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Achieve a Flatter, More Toned Look With a Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is among the most popular procedures offered by Schaffer Plastic Surgery for its dramatic, life-changing results. To address persistent excess skin after weight loss or pregnancy, consider a tummy tuck. This procedure will tighten up lax abdominal muscles and improve the overall contour of the abdominal area. Tummy tuck surgery can also remove low abdominal stretch marks and get rid of bothersome fat.

Am I a Good Candidate?  |  Different Types of Tummy Tucks  |  Risks and Recovery  |  Revision Surgery  |  Cost  |  Your Journey

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Your experience at Schaffer Plastic Surgery will begin with a thorough consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Schaffer. During this consultation, Dr. Schaffer will answer any questions you may have about tummy tucks and he will also gather information about your medical history and lifestyle. He will ask for information about your history of diet and exercise to gain a better understanding of why you may need a tummy tuck. Some patients experience stretched abdominal muscles and sagging skin after pregnancy, while others may have always had a “pot belly” even though they are in excellent shape. Others may be left with loose, excess skin hanging around their belly after losing significant amounts of weight. Delineating these causes will enable Dr. Schaffer to plan the right type of tummy tuck for you.

Different Types of Tummy Tucks

Every patient is unique, which is why there is no cookie-cutter approach to abdominoplasty. Dr. Schaffer will recommend the best type of tummy tuck for you based on your individual anatomy, challenges and goals. The most common types of tummy tucks are:

Mini-Tummy Tuck for the Lower Belly

The mini-tummy tuck is the least invasive way to perform tummy tuck surgery. It involves a single incision just above the pubic area through which Dr. Schaffer will be able to tighten loose muscles. If needed, he will also be able to remove excess skin. The result of a mini-tummy tuck is a smooth, flat lower abdominal wall with only a small tummy tuck scar—usually just a few inches long. It offers a faster, easier recovery than other types of tummy tucks. The navel is not touched or moved during a mini-tummy tuck.

Classic or Full Tummy Tuck for Lower and Upper Abdomen

Depending on your unique anatomy, you may be a better candidate for a classic tummy tuck that is best suited to address roundness and excess skin above and below the belly button. This type of tummy tuck is conducted through a U-shaped incision above the pubic area and a second incision around the navel. A full tummy tuck achieves a much flatter, smoother abdomen, enhanced comfort in your clothing and reduced stretch marks. If you have always wanted to wear form-fitting clothing but never felt confident doing so, a full tummy tuck can open up entirely new wardrobe possibilities. A classic tummy tuck scar will typically run from hip to hip but can be covered by a swimsuit in most cases.

Extended Tummy Tuck for Lower and Upper Abdomen + Flanks

For patients with significant amounts of sagging skin after multiple pregnancies or extreme weight loss, an extended tummy tuck may yield the best results. In addition to flattening and smoothing the abdominal muscles, this procedure addresses significant skin laxity that hangs from the upper abdomen, lower abdomen and flanks. The scar from an extended tummy tuck will be larger than scars from other types of tummy tucks, but it can often be covered by certain swimsuits.

I had a tummy tuck by Dr. Schaffer in May 2017 and could not be more pleased with the results! After 16 years of being embarrassed to wear a bathing suit in public, I am now happily wearing a bikini! I absolutely love the way my body looks now. He truly did an amazing job! He has a very good bedside manner and is very easy to talk to. I highly recommend his work and will return for any future procedures.

Kristi M.

Dr. Schaffer is Amazing!!! His work is meticulous and he's the best Cosmetic Surgeon in the area. I am a repeat patient since 2010 (Tummy Tuck, G-Shot, Breast Augmentation). Dr. Schaffer has improved my life and body by giving me the look I desired with beautiful results.

Carla W.

Dr. Schaffer and his whole team were amazing. On March 25, 2017, I had a full tummy tuck-lipo and breast lift at the same time and all three were pretty much a breeze, I kept waiting on the pain. The whole experience was awesome. My family and I can't believe how quickly I recovered. I feel so comfortable with the whole team and Dr. Schaffer is such a pleasant and friendly person. I am very happy with the outcome and would do it again in a heartbeat. I think he is going to become an Auburn fan as well so that makes us have lots to chat about during the check up sessions. Thanks, Dr. Schaffer and the staff and Penny for tightening up my compression attire.

Charlotte C.

Dr. Christopher Schaffer performed a tummy tuck on me in January. Dr. Schaffer was comforting, professional, and very informative. He made sure I understood the procedure and took the time to answer any questions I had about the surgery and the aftercare. Dr. Schaffer did an excellent job on my stomach and I love it! I'm very very happy with it and would highly recommend Dr. Schaffer! He is a great plastic surgeon I could not be happier with my decision.

Haydee W.

Tummy Tuck Risks and Recovery

Before having a tummy tuck, it is best to be finished having children and be as close to your ideal weight as possible. Even though the improvements made by a tummy tuck can last a lifetime, weight gain or future pregnancies can diminish your results. Tummy tuck recovery varies based on the type of surgery you experience. Dr. Schaffer typically recommends that patients take at least two weeks off from work to allow for ample rest and recovery. Your expectations for recovery will be clearly discussed with you at your consultation appointment.

Tummy Tuck Revision Surgery

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Revision Surgery

In some cases, patients pursue a tummy tuck revision surgery. This procedure can be designed to correct imperfections that occurred during an initial procedure, or it can be done to extend the initial results. A tummy tuck revision procedure will improve and refine your existing results, allowing you to feel more confident in your appearance.

Reasons To Have a Tummy Tuck Revision Performed

You may want to have a tummy tuck revision performed if:

  • You are not satisfied with the results of your initial surgery
  • You have experienced body changes that require alterations to your original results
  • You would like to enhance your results to better complement your natural features

Tummy Tuck Cost

Schaffer Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It's a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments. Apply today.

Your Journey to a Beautifully Contoured Body

Dr. Schaffer is a highly regarded expert in performing tummy tuck surgery. We invite you to peruse our Tummy Tuck Before and After Gallery to see results for yourself and read through our Tummy Tuck Reviews provided by many of our highly satisfied patients. Tummy tuck cost will vary based on the type of tummy tuck you receive and is eligible for financing with CareCredit.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schaffer today to learn more about how you can achieve your ideal curves and new confidence with a personalized tummy tuck.