Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck in Grand Rapids, MI

Tummy Tuck Before & After

before and after photos of woman's stomach showing vast improvement in skin tightness after tummy tuck

before and after photos of woman's stomach showing vast improvement in skin tightness after tummy tuck

*Individual results may vary

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Shannon Armstrong, M.D., William Cullen, M.D., and Matthew Martin, M.D. of Elite Plastic Surgery are board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in abdominoplasty. Our surgeons offer a solution to excess abdominal skin for women in the Grand Rapids and Byron Center areas of Michigan. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about our body procedures.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is the single best surgical procedure for the removal of excess abdominal skin and tissue that diet and exercise alone can’t address.  As an added benefit, an abdominoplasty may also include surgical tightening of the abdominal muscles that are commonly separated as a result of pregnancy or fluctuations in weight—a condition known as rectus diastasis.

Common reasons for patients wanting to discuss the benefits of a Tummy Tuck in Grand Rapids, MI include:Close up of woman pinching her belly fat with white background

  • Pregnancy
  • Sagging or excess skin
  • Previous surgeries
  • Excessive weight-loss
  • Hereditary

What Can an Abdominoplasty Treat?

Close up of woman pinching her belly fat with white background

Whereas liposuction can only remove fat cells, a tummy tuck can remove fat and excess skin. It also usually tightens stomach muscles that have either become stretched or have even separated in the center of the stomach area.

Tummy tucks are especially good at reversing the changes made by the localized weight gain of pregnancy. Because the weight gain and stretching is so localized, the skin can become stretched to the point that it cannot tighten back down after delivery. A tummy tuck removes this overly stretched skin and achieves a slim contour again.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a great procedure if you have excess skin that has stretched due to weight gain and loss, especially due to pregnancy. In some cases of pregnancy, the muscles of the lower abdomen can actually separate and they cannot return to their former position. This creates a noticeable sagging and permanent pooch in the lower abdomen. The surgery removes excess skin and tightens underlying muscles. This surgery slims the contour both vertically and on the flanks.

However, if you mainly have pockets of fat and not stretched, sagging skin, liposuction can be a better option. Liposuction can remove the fat and your skin can tighten back down to a slimmer contour. But your skin still needs good elasticity for this to be a better option. In many tummy tuck procedures at Elite, we combine some liposuction with the tuck.

It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. This procedure is meant for patients who are near their ideal body weight, but who are bothered by excess skin and sagging in their abdomen.

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How Should I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Before undergoing a tummy tuck in Grand Rapids, MI, patients receive detailed instructions that enable them to have the best possible experience and outcome.

  • Patients who smoke will need to quit at least two weeks before surgery. They will also need to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks after surgery. Cutting down on smoking is not sufficient. To adequately manage surgical risks and limit the chances of postoperative complications, it is necessary to stop smoking altogether for the recommended time.
  • To support optimal healing after a tummy tuck, patients are advised to avoid severe diets beforehand. The best diet for surgical patients is one that includes an abundance of fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables and lean proteins.
  • During the consultation for surgery, patients must talk to their healthcare team about all medications, prescription or otherwise, supplements, and herbs they are taking.
  • Before surgery, patients should fill prescriptions and gather supplies such as petroleum jelly, a bathroom chair, a hand-held showerhead, ice packs, and other recommended items.
  • A reliable adult needs to bring the patient to their surgical procedure and remain nearby to take the patient home.
  • In-home care should be arranged well in advance of surgery, as well as childcare and pet care.

How is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Surgery is on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and generally takes 2 to 3 hours. While all tummy tuck surgery requires an incision, the length of the incision is variable. This depends on the amount of skin that we will need to remove. In general, the incisions from the procedure hide well within swimsuit lines. In many instances, an additional incision made around the navel will allow your surgeon to reposition the navel to achieve a more youthful, aesthetically optimal result while excising more redundant skin.

What People Say About Us!

“Dr. Armstrong is a true professional. Not only is he a talented and a skilled plastic surgeon, he’s also super kind and will take his time answering all of your concerns and questions. The whole staff at elite plastic surgery is wonderful and their patient care is beyond exceptional. You can’t go wrong with this team of professionals! Look no further than H&EPS!” – D.P

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Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Painful?

There is a recovery period after this procedure, and there will be some discomfort. This is due to the length of the incision with a tummy tuck. This incision usually stretches from hipbone to hipbone. Plus, in a full tummy tuck, another incision will be made around the belly button to tighten the skin above the navel. While the surgery, of course, is not painful thanks to the anesthetic, your recovery will take some time.

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What Are Possible Tummy Tuck Risks?

Complications following tummy tuck surgery are exceedingly rare, but your Elite plastic surgeon will inform you of these risks at the time of your preoperative consultation. Your result should be very long lasting, barring any dramatic fluctuations in weight.

What is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?

close up of woman's upper thighs and midsection as she lifts her shirt up and holds other hand to side

You need to expect a recovery period with a tummy tuck, due to the size of the incisions and cutting and repairing the abdominal muscles. There will be some pain, but the amount varies by the individual. You’ll be encouraged to walk after your surgery and should take a short walk three or four times a day for just a few minutes each time. You’ll have to walk a little hunched over and the skin of your abdomen may feel tight.

If you have drains, they will be removed anywhere from four days to two weeks after your surgery. You’ll wear a compression garment to help your skin adapt to its new slimmer contour and to help with swelling. Most patients can return to work two weeks after their surgery, but this is an individual thing — it may take longer. If your job involves any lifting or being on your feet all day long, you may need more time. Any strenuous exercise or lifting will have to wait for at least six weeks.

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How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

Tummy tuck surgery may be performed as an independent procedure or in combination with other techniques. For example, abdominoplasty is often one aspect of a total Mommy Makeover, which also includes breast procedures. Many people who undergo a tummy tuck also include liposuction in their surgery to achieve the best outcome possible. These factors, as well as how a patient decides to recover (in-home or aftercare facility) influence the total cost of care. These factors can cause variations in cost from one patient to another. The best way to determine tummy tuck cost is to consult with a plastic surgeon. Discussion in the surgeon’s office can also explore financing options to facilitate prompt and efficient care.

Additional FAQs:

How Soon Can I Return to Normal Activities After a Tummy Tuck?

Because the large incision involved with a tummy tuck, patients need to be patient with their recovery. It’s important not to strain the incision by applying pressure to the abdomen. You’ll be able to walk after your surgery (it’s important to get the healing process started), but this is only for short lengths and you’ll be bent over a bit. In a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to get back to work if you have a desk job, and you’ll be able to walk normally by then. Most patients can return to driving in two weeks or so. Your Elite surgeon will discuss your individual goals for returning to normal activities and exercise. Don’t expect to return to strenuous exercise or any lifting for at least six weeks, however.

Should I Have a Tummy Tuck If I Plan On Losing Weight?

close up pf woman stepping on scale

Because a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tightening loose underlying muscles, you should wait if you plan on losing more than 10 percent of your current weight. This is because losing weight (in addition to the weight you’ve already lost that created the sagging skin) will create more looseness. It’s a good idea to be at a long-term weight goal before having this surgery.

Is an Abdominoplasty Good For Weight Loss?

This is not a weight-loss procedure. In fact, we require our patients to usually be within 10 percent of their ideal body weight before considering a tummy tuck. This is not to be confused with weight-loss procedures such as gastro bypass surgery.

Can I combine tummy tuck surgery with other procedures?

You may have heard the term mommy makeover before. It is a combination of a tummy tuck with liposuction and a breast lift. While this creates a serious recovery, these procedures can be combined. With most tummy tucks at Elite Plastic Surgery, we include some degree of liposuction to remove unwanted fat.

Does Tummy Tuck Surgery leave a scar?

After their Tummy Tuck in Grand Rapids, MI, patients should expect to have a scar. However, there are strategies to reduce the visibility of the scar as it continues to heal. Wearing sunscreen and applying vitamin E oil or silicone sheets to the scar may help. These steps should only be taken once incisions have fully healed. Talking to the surgeon about concerns related to scarring opens the doors for meaningful discussion about when scar treatment may begin and what it can involve.

How Long Will My Abdominoplasty Results Last?

Tummy tuck results are considered permanent because the tissue that is trimmed and tightened will not naturally stretch out again. If liposuction is performed, the body will not grow new fat cells to replace those that have been removed. To enjoy long-lasting results from tummy tuck surgery, patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise regularly to tone abdominal muscles.

Schedule a Consultation For A Tummy Tuck In MI, or Call for Questions

A tummy tuck can be the procedure to give you the sleeker, tighter midsection you’re looking for. If you’d like to learn more, please contact our office by calling (616) 459-1907 to schedule a consultation or fill out an online contact form and a team member from our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Elite Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids MI, we look forward to working with you!

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