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 Case 1

Before

After

Click here to view gallery

Pregnancy, weight loss, aging, and other issues can stretch the skin of the abdomen, and leave behind stubborn fat pockets. Many women also experience a weakening of the abdomen’s core muscles following pregnancy. A tummy tuck makes it possible to remedy these issues, bringing your body back to its former glory.

How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost in Charleston?

Tummy tucks are specific to the patient. Therefore there is no one set cost. Prior to your surgery, you will be informed of the cost. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards for payments. Financing is also available to improve affordability of treatments.

What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck?

After your tummy tuck, results may initially be concealed by swelling. You will wear a compression garment or be wrapped in an elastic bandage to help your recovery. You will have a drainage tube at first. Dr. Widenhouse will give you specific instructions for your recovery, including prescriptions for medications to control postoperative discomfort.

Will I Have Scars After Getting A Tummy Tuck?

You will have a scar in the lower abdomen. The scar should be low enough that it will be concealed by most clothing, underwear, and bikini bottoms.

Patient Testimonial: Tummy Tuck
“I first went to Dr. Widenhouse for a tummy tuck around 2004. Great results. I’ve had to go back a Continue Reading >>

When Will I See The Results?

Results will be visible when the swelling goes down. You will see your slimmer contour, which should be long lasting, although it can change as a result of future weight gain and loss. Stretch marks in the lower abdomen may be gone. This will be apparent approximately six to eight weeks after surgery.

What Are Possible Complications Of A Tummy Tuck?

Possible complications of a tummy tuck include:

Scars
Hematoma
Fluid accumulation
Infection
Skin loss
Blood clots
Numbness

How Long Will The Results Of A Tummy Tuck Last?

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 both affect the tautness of your skin.

Benefits of A Tummy Tuck

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

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

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 or skin and slack muscles

You should consider a tummy tuck 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. In addition, you should:

Have realistic expectations
Be a non-smoker, or be prepared to quit smoking for a significant period prior to surgery and during recovery
Be prepared to reveal all medications, drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements you are currently using

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Charleston, SC

What Do I Need To Do Before A Tummy Tuck?

At your initial consultation, Dr. Widenhouse examines your abdominal region to determine the volume of skin and fat which will be removed during the procedure. He’ll create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This may include a recommendation for additional procedures, which will help you achieve the look you desire. 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.

Q&A With A Patient: Lori Keele, Breast Augmentation & Tummy Tuck
We were thrilled to help hardworking midlife Mom Lori achieve her goals! She had always wanted bigger, perkier breasts, and Continue Reading >>

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Tummy Tuck?

There are two main types of tummy tucks: a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck. Both begin with an incision at or above the pubic hairline. In both procedures, excess skin, fat, and other tissue are removed, and abdominal muscles are tightened and held with long-lasting sutures.

A mini or partial tummy tuck only provides tightening below the navel. The belly button may be pulled slightly downwards. The incision is smaller and the recovery quicker than for a full tummy tuck.
For tightening through the entire abdominal region with a full tummy tuck, a second incision around the navel is required. Tightening of skin and muscles can be done in the entire abdomen.

How Long Does It Take To Perform A Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck takes an average of one to two hours to complete. In situations where liposuction is also used, or larger volumes of skin and fat are to be removed, the procedure may last up to four hours.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

What does a tummy tuck do?

A tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Then, the remaining skin is tightened, along with the abdominal muscles. Overall, this trims and tones the abdomen to leave a smooth, firm and toned appearance.

How much weight do you lose with a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure, so you may only lose a few pounds from the surgery. Still, thanks to the removal of excess skin and fat, the tummy tuck procedure can produce the appearance of having lost weight. Therefore, many patients look and feel several pounds smaller despite only losing a few pounds.

How long does a tummy tuck last?

The results from a tummy tuck will be permanent. However, there are several factors that can impact the longevity of your results. For example, aging, pregnancy and weight gain can all alter the effects of your surgery, and may cause your results to fade over time. For these reasons, we encourage patients to maintain healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle habits to make their results last as long as possible.

Does fat come back after a tummy tuck?

Once removed during the tummy tuck surgery, fat does not come back. However, the tummy tuck procedure cannot prevent new fat from accumulating in the body. For this reason, it is important for patients to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits to prevent weight gain after their tummy tuck.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgeries are performed with anesthesia, which prevents any pain during the procedure. However, you can expect some pain in the days following treatment as you progress through your recovery period. We will provide you with pain medications as well as recovery guidelines to help you manage and reduce this pain as much as possible.

How serious of a surgery is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. It involves lengthy precisions along the abdomen and will cause trauma to the muscles and tissue throughout the abdomen. As such, it will require several weeks of rest and recovery. Still, patients who are in good health can approach their tummy tuck with confidence when they have selected an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

When can you lay flat after a tummy tuck?

Sleeping correctly is an important part of the tummy tuck recovery. For the first several weeks, you’ll need to sleep on your back in a slightly elevated position. After approximately 6 weeks, patients can lay down and sleep on their stomachs, assuming that the recovery has gone well and it is deemed appropriate by their doctor.

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and lipo?

The main difference between a tummy tuck and lipo is that a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles, while liposuction only removes fat. A tummy tuck produces more comprehensive results because it removes fat and further sculpts the abdomen with these additional techniques.

How long after a tummy tuck can you have sex?

Patients can resume having sex approximately 4-6 weeks after undergoing tummy tuck surgery, permitted that the healing process goes smoothly. Patients should follow the same timeline for exercise and other strenuous activities to ensure that the body heals properly.

What is an extended tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck uses longer incisions than a standard tummy tuck to produce more comprehensive body sculpting results. A standard tummy tuck uses an incision that reaches from the front of one hip to the other. An extended tummy tuck extends these incisions to reach around the back of the body and tighten the waistline.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!