A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal region while tightening the underlying muscle structure. At Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, we perform tummy tucks in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach, FL, which can dramatically reduce the look of a fatty, loose, protruding abdomen, enabling you to enjoy the body you know you deserve.
Procedure at a Glance
Procedure Time
2-5 hours
Treatments
1
Results
Immediate abdominal contouring, full results in 6-12 months
Recovery Time
2-4 weeksAre You Tired of Hiding a Saggy Tummy?
Getting a tummy tuck in Boca Raton is popular post-pregnancy or significant weight loss, addressing loose muscles and sagging skin. It's effective for damaged abdominal muscles and skin, but it is not resolved by diet or exercise.
If you have lost a substantial amount of weight you may consider a body lift for the best results.
What is a Tummy Tuck in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes loose skin to achieve a flat, firm, contoured waistline. A tummy tuck is often performed after significant weight loss or pregnancy, as loose skin and over-extended muscles cannot be resolved with diet and exercise alone.
During a tummy tuck, permanent sutures are used to tighten connective tissues and muscles, and the abdominal area is sculpted and shaped by removing excess, sagging skin.
Benefits of a tummy tuck
The tummy tuck procedure is very popular because it provides so many positive benefits for patients who have struggled with their abdominal area not being what they wanted it to be. This surgery offers the smooth, sculpted stomach and waist you’ve worked hard to achieve. Benefits include the following:
- A flat abdomen
- An attractive, contoured abdominal area
- Tightened muscles and abdominal support
- A shaped, toned stomach and waist
- Improved posture and reduced back pain
- Eliminated excess skin (up to 10 pounds)
- A well-defined stomach
- Eliminated stretch marks
- Lowered risk of health concerns (heart disease, hernia, sleep apnea)
- Reduced urinary incontinence
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
If you're located in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or the nearby areas, and you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations, you will be a good candidate. Generally, a tummy tuck, whether a traditional tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck is the appropriate surgery for the following physical issues:
- Excess, sagging skin on the abdomen
- Loose, split, or bulging abdominal muscles
- Stretch marks
- A flabby, loose tummy zone
What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach?
There are two types of tummy tuck procedures:
Partial or mini tummy tuck:
When most of your loose skin is below the navel, a mini-abdominoplasty may be all you need. This procedure has a shorter incision and typically a shorter recovery time but is only appropriate for those who have excess skin, fat, and tissue below the belly button.
Complete or full tummy tuck:
If you have more significant stretched skin, along with excess fat below and above the navel, and split or loose abdominal muscles, a complete abdominoplasty may be the ideal approach. This procedure is often combined with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips to create a more sculpted contour. Your surgeon will discuss all this in detail at your consultation and ensure you undergo the procedure to make the changes you envision for your body.
When Should I Have a Tummy Tuck?
Our abdominoplasty can resolve the physical problems caused by pregnancy or weight loss, but we strongly recommend that you wait to have this procedure only when you have completed your family or reached your target weight.
Once completed, the benefits of a tummy tuck can be affected if you have a subsequent pregnancy or gain a lot of weight. To maintain the firm look of your new, flat tummy, you need to keep your weight at a constant level. It has been our experience that our patients are so ecstatic about their bodies that they find it an easy task to maintain a healthy weight!
What Does a Tummy Tuck Entail? Is It Safe?
Full abdominoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia in our Boca Raton accredited in-office surgery suite on an outpatient basis. In some cases, due to a patient request or a recommendation from our plastic surgeon, epidural anesthesia may be used instead of general anesthesia. A mini-tummy tuck may be performed under IV sedation (twilight), general, or epidural anesthesia.
Your tummy tuck in Boca Raton may be done alone or in combination with liposuction and, in some cases, breast augmentation or lift. These factors will affect the total surgery time and, of course, the cost of your surgery. At Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, our state-of-the-art surgery center is equipped with the most advanced patient health and safety systems, and our entire medical team is fully accredited and experienced.
Why Choose Sanctuary Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton?
Your plastic surgeon’s skills, talent, and reputation are critical points in the elegance and natural appearance achieved in tummy tuck surgery. Our team has earned a reputation as being among the most acclaimed professionals practicing in the field of aesthetic surgery and has become known for their exceptional level of surgical prowess. If you're in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, or the nearby areas, reach out and set up your consultation, to learn more about what our surgeons can do for you.
Tummy Tuck Step 1
An incision is made from hip bone to hip bone, just above the pubic area, hidden in a bikini line.
Tummy Tuck Step 2
The skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, and the skin is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles.
Tummy Tuck Step 3
The muscles are pulled together and stitched into a new position to create a flat, tauter, tighter abdominal wall.
Tummy Tuck Step 4
After the muscles are tightened, the skin is pulled back down. Excess skin is removed, and a new location for your belly button is created and sutured into place, centered at the ideal spot on your abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Step 5
The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures and a dressing applied. Usually, two temporary drainage tubes are inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgery site. This tube is removed about a week after your procedure. Pain pumps that secrete local anesthesia are placed into the muscles at the time of surgery. This greatly reduces the discomfort after a tummy tuck and will be removed after three days.
When Will I See the Full Results?
It can take up to nine months to a year for the scars to fade. They may become more visible during the first three to six months, but this is normal. The incision scar is thin and will be invisible, even when wearing a bikini, hidden discreetly beneath your clothing.
Our patients are consistently delighted with the results of an abdominoplasty! Once they feel healed and back to normal, they enjoy pulling clothes out of the closet to discover that they now fit well and going shopping for new ones!
Meet with Us About a Tummy Tuck: We Are Here for You
For years now, our experienced surgical team has been known for uniting patients in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and the nearby areas with the incredible results they deserve. If you're ready to enjoy the toned and svelte abdomen of your dreams, our surgeons are ready to hear from you. Reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about how we can unite you with your cosmetic goals today.
FAQ
Tummy Tuck
What is a tummy tuck and what does it address?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten and sculpt the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It's ideal for patients who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy, which often leads to loose, sagging skin and muscle laxity that can't be corrected through diet or exercise alone.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
You may be a good candidate if 1) You are in good physical health and emotionally stable. 2) You have realistic expectations about the results. 3) You suffer from excess abdominal skin, stretch marks, or weakened abdominal muscles. 4) You are finished with childbearing and have reached your target weight, as future pregnancies or major weight changes can reverse the procedure's results.
What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
Full Tummy Tuck: Best for patients with loose skin and fat both above and below the navel. It involves muscle tightening and often includes liposuction for enhanced contouring. - Mini Tummy Tuck: Suitable for those with minor skin laxity and fat located only below the belly button. It has a shorter incision, shorter recovery, and doesn’t typically involve repositioning the belly button.
What should I expect during recovery?
Recovery typically includes 2 to 4 weeks off from work and daily activities. Wearing a compression garment for 3–6 weeks. Temporary use of surgical drains and a pain pump to manage discomfort. Avoidance of vigorous physical activity or lifting for at least 3 months. You’ll begin walking bent-over at first, but light walking is encouraged to support circulation and healing.
When will I see the full results and are they permanent?
Initial contouring results are visible immediately, but final results develop over 6 to 12 months as swelling resolves and scars mature. The outcome is long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Scars may initially appear more visible within the first few months but typically fade significantly within 9–12 months and are placed to be easily hidden by underwear or swimwear.
