What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region to create a smoother, firmer midsection, helping restore a more youthful, fit appearance. A tummy tuck in Jacksonville also tightens the abdominal muscles that have become weakened due to weight gain or pregnancy.

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What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive type of tummy tuck. It is performed through smaller incisions, with shorter surgery and faster recovery times. It is often needed to treat only the region below the belly button. This procedure is ideal for patients with small fat deposits and excess skin below the navel.

Often, the upper abdomen is still tight and has a good appearance, but the area below the belly button has areas of stubborn fat or excess skin that need to be removed and contoured to a more youthful, slim appearance. We offer a mini tummy tuck to select patients who want a slimmer, fitter figure but do not need a full tummy tuck.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty creates a flat abdominal area as well as tightened abdominal core muscles. It can boost your confidence by improving your appearance.

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Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is an excellent option for both women and men with extra abdominal fat and skin who are looking for a tighter, flatter, and more youthful physique. Ideal candidates are usually women who have undergone multiple pregnancies and developed loose skin and abdominal muscles, as well as patients who have lost a lot of weight and now have hanging skin and soft tissue.

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Tummy Tuck Before & After

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What is the Procedure for a Tummy Tuck?

During a tummy tuck, our plastic surgeons will make an incision near the pubic hairline that goes from hip bone to hip bone. Excess skin and tissue are removed. If liposuction is being used, excess fat will also be suctioned away. Before the incision is sutured closed, the abdominal muscles will be tightened with deep stitches, and the remaining skin will be pulled down tight towards the pubic hairline. In many tummy tuck procedures, the belly button will need to be repositioned or recreated. This is performed at the end, before the complete closure of all incisions. One or two drainage tubes are typically left in place to facilitate optimal postoperative healing.

What Is Exparel?

Exparel is a long-acting pain injection medication that we offer to our patients during tummy tuck surgery. It is injected in a deep layer of muscles next to the nerves on the sides of the abdomen during your surgery to allow long-lasting pain control.

This is different than traditional lidocaine in that it has a specific formula that releases the medication slowly. This lasts up to 72 hours after injection, so it can significantly affect your recovery by reducing pain for up to the first three days after surgery.

“Thank you very much, and I am a very pleased patient, you did a GREAT job!! ”

–Carmen R

“This experience ranks up with the BEST EVER!”

–Lauren

“Very nice staff!”

–Delina

“ I have been coming here over a year and love it!”

–Bella

“Everyone is very friendly and professional”

–Gaynor

“Great team!”

–Marietou

“10/ 10!”

–Mike

“Staff handled my big ask quickly, professionally, with positivity”

–Nik

“I couldn’t be happier.”

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What Is the Recovery for a Tummy Tuck?

Discomfort rapidly decreases several days following the procedure. Patients can expect to be off work for two weeks and experience swelling and bruising during the post-operative period.

Your drainage tube is typically removed in a week or less. Once all healing is complete, the results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting but are optimized by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.

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Where Are Tummy Tucks Performed?

Every abdominoplasty in Jacksonville and St. Johns, FL, is performed on an outpatient basis at our on-site licensed ambulatory surgery center, Coastal Surgery Center.

It is a Medicare- and state-licensed ambulatory surgery center accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Since each tummy tuck is personalized to meet the goals of each patient, all associated costs will be reviewed after a treatment plan has been developed. Whether you need a mini tummy tuck, a mommy makeover, an extended tummy tuck, or the addition of liposuction, our plastic surgeons will work with you to develop the best plan to meet your aesthetic goals.

For over 28 years, Coastal Cosmetic Center, currently led by expert plastic surgeons Timothy E. Fee, MD, and Jordan A. Bilezikian, MD, has proudly served patients in Jacksonville. St. Johns, and all Northeast Florida regions, including Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fleming Island, and Fruit Cove/Julington Creek.

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