This popular cosmetic surgery is frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks to improve the contour of the mid-waist. In addition, a “corset” procedure is performed to tighten the abdominal wall (the deep layer of the belly involving the abdominal muscles).
At Revive Surgical Institute, we offer several tummy tuck techniques to accommodate each patient’s own anatomy, body goals, and lifestyle.
The traditional tummy tuck is ideal for patients with excess skin and muscle separation, especially after pregnancy or extreme weight changes. Dr. Askari makes a horizontal incision above the pubic area, tightens the abdominal muscles, and removes excess fat and skin to create a tighter and slimmer stomach. This surgery also involves repositioning the belly button for a normal appearance.
Perfect for those with mild looseness of the skin below the belly button, this abdominoplasty procedure uses a shorter incision between the lower abdomen and belly button. It is designed to offer subtle contouring and tightening without relocating the belly button and is a less traumatic procedure with a short recovery time.
This advanced procedure addresses the entire mid-abdomen, flanks, and lower back. Dr. Askari makes a cut that goes around the torso and allows him to remove large amounts of skin and fat for a 360° total body contouring effect. It is ideal for patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss and would like to enhance their overall proportions.
For patients with 100+ pounds of weight loss and severe skin laxity, fleur-de-lis tummy tuck utilizes horizontal and vertical incisions and creates a T-shaped scar. This allows Dr. Askari to remove excess skin in two planes and create a dramatic tightening of the whole abdominal wall. It is especially beneficial for torso reshaping in patients with excessive laxity of tissues.
The hourglass tummy tuck is designed to tighten the waistline and produce feminine contours. In addition to excess fat and skin removal, Dr. Askari also performs strategic liposuction of the hips and flank and tightens the muscles in the core to produce a more defined hourglass figure. This advanced treatment is best for patients who would like to achieve a snatched waistline and better silhouette in a single procedure.
For some people, a tummy tuck can be a medical necessity, especially for those who have:
In a patient with a ventral hernia, the abdominal tissues protrude through a weak area in the abdomen. It can develop because of weak abdominal muscles caused by massive weight loss or a past abdominal surgery such as an appendectomy and a cesarean section. Abdominoplasty can tighten the weak muscles on the abdominal wall, increase abdominal support, and reduce pressure on the skin. A tummy tuck can also prevent another ventral hernia from developing in the future.
SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence, particularly in women who delivered their babies vaginally. Those with SUI tend to leak urine when doing activities and exercises that put some stress on the urinary bladder. They can’t control the leakage when they cough, laugh, or sneeze. Non-surgical measures such as lifestyle change and exercise can treat stress urinary incontinence. However, a study has shown that SUI symptoms may also be relieved through abdominoplasty, especially for women who gave birth through normal delivery.
Weak abdominal muscles provide insufficient support to the spine, leading to back pain. A weak core is common in patients who have just given birth and lost a lot of weight. Tummy tucks surgically remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles. This can improve core strength and abdominal support, eventually relieving back pain
A tummy tuck consultation usually starts with an interview. It would be best if a patient prepares to answer the following questions:
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Morad Askari, will also perform a physical examination. He might also need to run some tests and take photos if deemed necessary. A thorough assessment is essential to weigh the benefits of surgery against the risks. Then, he will discuss your best options and recommend a treatment plan tailored and customized to your needs.
He will also inform a patient of any potential risks, possible complications, and the realistic outcome they can expect from a tummy tuck. A patient should be honest about their health and outspoken about their expectations. They should not hesitate to ask any question that’s causing their anxiety. Our tummy tuck surgeon is legally bound to treat any information they reveal with the utmost confidentiality
If a patient agrees to get a tummy tuck surgery, they need to prepare themselves by:
Dr. Askari outlines the abdomen on surgery day to mark where incisions should be made and how much tissue to take out. Then, our anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia. The use of anesthesia will ensure a pain-free and comfortable surgery. The options include intravenous sedation, wherein the doctor will administer the drug directly into a patient’s bloodstream through an IV, and general anesthesia, which will be given either through an IV or inhaled through a mask.
Once the patient is fully sedated and the surgical site is disinfected, Dr. Askari begins by creating incisions in the lower abdomen.
Mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty: This surgical procedure removes excess fats and skin below the belly button. The incision is horizontal and will be made between your navel and pubic hairline, running from each side of your hip. The size of the incision depends on the amount of loose skin. The surgeon will lift the skin and repair the abdominal muscles underneath. Then, he will remove the excess fat and skin.
Full tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty: This is the type recommended for patients with excess skin and fat tissues in the upper part of the abdomen. Aside from the first horizontal incision, the surgeon may need to create a second incision around the belly button. The surgeon will pull down the skin in the upper abdomen, and he will trim the excess. The navel will also be removed, repositioned, and sutured.
Once the desired tightness and contour are achieved, Dr. Askari closes the incisions using sutures, medical tapes, or surgical clips. The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether it is combined with liposuction or other contouring techniques.
After a tummy tuck surgery, a patient is monitored closely by Dr. Askari and his team to safely and comfortably recover from anesthesia. Our surgeon will fit an elastic bandage or compression garment around the abdomen to minimize swelling and support reshaped contours. Surgical dressings will be placed on incisions to cover them and keep them clean. Patients may also have temporary drainage tubes placed under their skin to drain off excess blood or fluid. Dr. Askari will instruct on how to care for incisions and drainage tubes and what medications to take for pain control and to prevent infection.
The initial two to four weeks will involve swelling, tightness, and trouble standing upright while the tissues in the abdomen heal. Dr. Askari will recommend what activity restrictions are necessary for a patient, including no heavy lifting, bending, or straining. Daily use of a compression garment will promote healing and improve ultimate results. Most patients are able to return to light, non-strenuous activities in 1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery.
During recovery, swelling gradually subsides over several months. With post-operative care and post-operative instructions taken seriously, patients can look to observe their thinner, flatter, and more toned abdomen in a few weeks, with the best results after three to six months. We recommend scheduling follow-up sessions to monitor recovery and optimize healing.
A patient is a good candidate for a tummy tuck if:
A tummy tuck is a highly personalized procedure designed to make patients more confident about having a flat and tighter stomach and better figure. A patient is a good candidate if he or she has the following:
If a patient meets these criteria, they may be a good candidate to enjoy the benefits of a tummy tuck. If they are uncertain about whether this is an option, a virtual consultation with Dr. Askari can answer all their questions and concerns.
Both a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and liposuction are used to achieve a flat, sculptured abdomen, but for different reasons and on different patients.
Liposuction is ideal for those with good elasticity of the skin who simply want to get rid of unwanted pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is a relatively minor procedure that is employed to extract only fat and not tighten up the skin or repair muscles.
On the other hand, tummy tuck is best for those with sagging and loose skin and weakened muscles on the tummy, typically resulting from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or age. Excess skin is cut, and muscles are tightened with this surgery, and it can drastically reshape the midriff—hence, it is ideal for a dramatic makeover.
Ultimately, whether a patient opts for a tummy tuck or liposuction is based on their medical background, aesthetic goals, and their figure. In some cases, it is possible to do both for maximum impact.
Abdominoplasty is both cosmetic and reconstructive. Besides its cosmetic benefits, hourglass tummy tuck Miami also has many health benefits.
Excessive fat and skin in the abdominal area are not only unpleasant to look at but may also feel uncomfortable. Likewise, they can lead to health problems such as back pain and skin irritation. It also increases one’s risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Sometimes, however, the cause of a loose and sagging tummy is not something that you can control. It can be an after-effect of something completely normal, such as aging, weight loss, and pregnancy. Even past abdominal surgery can contribute to the weakening of the abdominal muscles. When these excess tissues are removed through a tummy tuck, you can minimize your risk of developing lifestyle diseases. It can also alleviate back pain and get rid of rash between skin folds and underbelly fat (intertrigo).
Patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck procedure usually have weak abdominal muscles and poor core strength. When your core muscles are weak, they cannot hold in abdominal contents effectively, making your tummy protrude and look distended. It can also shift your center of gravity and back pain. During a Miami tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon repositions, restores, and tightens the weakened muscles in the abdominal wall, which can significantly increase the strength of your core muscles.
A tummy tuck often has positive psychological benefits. Research published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal has concluded that a tummy tuck can increase the quality of life of patients. After surgery, patients have had enhanced family experiences, improved living conditions, and better independent mobility. All of these have contributed to very high self-esteem and emotional stability post-surgery.
The shift in the center of gravity caused by a big tummy and weak core muscles can lead to a lordotic posture. When you have lordosis, your lower back arches too far inward, leading to back pain and awkward posture. Removing the excess tissues in your abdomen also means removing the extra weight in the center of your body. Aside from a tighter tummy, this can also relieve the stress from your lumbar spine, decrease back pain, and improve your posture.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a tummy tuck is improved clothes fitting. By tightening and removing excess skin in the tummy area, patients find that their waistline is thinner and more toned. Clothes previously too tight, too loose, or unfashionable now go on smoothly and accentuate the lines of the figure. With improved fitting comes more wardrobe options and a sense of comfort and confidence in casual and formal apparel. Patients say that they are more excited to dress up, shop for clothes, and flaunt their new figure with pride and comfort.
The average tummy tuck cost in Miami, FL, ranges from $4,500 to $10,000. This range is an estimate, as the final price can vary based on your individual case and the specifics of the procedure. Several factors shape the cost of a tummy tuck at Revive. The type of tummy tuck—be it a traditional tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck—varies in cost depending on the extent of the procedure needed. The expertise of our board-certified surgeons also influences the cost, reflecting their high-quality work. Anesthesia and operating room fees are determined by the length and type of the procedure, ensuring your safety and comfort. Lastly, the cost includes comprehensive pre-and post-operative care, essential for a successful outcome. These factors collectively determine the overall cost, reflecting our commitment to personalized care.
At Revive Surgical Institute, we offer skilled tummy tuck surgery to make patients get a flat and tighter midsection. With board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Morad Askari in his care, every patient is given customized treatment plans to suit their own goals and physique. Patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our state-of-the-art Miami surgical center is completely QUAD-A accredited to provide top-notch surgical excellence and care. Our main aim is to make everyone who comes to us feel supported and enjoy their journey to body rejuvenation.
The duration of a tummy tuck Miami surgery may vary, depending on the specific technique used by the surgeon and the complexity of the procedure. Typically, an hourglass tummy tuck procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.
Yes, the results of a tummy tuck are permanent. You will have a firmer and tighter abdomen. As long as you don’t gain too much weight or become pregnant, the excess skin removed during the surgery will not return.
During the surgery, you are under anesthesia, so it is painless. During recovery, there can be some pain and discomfort in the operative site. Doctors prescribe pain relievers to help you manage the pain.
You can’t sleep on your stomach for at least 3-6 weeks, sometimes longer. You have to sleep on your back in a reclined position.
If you have an existing scar from a past cesarean section, the tummy tuck scar may blend with the old scar. The scar may take months to fade.
Health insurance will not cover the cost of a tummy tuck.
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