tummy Tuck

Ready to help revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a Tummy Tuck and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, Care.com, City National Bank, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy, and more.

Meet The Expert

Dr. Waltzman is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who graduated magna cum laude from USC and then attended the University of California Irvine School of Medicine.

Following his residency at the University of Rochester, Dr. Waltzman acquired additional sub-specialty training by completing an advanced aesthetic surgery fellowship at the internationally renowned Cleveland Clinic, where he fine-tuned his surgical skills in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body with an emphasis on facial rejuvenation.