Tummy Tuck

Regular exercise and sensible eating are healthy habits that help you maintain a healthy weight. What they can’t do, however, is tighten excess abdominal skin that remains after pregnancy or significant weight loss. A tummy tuck at our Boynton Beach, FL, practice has helped many people from West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington, Boca Raton, and throughout South Florida attain a firmer, flatter abdomen and slimmer midsection that enhances their confidence in whatever they wear.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Abdominoplasty—commonly called a tummy tuck—is an elective surgery that involves removing excess skin and, in some cases, tightening and repairing abdominal muscles separated during pregnancy. During a tummy tuck, you’ll be put under a general anesthetic; then board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Rosenthal makes a horizontal incision that extends from one hip to the other. He places the incision just above the pubic area so the resulting scar can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear.

Dr. Rosenthal also makes an incision around the bellybutton to release the overlying skin. After making the incisions, he will lift the skin and suture the abdominal muscles if necessary. The procedure also often includes liposuction to remove excess fat and sculpt the waist and flanks.

After removing excess skin, Dr. Rosenthal makes a new, natural-looking opening for the bellybutton. After suturing the incision, surgical drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation below the skin during your recovery.

Combining a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures

If you’ve had children and want to restore your pre-pregnancy body, a mommy makeover combines body contouring surgery with breast enhancement procedures. In many cases, you can combine a tummy tuck and liposuction with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both procedures. You can discuss your concerns with Dr. Rosenthal during your consultation, and he will develop a surgical plan just for you.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Patients whose concerns are limited to the area below the bellybutton may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. This modified version of a full tummy tuck involves making a shorter incision on the abdomen and does not require the surgeon to release the skin from the bellybutton. Dr. Rosenthal can discuss this option with you during the consultation and recommend what they believe is the best approach.

Other recommended modifications may include endoscopic tummy tuck and circumferential tummy tuck procedures.

During the endoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a smaller incision, inserts a thin tube with a tiny camera attached, and tightens abdominal muscles. This is a possible approach for patients with little to no excess skin. A circumferential tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the flanks and lower back, in addition to the abdominal area.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Boynton Beach?

The cost of a tummy tuck at our Boynton Beach practice encompasses a range of potential prices, depending on the technique used and the extent of your procedure, among other factors. We’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the cost of your surgery that you can review before scheduling the procedure.

We work with various companies that specialize in financing cosmetic surgery, including CareCredit®, PatientFi®, and Yes Doctor.

What Happens During Tummy Tuck Recovery?

You’ll return home after a tummy tuck with the abdomen covered with a surgical dressing and thin tubes to drain excess fluid from behind the incision. We’ll provide specific instructions about caring for your incisions and emptying the surgical drains until they’re removed.

You should plan to take at least 2 weeks off from work to recover. During the initial recovery phase, you’ll walk slightly bent over to avoid putting strain on the incisions. It’s important to avoid lifting anything, including small children, until your surgeon clears you to do so. It’s important to arrange for support with children and household chores during the first 1 to 2 weeks of your recovery.

Dr. Rosenthal wants you to take brief walks around the home during the day to boost circulation, but more strenuous exercise should be avoided until your surgeon indicates it’s okay.