Washington DC Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What is a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening abdominal muscles. This procedure can help restore a smoother and firmer body contour, particularly after pregnancy, weight loss, or as a result of aging.

Considerations for Your Tummy Tuck surgery:

Each patient’s needs and goals are unique. We take a tailored approach, working closely with you to develop a plan that suits your body, lifestyle, and expectations. During your consultation, we’ll guide you through the different aspects of the procedure to ensure you’re well-informed.

Here are some key considerations we’ll discuss during your tummy tuck consultation:

Abdominal Shape and Contour

We’ll help you determine the ideal abdominal contour that balances your aesthetic desires. The focus will be on achieving a flatter and more toned midsection.

Incision Technique

Depending on the extent of the correction needed, we’ll discuss the best incision technique for you. Traditional tummy tucks usually involve an incision that runs horizontally between the hip bones, just above the pubic area, while mini tummy tucks require a smaller incision.

Muscle Tightening

If the abdominal muscles have weakened or separated, we’ll plan to tighten them during the procedure in order to restore firmness and improve the core’s strength. This is common after pregnancy.

Skin Elasticity

Your skin’s elasticity will affect how well it conforms to your new shape. We’ll assess this during your consultation to ensure optimal results.

Stretch Marks

If you have stretch marks, especially those below the belly button, we may be able to remove or reduce their appearance.

Post-Pregnancy and Weight Loss

For patients who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck can help remove excess skin and improve the appearance of stretched or sagging areas.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. The surgery often includes tightening weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal wall, leading to a firmer, flatter, and more defined appearance. Many patients undergo tummy tucks to address the effects of pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss, which can leave the abdomen sagging and stretched.

Washington DC Tummy Tuck Procedures

The tummy tuck procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision across the lower abdomen. The extent of the incision depends on the amount of skin and fat being removed. The surgeon then repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles, pulls the remaining skin down, and removes any excess. The belly button will usually remain in the same location to ensure a natural look, and liposuction may be included to complete the body contouring.

Types of Incisions:

  • Full Tummy Tuck: Requires an incision from hip to hip and removes a significant amount of skin and fat. Ideal for those with excess skin and muscle laxity both above and below the belly button.
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: Involves a shorter incision and addresses excess skin primarily below the belly button. This technique is suitable for patients with less extensive skin and muscle laxity.

Recovery and Results

Tummy tuck surgery typically takes about 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia. After the procedure, you’ll need to wear a compression garment to support your abdomen as it heals and to minimize swelling. Most patients can resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with a full recovery taking around 4 to 6 weeks. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you heal as comfortably as possible.

Results are long-lasting, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. You can expect a flatter, more toned abdominal profile that complements your natural body shape.

Mini Tummy Tuck DC

For patients with minimal excess skin and muscle laxity below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal option. This procedure is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and involves a shorter incision, making the recovery process quicker. A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen, addressing minor skin laxity and localized fat deposits without needing extensive surgery.

Washington DC Mini Tummy Tuck Benefits:

During your consultation, we’ll determine if a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck is best suited for your needs based on the amount of excess skin and muscle laxity.

  • Smaller incision: Less scarring compared to a full tummy tuck.
  • Faster recovery: Shorter downtime allows you to get back to your routine sooner.
  • Localized improvement: Ideal for patients looking to address specific concerns in the lower abdomen.

Why Choose Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery?

At Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery, we prioritize your well-being, safety, and satisfaction. Our plastic surgeons combine extensive experience with a patient-centered approach to ensure your tummy tuck results in a beautifully sculpted, natural appearance. We work closely with you from consultation through recovery, ensuring that your expectations are met and that you achieve your desired outcome.

Washington DC Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Northern Virginia

Tummy Tuck at a Glance:

Surgery Time: 2-4 Hours

Recovery Time: 2-3 Weeks

Hospital Stay: No Overnight Required

Tummy Tuck Procedure FAQs

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Ideal candidates are individuals with excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. You should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Can you fix a hernia during my tummy tuck procedure or does it need to be separate?

Yes, a hernia can often be repaired during your tummy tuck procedure, which is common since both surgeries target the abdominal area. Many patients who undergo a tummy tuck also have small hernias (like umbilical or ventral hernias), which can be repaired by the surgeon during the same operation. Combining these procedures can save time, reduce the need for multiple surgeries, and offer a single recovery period.

Will a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?

In many cases, stretch marks located below the belly button can be removed during the tummy tuck procedure, while those above the belly button may be improved as the skin is tightened.

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck addresses excess skin and muscle separation both above and below the belly button, while a mini tummy tuck focuses only on the lower abdomen. The mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision and is less invasive.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with other procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or breast lift, as part of a mommy makeover to achieve more comprehensive body contouring results.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in sensation. Our surgeons will discuss all potential risks with you to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with the procedure.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially when maintained with a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect your results.

How much time off work will I need for my tummy tuck?

Most patients can return to work and light activities within 1 to 2 weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

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Read A Real-Life Tummy Tuck Experience

We interviewed a patient who recently underwent a tummy tuck procedure. She shares details about her experience with Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery and the surgical procedure.

Read Her Story

We interviewed a Bruno|Brown patient who recently got a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty). She shares her experience with Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery and abdominoplasty surgery.

What type of tummy tuck procedure did you have? Full tummy tuck/mini tummy tuck/extended tummy tuck?
Full. I also had liposuction around my flanks.

How long have you wanted to have a tummy tuck?
I had been seriously thinking about it for about 3 years. I had thought about it longer than that, but I started seriously considering it about 3 years ago, started doing research, looking at doctors. I didn’t know anyone who had a tummy tuck, but then people don’t really talk about it.

What finally made you pull the trigger?
It was about the timing. I was not working at the time so was able to have the time away to recover. I was home, my kids didn’t have school since it was the summer. My mother is retired so I stayed with her for the first 4 weeks or so. It was the best time to do it.

What were you most nervous about?
The anesthesia was really the only thing I was worried about. Dr. Brown was great, and I wasn’t worried about the results, I knew they’d be good. I had full confidence him. His bedside manner is incredible, he’s gifted and talented, that’s a great combination for the best doctor. The thing that really concerned me was the anesthesia.

I remembered when the anesthesiologist gave me the medicine to go out, I remember him holding my hand as I was counting backward. And rubbing my hand and he was saying ‘you’ll be fine’ and that’s all I remember and then I woke up and everything was fine.

How long until you saw results from your tummy tuck procedure?
I started to notice the results the next day. I could already see a difference in my waist and in my boobs*. They were swollen but I could still tell, and I knew they were only going to get better. This has also given me a reason to really start to eat right. I was in school, I had bad eating habits but now I’m really conscious of what I eat, and I work out. I like the way I look and how I feel.

(*This patient had a breast augmentation procedure performed at the same time.)

Can you tell us how many inches you lost from your tummy tuck? Maybe clothing size if you aren’t sure?
Waist size, went from size 14, down between a 10-11, from an XL to a medium. My stomach is flat.

How was the pain?
I’ve had 2 C sections, so I didn’t think it would be bad, but it was a lot of pain for me. Since I had the work on my abdomen it would’ve been very painful to sneeze or cough, but somehow I managed not to!

Over time it got better and better. One day at a time. Eat right, lots of tea, keeping feet elevated and walking around. In the end, once I got through it, it was well worth it.

Anything that surprised you about your tummy tuck procedure?
Only thing I don’t like is the scar, but it’s very low below my bikini line. He did it on the same line as my C section. It’s hip to hip so it’s big. Not the prettiest but the results are so good, who cares?! I already had a scar from having kids, so it was OK. But when I went on my vacation you couldn’t see anything. However, it took a while to wear jeans. You stay numb for a little while. They said I should be able to wear low jeans because of the incision area, and some people can, it just didn’t feel comfortable for me.

How was your overall experience? 
I can’t stop saying good things about the doctors at Bruno|Brown Plastic Surgery. You never know with these kinds of things and you hear so many horror stories. I watch that show ‘Botched,’ but it was just such a great experience. If I ever need anything else done, I’d definitely go to their office, for sure.

Even afterward, the nurses and the recovery nurses and staff were great. Dr. Brown went the extra mile. And he made sure he called; he took the time to make me feel like a VIP. I wasn’t just another patient, another number. I said to him ‘just treat me as if it was your wife.’ And he did, I felt like part of the family.

It was a great experience before, during and after, just impeccable.

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