Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck

Whether you have been pregnant or lost weight, insecurity about the appearance of your tummy is normal and extremely common. A tummy tuck procedure flattens the abdominal area for a smoother and more toned appearance. At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we consider your aesthetic goals holistically to help you achieve your desired figure.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can address several problems in your abdominal area, such as stretch marks, skin laxity, scars, fat, and muscle separation (Diastasis recti). The incision is typically lower than a C-section scar, and Dr. Rankin can make the incision in a location where it is well hidden by a bikini or similar garment. 

Many women who have been previously pregnant opt for a tummy tuck to help tighten the abdominal muscles and their abdomen’s loose skin. Tummy tucks are often part of a mommy makeover, a procedure that aims to help women achieve their pre-pregnancy bodies again after birth. 

Tummy tucks are also commonly performed on men and women who have undergone dramatic weight loss and now have excess skin. The procedure is also beneficial for those who naturally have a more protruding or sagging belly area. 

Dr. Rankin also performs mini tummy tucks for patients who have less skin laxity or fat to remove. During an initial consultation, we can help determine if you need a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or Renuvion®.

Before your tummy tuck, an anesthesiologist will use general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. 

Dr. Rankin makes an incision just below the bikini line. Through this incision, he repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles. Next, he removes excess fat and tightens any loose skin. During this process, you keep the belly button you were born with but Dr. Rankin creates a new position, where it will look natural and youthful. 

An abdominoplasty can take up to 3 hours to complete, depending on whether you choose a mini or full tummy tuck. The whole procedure can be longer if you choose to pair your procedure with Liposuction or as part of a Mommy Makeover.

You will be given a compression garment for a week after the procedure that you must wear all day except when you shower. There will be some discomfort after the procedure, so a long lasting local anesthetic is used that lasts for 3 days and pain medication is essential to keep you comfortable. After your tummy tuck, Dr. Rankin will give you aftercare instructions to maximize your healing. 

Swelling and bruising should subside over the next few weeks of your recovery. Most patients report feeling a tightness in the abdomen while recovering from an abdominoplasty. 

Tummy tuck recovery requires about one week of downtime. We recommend taking one week off of work, to best recover from a tummy tuck. Some jobs are more physically demanding and Dr. Rankin will provide specific instructions to keep you safe after surgery. No sutures need to be removed as they will dissolve independently. 

During the first week, you will feel like your stamina has been reduced, but you should still aim to stay active with day-to-day activities. For example, walking around the house and short walks around your neighborhood help recovery and minimize the risk of blood clots (Deep vein thrombosis). 

From weeks two to four, you can return to light cardio. After four weeks, you can begin to reintroduce light weights as long as all activities are slow and controlled. If you have a major event, vacation, or photo opportunity, we recommend a full 3 months between surgery and your big day to ensure you feel and look amazing.

A tummy tuck may be for you if you are unhappy with having excess skin, stomach fat, or abdominal muscle separation. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck should be at a stable, healthy weight, overall physically healthy, and non-smokers. Tummy tucks are not a drastic weight loss surgery, though you will lose some weight through the procedure.

How much a tummy tuck will cost depends on a few factors, including whether you get a mini or full tummy tuck, your surgeon’s experience, and your surgeon’s location. The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154. This average cost does not include the factors listed above. Abdominoplasties are not typically covered by insurance, but at NorCal Plastic Surgery, we can help determine the final price of your procedure during your consultation.

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Before & After Gallery

You can view NorCal Plastic Surgery’s before and after photo gallery to see the remarkable results achieved by Dr. Rankin and our team of skin care experts and aestheticians. Click to see more real patient photos.

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*Individual results may vary

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Want to learn more about how a Tummy Tuck can help you gain more confidence in your appearance? Schedule your consultation with a NorCal Plastic Surgery provider by calling (925) 856-4800 or filling out the consultation request form below. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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