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Tummy Tuck Specialist

Advanced Plastic Surgery Center

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons located in DC area, Arlington, VA

Sometimes, diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to get rid of the extra fat and lax skin around your tummy. At Advanced Plastic Surgery Center in Arlington, Virginia, the board-certified plastic surgeons can help you get the midsection you’ve been working on with a tummy tuck. To schedule a consultation, contact the office by phone or online today.

Tummy Tuck Q & A

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of your midsection. Whether from aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, you may not be able to get a flatter tummy no matter what you do. The surgical specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center address the issues that create the abdominal deformities that can’t be fixed with diet and exercise to give you a smoother, firmer tummy.

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How is a tummy tuck performed?

Your tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and, depending on your surgical plan, may take 2-4 hours.

During your procedure, your surgeon begins by creating an incision along your lower pubic area, so any scarring is hidden below the bikini line. Your loose abdominal skin is lifted to expose your abdominal muscles, which are tightened and stitched into a new position. Then, your excess skin is removed, your incision is sutured closed, and your belly button is reattached proportionally to match your new, flatter stomach.

If needed, your surgeon may also perform liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue. 

Once your surgery is completed, dressings are applied to the incision sites and a compression garment is wrapped around your midsection to assist with the healing process. Your surgeon also places small tubes to help drain blood and other fluids from the surgical area. 

You’re then sent to the recovery suite for monitoring and back home when stable.

How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?

Recovery time after a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. However, most patients are able to leave their house the day after their procedure and may be able to begin working from home within 4-5 days and then back at the office within two weeks. If you have a strenuous job or a job that requires heavy lifting, you may need to take 3-6 weeks off from work to allow your body to fully recover from your tummy tuck.

For a consultation with the specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center to see if a tummy tuck is the right cosmetic procedure for you, contact the office by phone or online today.

Tummy Tuck