Tummy Tuck in St. Petersburg & Tampa, FL

For adults, sagging skin and unwanted fat surrounding the abdominal region can be frustrating despite efforts to reduce it. Significant weight loss, childbirth, and aging are the main reasons why an individual may not be able to regain a slim and tight tummy. An abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that reshapes the abdominal region, producing youthful-looking outcomes for patients. St. Petersburg, FL plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien performs tummy tuck surgery that is tailored on the amount of excess skin and fat present. This cosmetic treatment at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery allows individuals the opportunity to have a slimmer, tighter tummy and restored confidence. Read more about how an abdominoplasty can eliminate excess fat and skin while it also tightens the ab muscles and contact us to schedule your consultation.

Tummy tuck surgery can be successful for both men and women. If you are frustrated with sagging skin in addition to unwanted fat in the lower abdomen, this cosmetic surgery can help reclaim a slimming and more toned silhouette. Dr. O'Brien suggests you be at a stable weight before undergoing this treatment. Tummy tuck surgery is not a procedure to help you lose weight — it removes loose skin. A form of liposuction is usually incorporated during the procedure to eliminate fat. If your lower stomach has good skin tautness, but you still are not satisfied with the appearance of your midsection even though you have worked to lose weight, we may recommend liposuction. Women interested in abdominoplasty should be past childbearing to ensure the results are not affected.

Body contouring of the abdomen is performed with general anesthesia. There are various techniques that come into consideration when this surgery is performed by Dr. O'Brien, which is unique to the individual's specific goals. To start, the incision size is chosen based upon the quantity of excess skin. Some individuals with extensive lax skin might benefit best from an extended tummy tuck. A full or extended tummy tuck makes the incision from hipbone to hipbone, just on top of the pubic line. Some individuals with minimal skin looseness may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These individuals still benefit from skin tightening, but will simply have a less expansive scar. Regardless of the type, all abdominoplasty procedures at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery involve the excision of sagging skin and liposuction.

Following this procedure, you will be carefully examined and sent home wearing a compression device to reduce swelling. Walking upright will be a bit painful for awhile, so you should take it easy for a few days. Moving about becomes less painful once the tightness subsides and the incision heals. You can resume everyday functions in about two weeks. Workouts can begin around four to six weeks or earlier if you are given permission by Dr. O'Brien. The abdominal area will feel tight and uncomfortable, but you will look and feel normal again once healed.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
At the time of your initial consultation, Dr. O'Brien will develop your unique abdominoplasty plan to reach your unique concerns and goals before estimating costs. He will be able to better estimate your costs when the type of abdominoplasty is decided, which technique will be used, which anesthesia you will need, and other factors. To ensure you get great results from an experienced plastic surgeon, St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery makes it easier to afford your tummy tuck by taking several payment methods and giving you information on low-interest financing.

What type of tummy tuck should I get?
You will probably get one of the three most common techniques for abdominoplasty: full, extended, and mini. During your initial consultation, Dr. O'Brien will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam. Then, he can help you decide the technique that will produce your best results. A full abdominoplasty is better if you would like to correct loose skin in both the lower and upper stomach, whereas a mini abdominoplasty is better for issues under your belly button, such as a "pooch." The extended technique can address issues in the stomach plus your upper thighs and hips.

What will my scars look like?
Surgical incisions for your abdominoplasty will vary based on which technique is being used. During all tummy tucks, Dr. O'Brien uses the smallest incisions needed to minimize scarring. He also places incisions in areas that are less visible (through the belly button or in the pubic region) so they may be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Following your tummy tuck, it is important to adhere to your scar management instructions so your stitches heal properly and eventually blend into your natural skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you may get pregnant following an abdominoplasty, it will likely affect your results. Dr. O'Brien strongly encourages that you be finished building your family before you get an abdominoplasty. If you do become pregnant following your tummy tuck, another surgery may be done to refresh your stomach.

Can I get a tummy tuck with another surgery?
A lot of patients add a second body surgery with an abdominoplasty to give them more dramatic results. At your initial consultation with Dr. O'Brien, talk to him about your desires so a unique surgical plan may be created to match your aesthetic goals. If you want to rejuvenate your body after having children or losing a lot of weight, you might be a good candidate for after weight loss surgery or a mommy makeover.

A variety of factors can result in a sagging abdominal area that leaves behind loose folds of skin. We understand it can be a troubling problem to have — abdominoplasty is usually the primary way to overcome this. If you are embarrassed by the hanging skin in your abdominal region, no matter how minimal or severe, abdominoplasty by Dr. O'Brien at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery can allow you to get the body you desire. We invite you to call our office in St. Petersburg, FL for more information.