Tummy Tuck

A firm, flatter abdominal area looks attractive in fitted clothing and swimsuits. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, many adults end up with a tummy bulge and stretched, wrinkled abdominal skin. Dr. Calobrace offers an effective solution: tummy tuck surgery in Lexington and Louisville, KY. This popular procedure is a remarkably effective way to re-contour the stomach area for a better look and increased comfort.

To find out more about tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring options in Kentucky, request a consultation at CaloAesthetics® Plastic Surgery Center or call (502) 899-9979 to schedule your visit.

Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

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Improvements From a Tummy Tuck

Dr. Calobrace sees a wide range of women and men in Lexington and Louisville who are good candidates for a tummy tuck, including women whose bodies have not been able to fully “bounce back” after pregnancy and men who are looking to trim down a “beer gut” or “spare tire.” Each year, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace performs dozens of tummy tuck procedures to help patients who want to achieve a flat, smooth stomach appearance by:

  • Smoothing and tightening loose skin
  • Contouring the waist
  • Repairing stretched and separated abdominal muscles, if necessary

Dr. Calobrace often combines tummy tuck surgery with liposuction to contour the abdominal area more completely or address other trouble spots such as the thighs or upper back. Tummy tucks are included in most mommy makeover procedures along with breast enhancement surgery to address changes from pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

About the Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is typically performed while you are under general anesthesia. Although the procedure is outpatient, it can last between 2 and 4 hours and will require a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Depending on the level of correction needed, your surgeon may begin by making a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip across your lower abdomen or a shorter, modified version of this incision. The shorter incision is typically indicated for excess fat and skin limited to the area below the navel. Regardless of the incision you require, your surgeon makes it as low as possible for maximum discretion. In most cases, tummy tuck scars can be easily concealed beneath clothing and swimwear.

Once he’s made the incision, your surgeon surgically tightens loosened or weakened abdominal muscles. If necessary, he may selectively reduce unwanted fat deposits using liposuction. He also removes some of the excess skin and re-drapes the remaining skin across your abdomen for a smooth contour. If necessary, he reshapes your navel as well. Finally, he closes the incision and adds surgical drains to reduce excessive, uncomfortable swelling.

Doctor Bradley Calobrace

Surgeon

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace has specialized expertise in a complete range of procedures and is dedicated to bringing the most advanced techniques and technology to the region.

Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace

Drainless Tummy Tuck

In appropriate cases, Dr. Calobrace offers a “drainless tummy tuck” that involves internal suturing, much like quilting, to secure the abdominal skin and tissues vertically along the abdominal wall. This technique closes the open space where fluid builds up after a traditional tummy tuck, which eliminates the need for drains. The internal sutures dissolve gradually over time. This option can relieve the stress, discomfort, and inconvenience associated with surgical drains, which is a plus for many patients.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

The cost for a tummy tuck depends on the complexity of the procedure, whether or not the procedure is combined with other treatments, and other factors. Mini tummy tuck surgery at CaloAesthetics ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, standard tummy tuck surgery ranges from $13,000 to $16,000, and an extended tummy tuck surgery ranges from $16,000 to $18,000.

It is important to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons so that they can perform a full assessment to determine the right surgical approach to suit your needs and to provide an accurate estimate for your treatment. We offer several financing options for our patients to set up affordable monthly payments.

What to Expect During Recovery

After a tummy tuck, patients usually experience some degree of temporary pain, swelling, and numbness in the area. Discomfort is usually controlled with a few days of prescription pain medication. Your experience may vary.

Fading and flattening of the scars take 3 months to 2 years, depending on a person’s skin type and the care they take during recovery. Risks include blood clots, infection, conspicuous scarring, or skin loss. Minor revisions also may be required.

Return to Work

Tummy tuck patients may be ready to return to work in about 2 weeks, although strenuous activity will need to be limited for 4 to 6 weeks or more.

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Results

For most of our tummy tuck patients, results are long-lasting; although, subsequent pregnancy or significant weight gain will likely stretch the skin again.

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Complementary Procedures

Although a tummy tuck is an excellent cosmetic procedure on its own, many patients choose to combine it with others for a more comprehensive, personalized result. Popular complementary procedures include:

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Often Asked

Why can’t I improve my abdomen with diet and exercise?

Many people successfully improve their entire bodies, including their abdomens, using diet and exercise. However, this approach isn’t effective for everyone, especially those who have sagging skin in addition to unwanted fat and weakened muscles. Surgical excision is generally the only option for reducing sagging skin. With time and excessive stretching brought on by pregnancy or weight gain, skin loses its elasticity, reducing its ability to “bounce back” when the weight is gone. Therefore, although working out can reduce fat and tone muscles, it can’t adequately resolve the issue of extra skin.

Do I need to be a particular weight to undergo tummy tuck surgery?

Although there’s no numeric ideal for undergoing tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Calobrace reminds patients that tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery, and men and women who are significantly overweight are likely not candidates. Instead, the surgery is intended for people who are at or near healthy weights but are bothered by the appearance of their abdomens, which may be disproportionately shaped in relation to the rest of their bodies. During your consultation, your surgeon carefully evaluates your candidacy to help you understand whether tummy tuck surgery is the best choice for you.

Will I be able to get pregnant after surgery?

Although women who have undergone tummy tuck surgery are still physically capable of becoming pregnant, Dr. Calobrace typically advises against it. This is because the changes a woman’s body undergoes during pregnancy can negatively affect her tummy tuck results, potentially necessitating revisionary surgery at a later date. If you’re considering a tummy tuck but aren’t sure whether you’d like to have more children, it may be best to wait until you’re done growing your family.

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