Tummy Tuck in Grand Rapids, MI

Why Consider Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to provide patients with a more sculpted looking abdomen. It is especially popular among women who have experienced changes in the abdominal area due to pregnancy.  Tummy tuck surgery can help you to achieve:

• A more shapely and slimmer looking waist
• Tighter, more youthful appearing abdominal muscles
• Smooth, taught skin that lays flat over the abdomen

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Depending on your specific needs, tummy tuck surgery may involve one or more procedures to resolve your specific concerns. There are three types of tummy tuck surgery commonly performed at the Centre for Plastic Surgery:

Complete Tummy Tuck

Most patients at the Centre for Plastic Surgery require a complete tummy tuck in which the surgeon makes incisions to remove excess skin and translocate the belly button. A strong suture is used to tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. You can also add liposuction to this procedure to achieve even more defined contours. 

Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

For patients that have experienced dramatic weight loss, especially following bariatric surgery, a more extensive surgical intervention is often required. With weight loss tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon extends the incision area to remove larger amounts of excess skin. Muscles are tightened, and liposuction is often used to remove excess fat. In many cases, more than one surgical procedure is required to achieve optimal results. 

Partial (Mini) Tummy Tuck

For very few patients, a less extensive partial tummy tuck surgery is needed. Also called a mini tummy tuck, this procedure focuses only on the area below the belly button. A smaller incision is made, the underlying muscles are tightened, but the belly button is not translocated.  

What to Expect with a Tummy Tuck 

No matter which type of tummy tuck you have, you’ll be given anesthesia. Then the incision will be made, the tuck will be performed by your surgeon and you’ll be closed up. You may have small tubes to help drain any excess blood or fluid. If you do, they’re usually left in for a few days after surgery. You and your caregiver will be instructed on how to care for them, as well as your incision. In most instances, you’ll be asked to wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks, which will support your abdomen as it heals. You’ll likely be given pain killers and might be given an antibiotic as well. We may also prescribe a blood thinner to take temporarily to help prevent blood clots. 

Tummy Tuck Recovery 

Even if you are feeling great in the weeks following your surgery, healing from a tummy tuck can be quite the process for your body. Immediately following surgery, you'll be sleepy from the anesthesia. You'll need a dedicated caregiver for the first few days to help you move around the house and stay on top of your medications. Most patients require a minimum of one week off from work. You will need to refrain from heavy lifting or intense exercise while your body heals during the first few weeks. You'll have follow up visits at our office where your surgeon will monitor your progress and our dedicated team will support you in your recovery. While tummy tuck surgery is one of the more invasive surgeries that we perform, many patients find the results exceptionally rewarding and worth the recovery.  

The Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery  

First and foremost, a great candidate for abdominoplasty must be a healthy individual who understands that this is not a weight loss solution. Our primary concern is your safety, so it's vitally important that patients seeking this procedure are transparent about their health and habits. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have experienced changes in the contours of their abdomen due to pregnancy, age, or dramatic weight loss.