Aesthetic services

Abdominoplasty

(Tummy Tuck)

Surgical Overview

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat while repairing separated rectus muscles for a smoother abdominal contour. Hear from Dr. Meredith Kugar about how this procedure helps achieve a flatter abdomen and a narrower waistline.

About Abdominoplasty Surgery

Transform Your Waistline

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing separated rectus muscles, called diastasis. This procedure helps achieve a flatter abdomen, a narrower waist, and an overall better contour of the abdomen.

Why Consider Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty addresses excess skin, fat, and muscle separation (diastasis), providing a smoother, sleeker abdomen. This procedure is ideal for those looking to restore their abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy. Additional benefits of abdominoplasty include lifting and smoothing of the pubic area and the anterior thigh.

The Benefits:

  1. Improved Contour: Removes excess skin and fat for a smoother abdominal contour.

  2. Muscle Repair: Corrects separated rectus muscles (diastasis recti) for better core strength.

  3. Optional Liposuction: Enhances results by targeting specific areas with liposuction.

What to Expect

  1. Consultation: We will discuss your goals, evaluate your health, and determine the best approach for your tummy tuck. Ideal candidates are those at their goal weight or within 10 pounds, healthy, and at least one year post-pregnancy.

  2. Procedure: The surgery involves:

    • Removal of excess skin and fat.

    • Repair of the 6-pack muscles (diastasis recti repair).

    • Optional liposuction for enhanced contouring.

    • Incisions around the belly button and a low scar from hip to hip.

  3. Recovery: Recovery typically requires taking about 2 weeks off work, with no strenuous activity or exercise for 6 weeks. We use a long acting local anesthetic called Exparel to help minimizing post-surgical pain. We use Toradol and Gabapentin, non-narcotic pain medications, which help to reduce nausea and constipation for a quicker recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Meredith Kugar?

My approach to abdominoplasty prioritizes achieving natural-looking results and patient comfort. I am meticulous about placing a low scar that can be easily hidden and ensuring a natural-looking belly button. My comprehensive technique includes the option for circumferential trunk SAFEliposuction (Lipo 360) to enhance your overall silhouette. Additionally, I emphasize postoperative safety and care to avoid complications such as pneumonia and blood clots, using tools like the incentive spirometer and SCDs (sequential compression devices).

  • Dr. Kugar is truly exceptional. Not only is she a talented surgeon, she is also a caring, thoughtful, and empathetic human.

    Katy R, Patient

  • She has the best bedside manner of any physician I have ever met and I have been in the medical field for over 26 years and have worked with a lot of surgeons.

    Susan L., Patient

  • Dr. Kugar isn't just a skilled surgeon, she's an amazing one! Her patience and willingness to explain everything put me at ease throughout the entire process. I never felt pressured, just incredibly well-informed. Her care and expertise truly went above and beyond. I can't recommend her enough!

    Tom T., Patient

  • I could not be happier with the result. This is why we trust the experts to do these kinds of things, and know how to make it look good!

    Krista D., Patient

  • Her attention to detail and genuine concern for my recovery have made all the difference.

    Jordan R., Patient

  • Dr. Kugar is a class act; she is truly a one of a kind gem combining professionalism, compassion, and empathy. She is charismatic and makes you feel so welcome and comfortable as if you’re sharing your insecurities with your bestie and not being judged for it.

    Lakyn B., Patient

  • Dr. Kugar helped me get my skincare back on track with her knowledge and expertise! Kindness, straightforward instruction and dedication to great results got me where I want to be and I would take her advice any day!

    Jamie, Patient

  • My experience with Dr. Kugar, MD has been one of the best patient-doctor interactions I’ve ever had.

    Hailee, Patient

Abdominoplasty FAQs

  • Ideal candidates are those at their goal weight or within 10 pounds and who are one year post-pregnancy with no plans for future pregnancies. If you are an active smoker, you will have to stop smoking before surgery.

  • You will need about 2 weeks off work, with no exercise or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. I use non-narcotic pain management to minimize discomfort and promote a quicker recovery.

  • The incisions are strategically placed to ensure scars are low and easily hidden by underwear or swimwear. Scars will improve in appearnce over time with proper care.

  • Liposuction can be included to enhance the contour of your abdomen and address specific areas of concern. Happy to discuss this further at your consult!

  • I utilize a long-acting local anesthetic in the operating room called Exparel. I use Toradol and Gabapentin to manage pain after surgery, reducing the need for narcotics and associated side effects like nausea and constipation.

  • Muscle repair is a common component of abdominoplasty, especially for patients who have experienced pregnancy-related muscle separation.

Begin your transformation, today.

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