Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
in Jacksonville, FL
If you’re unhappy with excess skin or a lack of tone in your abdominal area or flanks, it’s not something that can always be addressed through diet and exercise alone. Fortunately, a tummy tuck performed by expert plastic surgeons Dr. Timothy E. Fee and Dr. Jordan A. Bilezikian can help you achieve a flatter, more toned midsection. This transformative procedure removes excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and restores a smoother, firmer appearance.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A Tummy Tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes the excess fat and skin in the abdominal region to create a defined midsection that is smoother and firmer, helping to restore a more youthful and fit appearance. A tummy tuck also tightens the abdominal muscles that have become weakened and weak due to weight gain or pregnancy.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A Mini Tummy Tuck is the least invasive type of Tummy Tuck. It is performed through smaller incisions, with a shorter surgery time, and a faster recovery time. It is often needed to treat only the region below the belly button. This procedure is ideal for patients with small deposits of fat and excess skin below the navel. Often the upper abdomen is still tight and has a good appearance, but the area below the belly button has areas of stubborn fat or excess skin that needs to be removed and contoured to a more youthful slim appearance. We offer a Mini Tummy Tuck to select patients who want a more slim and fit figure but are not in need of a Full Tummy Tuck.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty creates a flat abdominal area as well as tightened abdominal core muscles. It can boost your confidence by improving your appearance.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A Tummy Tuck is an excellent option for both women and men with extra abdominal fat and skin who are looking for a tighter, flatter, and more youthful physique. Ideal candidates are usually women who have undergone multiple pregnancies and developed loose skin and abdominal muscles as well as patients who have lost a lot of weight and now have hanging skin and soft tissue.
What is the Procedure for a Tummy Tuck?
During a Tummy Tuck, Our Plastic Surgeons will make an incision near the pubic hairline that goes from hip bone to hip bone. Excess skin and tissue are removed. If liposuction is being used, excess fat will also be suctioned away. Before the incision is sutured closed, the abdominal muscles will be tightened with deep stitches and the remaining skin will be pulled down tight towards the pubic hairline. In many Tummy Tuck procedures, the belly button will need to be re-positioned or recreated. This is performed at the end prior to complete closure of all incisions. One or two drainage tubes are then typically left in order to allow the best post operative healing.
What is Exparel?
Exparel is a long acting pain injection medication that we offer to our patients during Tummy Tuck surgery. It is injected in a deep layer of muscles next to the nerves on the sides of the abdomen during your surgery to allow long lasting pain control. This is different than traditional lidocaine in that it has a specific formula that releases the medication slowly. This lasts up to 72 hours after after injection, so can affect your recovery significantly by reducing the amount of pain you have for up to the first three days after surgery.
What is the Recovery for a Tummy Tuck?
Discomfort rapidly decreases several days following the procedure. Patients can expect to be off of work for two weeks and experience swelling and bruising during the post-operative period. Your drainage tube is typically removed in a week or less. Once all healing is complete, the results of a Tummy Tuck are long-lasting but are optimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy diet and regular exercise.
Where Are Tummy Tucks Performed?
All surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis at our on-site licensed ambulatory surgery center, Coastal Surgery Center. It is a Medicare-certified and state-licensed ambulatory surgery center that is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Since each Tummy Tuck is personalized to meet the goals of each patient, all associated costs will be reviewed after a treatment plan has been developed. Whether you need a Mini Tummy Tuck, a Mommy Makeover, an Extended Tummy Tuck, or the addition of Liposuction, Our Plastic Surgeons will work with you to develop the best plan to meet your aesthetic goals.
For over 28 years, Coastal Cosmetic Center has proudly served patients in Jacksonville and in all Northeast Florida regions including Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fleming Island, and Fruit Cove/Julington Creek.