Tummy Tuck

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery offers a tummy tuck procedure to remove excess skin and fat caused by pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuation, to achieve a toned and more youthful abdominal appearance.

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Tummy Tuck | Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery | West Palm Beach, FL

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Fredric M. Barr, M.D. | Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery | Call (561) 833-4122

Dr. Barr
M.D., F.A.C.S

Tummy Tuck in West Palm Beach, Florida

Pregnancy, aging, weight fluctuation, and significant weight loss can all affect the appearance of your midsection. Whether you’ve had multiple pregnancies, experienced weight gain, or have noticed excess skin and fat in the midsection despite maintaining a stable weight, a tummy tuck in West Palm Beach could be the right solution for you. At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Fredric M. Barr, M.D., F.A.C.S., has been performing a complete abdominoplasty — commonly referred to as tummy tuck surgery — for over three decades, prioritizing patient safety while providing five-star service.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

As West Palm Beach plastic surgeons know, the tummy tuck procedure is a transformative solution for patients seeking to achieve a sculpted, contoured abdomen. The benefits of a tummy tuck include:

  • Removal of Excess Skin and Fat: Eliminate stubborn, sagging skin and achieve a smoother, firmer abdominal area.
  • Enhanced Abdominal Contours: Enjoy a more defined waistline and flatter stomach for a rejuvenated appearance.
  • Improved Muscle Tone: Tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles for a stronger core and improved posture.
  • Better Fitting Clothing & Expanded Wardrobe Options: Enjoy better fitting clothing and increased wardrobe options with your enhanced abdominal contours.

Reasons to Consider a Tummy Tuck

  • Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss: After significant weight loss or several pregnancies, the skin around the lower abdomen can stretch and loosen. A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat and tighten muscles, resulting in a firmer, more contoured, and defined appearance.
  • Muscle Tightening: Excess skin removal is just one aspect of tummy tuck surgery. When an experienced and skilled surgeon performs these procedures, tummy tucks repair and tighten separated or weakened muscles in the abdominal area for an aesthetically pleasing, toned and contoured midsection.
  • Slimmer Waistline: A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat to reveal a slimmer midsection. As a result of this surgical procedure, patients look and feel their best in more form-fitting clothes, including workout wear, and our patients are often consequently inspired to eat well-balanced meals and engage in regular exercise to maintain good health and enjoy the results of their tummy tuck for years to come.
  • Smoother Abdominal Skin: After the surgeon removes the excess skin, they pull and tighten the remaining skin to cover the abdominal muscles, improving the appearance of stretch marks to create a smoother texture and give the midsection an aesthetically pleasing finish.

How Does a Board-Certified West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon Perform a Tummy Tuck?

As a complete abdominoplasty is considered major surgery, Dr. Barr performs tummy tuck procedures in our outpatient surgery center, with the patient under general anesthesia. As an aesthetic surgery, a tummy tuck generally takes between two and five hours, depending on the patient, and if they choose to have a complementary cosmetic procedure, such as liposuction or a breast lift, performed simultaneously.

Our plastic surgeon begins the tummy tuck procedure with an incision above the pubic hairline that goes from hip to hip to access abdominal muscles and tissue. This incision will be a little shorter if there is not much skin and fat to remove, and longer if extra tissue is involved. Dr. Barr takes care to make the incision low enough to conceal it with pants or underwear.

He then lifts the skin and soft tissue off your abdominal muscles all the way to your ribs, cutting the skin around your belly button so it stays attached to your muscles the whole time.

Dr. Barr uses stitches to tighten and shape the abdominal muscles to narrow the waist and flatten the stomach. Next, he stretches the skin back down and removes all of the extra tissue. His final step in the tummy tuck is to make a new hole for the belly button. When there is not enough skin above the belly button to stretch back down, he will make a small vertical incision just above the pubic hair (where the belly button was cut out).

Dr. Barr can tighten loose muscles, which often occur as a result of pregnancy, if the patient requires it. After removing excess skin and excess fat deposits, he recontours existing tissues and may reposition the belly button to sit higher on the abdomen, if necessary, to create a naturally beautiful result.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Generally, good candidates for tummy tuck surgery have maintained a stable weight for at least a year and have excess skin, stubborn fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles. Furthermore, patients seeking to undergo this procedure should be non-smokers committed to maintaining good health, with no plans for future pregnancies or to lose weight. The longevity of a tummy tuck results relies on a patient’s ability to stay in shape with proper diet and exercise.

During your consultation with our patient counselor, we will review your medical history, discuss your unique needs and goals for your tummy tuck procedure, and determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

After your consultation, you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess your overall health and identify any potential risk factors that could impact the tummy tuck surgery or the healing process post-surgery. Dr. Barr’s commitment to listening, understanding, and treating his patients with compassion underscores the importance of patient well-being throughout the entire process.

Dr. Barr and his plastic surgery team will provide specific preoperative instructions to help patients prepare for the procedure, including guidelines for medication use, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle adjustments leading up to the surgery date.

We encourage patients to prepare themselves physically and emotionally for the tummy tuck procedure by adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a stable weight, and mentally preparing for the surgery and recovery period.

Understanding the recovery process is crucial for patients preparing for a tummy tuck. Dr. Barr’s more than three decades of experience in plastic surgery emphasize his commitment to exceeding patient expectations, which extends to providing thorough guidance on postoperative care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

Each patient’s preparation for a tummy tuck with Dr. Barr may be unique. When you choose a tummy tuck at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, you will receive specific instructions and recommendations directly from Dr. Barr and his team during your consultation.

What Can I Expect After My Tummy Tuck Procedure?

The recovery process involves several critical stages and considerations:

  1. Immediate Postoperative Care: We monitor you closely in a recovery area to ensure your initial healing progresses as expected. We will manage any discomfort or pain through appropriate medications prescribed by Dr. Barr.
  2. Initial Recovery Period: During the first few days after the surgery, you may experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the abdominal area. Following all postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Barr is crucial to promoting optimal healing and minimizing the risk of complications.
  3. Activity Restrictions: You should expect to limit physical activities, including strenuous exercise and those that engage the abdominal muscles, for several weeks following the tummy tuck. Our plastic surgery team will provide guidelines for gradually reintroducing light activities as your recovery progresses.
  4. Wound Care, Wound Healing, and Follow-Up Appointments: Proper wound care is essential for healing. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical incisions and when to schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Barr for progress assessments and potential suture removal.
  5. Resuming Normal Activities: While the exact timeline varies for each patient, Dr. Barr and his team will guide you on when you can gradually resume normal daily activities, including work and exercise, based on your individual healing progress.
  6. Long-Term Recovery: The full recovery from a tummy tuck procedure extends beyond the initial healing period. We request that you maintain open communication with our team, attend scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Barr, and adhere to ongoing recommendations to ensure the best possible long-term results.

How Long is the Recovery for a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Recovery time depends on the individual patient, but can generally take up to a month. In the first week following surgery, we cover the site with gauze and a compression garment to promote wound healing. We advise bedrest for a few days before gradually returning to normal activity. Most patients can return to work four weeks after a full tummy tuck; however, a complete recovery and the full benefits of a tummy tuck can take up to three months to manifest.

Full Tummy Tuck FAQs

How Does A Tummy Tuck Differ From Liposuction?

A tummy tuck procedure primarily addresses excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, usually resulting from pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain, or aging. It’s best suited for individuals with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles that diet and exercise cannot adequately address. It results in a flatter, more toned abdomen and an improved appearance of stretch marks in the abdomen. On the other hand, liposuction focuses on removing localized, stubborn pockets of fat from various areas of the body, including the abdomen. It’s suitable for individuals who are close to their ideal body weight, but are struggling with resistant fat deposits.

Can I Combine A Tummy Tuck Procedure With Another Cosmetic Procedure?

Yes. When tailored for women, we often call this combination approach a “mommy makeover.” We can address multiple aesthetic concerns in a single surgical session. During your consultation, we can discuss your medical background and aesthetic goals to determine the right course of action for you — whether it includes liposuction or a breast lift.

Why Is A Tummy Tuck Performed With General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia ensures you do not feel any pain during the procedure, which involves extensive tissue manipulation, muscle repair, and skin removal. General anesthesia allows for a controlled and consistent state of unconsciousness for the duration of the surgery.

Are Tummy Tucks Covered By Health Insurance?

Because health insurance generally views tummy tucks as elective procedures, they usually do not cover them.

How Much Do Tummy Tucks Cost?

The cost varies, depending on the needs and goals of each patient. During your consultation, we will discuss costs based on your unique circumstances. For your convenience, we accept CareCredit®, cash, checks, and credit cards.

Will I Have A Tummy Tuck Scar?

As with most surgical procedures, you can expect some scarring. However, rest assured that Dr. Barr employs meticulous surgical techniques to minimize scars and achieve optimal aesthetic results. During your consultation, we will address all your concerns.

Schedule a Consultation at Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida to Explore Your Eligibility for a Tummy Tuck Procedure

Are you ready to remove stretch marks and hanging skin from the abdominal area to reveal a more youthful appearance? Contact us at (561) 833-4122(561) 833-4122 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation with our patient counselor.

At Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we prioritize your safety while offering you five-star service to look and feel your absolute best.

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