Tummy Tuck

Many men and women alike can feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their midsection, preventing them from feeling confident at the pool or on the beach, or even from fitting comfortably into their clothes. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular procedures among women who have been pregnant or anyone who has lost significant amounts of weight. The procedure removes excess fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity, tightens stomach skin and can repair diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles.

Top female plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington understands that everyone’s needs are different, and prides herself on customizing each tummy tuck procedure to meet the needs and goals of each individual. During your consultation, she’ll answer any questions you may have to ensure that you feel comfortable with your procedure from start to finish.

Contact us online or call our office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about tummy tucks, including pricing. Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Plymouth has helped men and women from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Wayzata, Minnetonka, St. Cloud and beyond with abdominoplasty.

Tummy tuck incisions are typically placed below the midsection, running horizontally across the upper pubic region so that the resulting scar can be easily hidden by a bathing suit or underwear. The length of your incision will depend on the extent of your procedure, but most traditional tummy tucks involve an incision that stretches roughly from one hip to the other. Dr. Harrington takes special care to make scarring as minimal as possible, and will advise you on how to heal optimally and achieve the best tummy tuck scar.

Watch Dr. Harrington Perform This Procedure on YouTube!

Abdominoplasty is a same-day procedure performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. You should arrive at the surgery center 1 hour prior to your procedure start time and stay fat least 1 hour after your procedure is finished. The entire process takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the specifics of your surgery. You should bring a friend or family member who can drive you home once you are discharged, and an adult will need to stay with you for at least 24 hour following your surgery.

Depending on your appearance goals, Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to complement your tummy tuck. Many people choose to combine their tummy tuck with liposuction. Additionally, most women who have mommy makeovers include abdominoplasty along with other cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation or labiaplasty.

After your tummy tuck, some soreness and swelling is to be expected. Most people take at least 2 weeks away from work and other normal activities. Some patients, however, may feel up to returning to work sooner, especially if they have a desk job with no heavy lifting. Dr. Harrington may ask you to wear a special post-surgical compression garment designed to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling during the first days and weeks after surgery.

Swelling and bruising should begin to subside during the second week of your recovery, but you won’t see your final results for at least another month. Although individual experiences vary, your final results generally take up to 6 months to fully develop, with your scar continuing to mature for 1 year or more.

It’s important to discuss any possible risks or complications with Dr. Harrington prior to getting your tummy tuck. Keep in mind that while a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, the procedure does not prevent future weight gain. Therefore, patients are advised to commit to a healthy and active lifestyle before and after their tummy tuck. If you notice any sudden swelling or pain, notify our office immediately.