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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, medically known as “abdominoplasty,” is the premier aesthetic procedure to firm, smooth, and sculpt the abdomen. Pregnancy, weight loss, aging, and genetic predisposition are among the many reasons why the abdomen can sag or bulge outward over time regardless of how healthy a patient’s lifestyle may be. Tummy tuck surgery can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles and get rid of stretched, excess skin, resulting in a slimmer and flatter appearance. With his background consisting of prestigious fellowship training in aesthetic procedures, Utah plastic surgeon Dr. Garlick also incorporates liposuction during surgery to circumferentially remove isolated fat from around the torso, creating a circumferentially sculpted abdomen and waist to restore that highly sought-after “hourglass” figure. 

At our practice, tummy tuck patients appreciate Dr. Garlick’s drainless approach to abdominoplasty using progressive tension sutures, which can reduce recovery time and lower the risk of complications after surgery. In addition to offering a drain-free tummy tuck, Dr. Garlick also sculpts the body three-dimensionally and pays close attention to keeping your incision low so it is hidden under any bikini or underwear. Dr. Garlick also spends a great deal of time reconstructing a natural-looking belly button. The belly button is arguably one the most important aspects of the tummy tuck procedure. The belly button is seen in any bikini and when performed correctly, it should look natural and not give indication that a tummy tuck was performed.

Tummy Tuck at a Glance

  • Procedure: Outpatient
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Length of Surgery: 1 – 5 hours
  • Recovery: 2 – 3 weeks

What Can I Improve with a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can be ideal for patients who want to correct sagging skin or lax tissue in the abdomen after losing weight, having children, or experiencing the effects of aging. In general, this procedure can:

  • Smooth, tighten, and firm the abdomen
  • Repair stretched or weakened underlying muscles
  • Get rid of excess, sagging skin
  • Reduce stubborn fat on the midsection and back
  • Contour the abdominal profile

While a tummy tuck does not help you lose weight, many patients find they’re more active and confident after their procedure. Many tummy tuck patients also experience adjunctive health benefits after their abdominoplasty, which may include improved posture, reduced incontinence, and less back pain depending on the nature of your concerns. During a consultation, Dr. Garlick can provide you with a good understanding of the types of results you can expect from tummy tuck surgery. 

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

Abdominoplasty is often considered for cosmetic and functional reasons. While some patients are interested in the procedure to gain a smoother, more sculpted look in the belly area, others want to improve chafing and inflammation from excess abdominal skin. In general, you may benefit from a tummy tuck if you’re:

  • Healthy, with no uncontrolled medical conditions or diseases that may interfere with healing
  • A non-smoker, or willing to quit smoking
  • Positive about the outlook of surgery
  • Want to achieve long-term results

The best candidates for surgery are usually at or near a healthy weight (under 28 BMI) and have realistic expectations for what a tummy tuck can achieve. It’s also advised to wait until you have no future plans for pregnancy before undergoing abdominoplasty, as having children after surgery can negatively affect tummy tuck results. 

How is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?

Drain-Free Tummy Tuck

Dr. Garlick performs the drainless tummy tuck procedure, which incorporates liposuction and a special progressive tension suturing technique to avoid the need for post-surgical drains in most patients. A drainless approach can greatly improve the comfort during your recovery process, as well as shorten your recovery time with no increased risk of complications.

During the procedure, stubborn fat is extracted while loose, sagging skin is excised and underlying musculature is repaired. Progressive tension sutures are then used to close down the potential deadspace, which decreases the risks of fluid collections as well as helps contour your abdomen from the underside and shorten your recovery time. Dr. Garlick also uses his refined special technique to refine and create the belly button, ensuring your results look extremely natural.

“Instantly after meeting Dr. Garlick, I felt comfortable and confident in my procedure. He is so amazing with taking the time to go over all the options and helping you find what will work for your body. He has the best staff, everyone makes you feel important and they are always so kind. I love my results and am happy with the entire experience!”

Heather C.

Belly Button Revision

Belly button recreation/revision is an integral part of the tummy tuck procedure that Dr. Garlick pays close and special attention to. The navel is almost always visible underneath swimwear, requiring an unmatched attention to detail to properly recreate. While some plastic surgeons make belly button revision an optional secondary procedure, Dr. Garlick treats belly button recreation as a crucial part of one’s initial tummy tuck surgery. During this stage, Dr. Garlick meticulously reconstructs a natural-looking belly button to ensure your final results appear as elegant and refined as possible. He would be happy to show you before-and-after photos to give you a better understanding of what you can expect from the outcome of abdominoplasty.

Lipo 360

Dr. Garlick provides three-dimensional body contouring during a tummy tuck, meaning he treats the body’s entire circumference rather than just the front of the abdomen. Liposuction is typically performed to remove excess fat deposits and further refine the abdominal contour, creating the hourglass figure. This popular technique is known as “Lipo 360” and highlights the circumferential, 360 degree improvement achieved with the procedure. Lipo 360 allows fat to be removed from the waist, hips, flanks (“love handles”), and back, thereby smoothing bulges in the torso at the same time as abdominal reshaping with a tummy tuck. Thanks to Dr. Garlick’s comprehensive and meticulous approach to maximizing the aesthetic contour of the abdomen, patients are able to truly achieve an elevated caliber of tummy tuck results. 

Mini Tummy Tuck

If you only have mild skin sagging in the abdomen, Dr. Garlick also offers an abbreviated version of abdominoplasty called a “mini tummy tuck.” A mini tummy tuck still provides skin tightening benefits, but focuses on the area below the navel. Excess skin and fat are removed to slim the waistline and smooth the abdominal profile; however, unlike a full tummy tuck procedure, the underlying muscles aren’t tightened. As a result, a mini tummy tuck offers the benefits of a shortened incision, less post-op scarring, and a reduced recovery period when compared to traditional abdominoplasty.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After a Tummy Tuck?

It may take several months to fully realize the outcome of abdominoplasty, although you should notice a vast improvement in as little as one to two weeks. Swelling after surgery is to be expected and can come and go for up to six months depending on each patient. Numbness below the belly button and feelings of soreness are normal following surgery — these reactions are usually well-managed with over-the-counter medications and should subside naturally as your body heals in due time. Heavy lifting, core strengthening, and exercise are prohibited until Dr. Garlick instructs otherwise, which is usually not until 6-8 weeks after surgery. Patients generally return to work one to two weeks after their procedure depending on the nature of their job. Dr. Garlick will provide you with comprehensive recovery instructions and monitor your healing process in post-operative follow-up appointments.

Aftercare with ZO® Skin Health

Part of why Utah patients choose Dr. Garlick is his effective aftercare protocol, which tends to maximize and accentuate the quality of your final tummy tuck results. The key to further smoothing the tone and texture of your skin after abdominoplasty is using the scientifically-proven products in the ZO® Skin Health line. ZO® Skin Health formulations can powerfully improve the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin after tummy tuck surgery, particularly by combining the Body Emulsion + Wrinkle and Texture Repair serums. With twice-daily application of both the Body Emulsion + Wrinkle and Texture Repair solutions (combined) followed by the ZO® Hydrating Cream, patients at our practice have been able to achieve truly remarkable results in regaining a smoother, tauter skin texture. If you’re wondering how you can get rid of stretch marks following a tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with Dr. Garlick for a personalized treatment regimen tailored to your needs and procedure.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

Abdominoplasty is known for achieving lasting results that endure for at least 10 to 15 years, if not for a lifetime. The excess tissue removed during the procedure doesn’t come back, and your body contours should remain consistent as long as your weight is stable. That said, no cosmetic procedure will stop the natural aging process. Pregnancy, weight gain, and aging can all cause additional skin laxity on the abdomen, so we encourage patients to maximize their tummy tuck results by:

  • Living an active and healthy lifestyle to preserve your new abdominal shape: Changes to your body can still occur even after the tummy tuck procedure, but staying active can be one of the most effective ways to maintain the integrity of your final results.
  • Undergoing a tummy tuck only after you’re not planning on getting pregnant in the future: Having children after abdominoplasty can certainly reverse the enhancement achieved with the procedure, as the internal muscles often become re-stretched with future pregnancy.
  • Maintaining a stable weight to prevent contour irregularities: A tummy tuck does not prevent weight gain, so it’s important to minimize weight fluctuations as much as possible.

Our patient gallery showcases some of the natural-looking outcomes possible with tummy tuck surgery and we invite Salt Lake City patients to explore our before-and-after photos. Recontouring the abdomen while ensuring long-term results is one of the most notable benefits of a surgical procedure like a tummy tuck.

What Can I Expect From My Tummy Tuck Scars?

Every surgical procedure leaves scarring to some extent and a tummy tuck is no exception. Fortunately, scars from a tummy tuck are easily concealed beneath underwear and/or swimsuit bottoms, allowing patients to minimize evidence of surgery. Typically, patients who received a full tummy tuck have a scar that extends from hip to hip below the pubis. Those who received a mini tummy tuck, which refers to a shortened version of the procedure, have the benefit of less extensive scarring after their surgery. Dr. Garlick will show you where your scars are likely to appear during your consultation so you know what to expect following abdominoplasty.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Utah is personalized according to the unique details of your procedure, such as the surgical techniques utilized, the complexity of surgery, and the extent of your concerns. The total price of abdominoplasty will also include standard expenses typical of cosmetic surgery, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, lab fees, and the cost of the surgical facility, among other factors. Rest assured that Dr. Garlick’s team will provide you with a personalized cost estimate after your needs are assessed in a consultation. Dr. Garlick also accepts plastic surgery financing through Mountain America Credit Union and PatientFi® for qualified patients. 

Is a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Effective?

Unfortunately, no non-surgical technique can achieve results that rival the transformative outcomes typical of tummy tuck surgery. Abdominoplasty uniquely repairs internal musculature and permanently removes stretched, excess skin. These improvements involve techniques that cannot be replicated with exercises, workouts, or minimally invasive treatments.

Despite the marketing of products like the “tummy tuck belt,” which purports to achieve abdominoplasty results without surgery, there is no research or evidence to support these claims. Dr. Garlick advises patients to discuss their needs with a knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the safest and most effective treatment(s) to achieve their goals.

Abdominoplasty is considered among the most effective procedures to repair a stretched, hanging, or bulging abdomen caused by excess skin and fat. Explore your tummy tuck options by contacting Dr. Jared Garlick for a consultation or to learn more about the procedure.

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