Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Charleston, SC

A tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that can help you achieve a flat, toned abdomen. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers tummy tucks for patients who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, surgically improves the abdomen’s appearance and function. Excess skin and fat are removed from the body, and abdominal muscles are tightened. The result is a sculpted waistline and a tighter abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Benefits

• Recreates a flat abdominal region
• Creates an improved appearance, in and out of clothing
• Tightens core muscles to improve function

Good Candidates for Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck may be the right procedure for you if:

• You have been trying to get a pleasing body contour with diet and exercise
• You still have a protruding or sagging belly with excess fat and skin or slack muscles
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker or are prepared to quit smoking for a significant period before surgery and during recovery

You should consider a tummy tuck surgery if you are bothered by the appearance or feeling that your tummy is too large. You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy. It is best if you have already tried nonsurgical options like diet and exercise to tighten your abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Options

There are three main types of tummy tucks: a full tummy tuck, an extended tummy tuck, and a mini tummy tuck:

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini or partial tummy tuck only provides tightening below the navel–a smaller incision is made just above the pubic area. Dr. Widenhouse removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles if necessary, and the belly button may be pulled slightly downwards.

The incision is smaller and the recovery quicker than for a full tummy tuck.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

For a more extensive tightening through the entire front abdominal wall region, a full tummy tuck is required. A horizontal incision is made between the hip bones, extending from one hip to the other to remove more excess skin and fat and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles.

While the recovery period for a traditional tummy tuck is longer, the results are typically more dramatic.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck that also targets the flanks or love handles. The incision is similar to that of a traditional tummy tuck but may extend further along the sides of the body. Dr. Widenhouse removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles if necessary, and contours the waistline.

Recovery from an extended tummy tuck is similar to that of a traditional tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Alternatives

While a tummy tuck surgery is a popular option for individuals looking to address excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, there are alternative procedures available for those who may not be suitable candidates for the surgery:

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the abdomen. Small incisions are made, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue to suction out fat cells. While liposuction does not address excess skin or tighten abdominal muscles like a tummy tuck does, it can still provide significant improvements in body contour and definition.

Body Contouring

Body contouring encompasses a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to reshape and sculpt the body. This may include techniques such as liposuction, skin tightening procedures, and muscle enhancement treatments. Body contouring can be customized to address specific areas of concern, including the abdomen, flanks, and waistline.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that targets and freezes fat cells in the treated area. While CoolSculpting can effectively reduce fat, it does not address excess skin or tighten abdominal muscles, so it may be more suitable for individuals with mild to moderate fat deposits and good skin elasticity.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

At your initial consultation, Dr. Widenhouse will examine your abdominal region to determine the volume of skin and fat that will be removed during the procedure. Upon analysis, he will create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs—this may include a recommendation for additional procedures.

A tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction to eradicate excess fat. In some cases, a mini tummy tuck may be more appropriate, especially if loose skin and fat exist only below the belly button.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your tummy tuck, results may initially be concealed by swelling. Dr. Widenhouse will give you specific instructions for your recovery, including prescriptions for medications to control postoperative discomfort.

Results will be visible when the swelling goes down about six to eight weeks after surgery. You will see a long-lasting slimmer contour and stretch marks in the lower abdomen may be gone.

The results of your tummy tuck will be enjoyed for many years as long as you keep to a steady diet and exercise routine while maintaining a healthy weight. Unfortunately, aging is an unstoppable force, as is gravity, which can affect the tautness of your skin.

Tummy Tuck Combination Procedures

Tummy tuck combination procedures offer individuals the opportunity to address multiple cosmetic concerns in a single surgery:

Breast Lift

A breast lift is designed to address sagging breasts and restore a more youthful and lifted appearance. Utilizing both a breast lift and a tummy tuck can help create a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic surgery procedures designed to address the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. By combining multiple surgeries into one treatment plan, women can address multiple areas of their body while reducing overall downtime and achieving more dramatic results.

Buttock Enhancement

Combining a tummy tuck with buttock enhancement procedures can help patients achieve a more balanced and proportionate figure. This combination can help patients achieve a more sculpted and shapely lower body.

Tummy Tucks at Port City Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck surgeries are a popular cosmetic procedure capable of providing a significant transformation. If you are interested in undergoing a tummy tuck procedure or would like to learn more, Port City Plastic Surgery are proud abdominoplasty providers capable of personalizing results to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation through the online contact form or call the office to get started.