Who can benefit from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can be beneficial for anyone seeking an improvement in the form and function of their abdomen. Positive experiences like weight loss and pregnancy can have some negative consequences on the form and function of the abdomen. For women, pregnancy and weight changes are among the most common reasons to intervene. For men, massive weight loss is the most common reason.
What the procedure entails
There are essentially four components to the standard abdominoplasty:
- Removing the abdominal pannus. The incision is placed low so it’s covered by undergarments or swimwear. The pannus and its loose skin/stretch marks extends between the hip bones from the belly button down to just above the pubic area. Problems with the pannus cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone.
- Repairing rectus diastasis. The “six-pack” muscles (rectus abdominus) are often spread apart, a condition that cannot be corrected with exercise. In a tummy tuck, the muscles are sewn back together in the middle — similar in many ways to a hernia repair.
- Restoring the belly button. The belly button is preserved and brought back to an attractive, natural position in the central abdomen.
- Optional liposuction. An optional fourth component is liposuction, which Dr. Steffen regularly uses to shape the waist and abdominal muscles. It’s an extremely effective tool, which is why he strongly recommends it.
What the healing process is like
Most patients take two to four weeks off work after an abdominoplasty. Exercise gradually resumes between four and six weeks after surgery — the most rigorous activities and isolated abs work should be approached with caution at that point. By three months, the patient is ready for anything.
Benefits of a tummy tuck
The profound cosmetic benefit of abdominoplasty is hard to define. Patients express restored confidence in everyday settings like church and office, in private settings, and at the pool or beach. These cosmetic benefits are primarily related to the removal of loose skin and stretch marks, repair of the belly button, flattening of the abdomen, and shaping of the waist.
The benefit does not end with a better-looking core. Many patients suffer from severe rectus diastasis — a weak, unstable core that cannot be corrected without surgery. Repair significantly and permanently improves core strength and stability. Some patients also have loose skin-on-skin contact leading to painful rashes — this is cured with removal of the pannus.
How common is this procedure?
Tummy tuck is usually in the top three most common plastic surgery procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeons perform approximately 170,000 annually. Other top procedures include liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, and blepharoplasty.
Coverage
Abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Be sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Insurance & coverage
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons considers this a cosmetic procedure. It is not typically covered by insurance. Pricing is discussed transparently at consultation.