Tummy Tuck 101

Tummy tuck surgery contours a person’s midsection to make it more toned. However, it is an invasive procedure that demands several days to several weeks of recovery time. Because of this, it’s essential to get all of the information you can before making a commitment to this life-changing plastic surgery.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?

People who get a tummy tuck want a firmer, flatter midsection, addressing many of their cosmetic concerns after life events like massive weight loss or pregnancy. This procedure removes extra skin and tightens the abdominal muscles and subcutaneous tissue using an incision between the hipbones on the lower abdomen.

Many people opt to combine a tummy tuck with a liposuction procedure to remove additional excess fat, achieving a more desirable contouring result.

Will I Lose Weight with A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck isn’t meant to prevent weight gain or facilitate fat loss as a cosmetic procedure designed to contour the body. This procedure is actually most effective after massive weight loss to remove the loose skin that remains. At North Valley Cosmetic Surgery, we incorporate high-definition liposuction to achieve high-level results that leave patients looking defined, sculpted, and overall snatched. It’s also a popular procedure for tightening muscles and skin loosened from pregnancy and giving birth.

How Much is a Tummy Tuck?

Getting a tummy tuck in the United States can range from $3,000 to over $13,000, but the average is about $8,250 – these numbers were reported by actual patients who paid for a tummy tuck.

Many factors influence the final cost of a tummy tuck, including the facility where your surgery is performed, the complexity of your specific procedure, your surgeon’s expertise level, and whether you include other procedures like liposuction. You’ll receive a personalized estimate of expenses after your consultation with Dr. Villares, so you’ll know what to expect before committing.

Most insurance companies won’t cover the cost of a tummy tuck because it’s an elective cosmetic procedure. However, you may be able to seek financing options through CareCredit to make the surgery more affordable.

Does a Tummy Tuck Hurt?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort for a few days after surgery, but we’ll prescribe a pain medication to reduce the pain. We also offer a variety of medications for your comfort during surgery. After a few days, most of our patients felt better and reported the discomfort was well worth the result.

How Long Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Take?

Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities and office work within three weeks. However, core workouts and other strenuous activities will take a few more weeks. You will work with your surgeon to determine when you can safely return to exercise; in most cases, it will take four to six weeks.

Please visit our before-and-after photo gallery for examples of our work.

North Valley Cosmetic Surgery

Our experienced doctors are dedicated to providing exceptional care and natural-looking results that you’ll love for years to come. We employ state-of-the-art techniques and combine them with personalized individual care for a striking effect. For more information about treatment options, or to set up a consultation with one of our doctors, contact our office today at (480) 725-8627.