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What is the cost of a tummy tuck? 

At Hill Country Plastic Surgery, a tummy tuck starts at $7,000, but the final cost depends on several factors. You will get an exact price for your custom procedure during your consultation.

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Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

What happens during a tummy tuck?

    Muscle separation is corrected by suturing them in place, known as "abdominal plication." Excess abdominal skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and sutured lower on the abdomen. The belly button remains in place but is brought through the new skin layer for a refreshed appearance.

    Liposuction can be combined with abdominoplasty but has limitations. We are addressing significant abdominal fat through weight loss or liposuction before abdominoplasty is advisable.

    Lower abdominal stretch marks can be removed during abdominoplasty surgery. Results are permanent but influenced by weight fluctuations. Surgery should be performed at or near your ideal weight, and if future weight loss or pregnancies are planned, it's best to postpone. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise.

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    Tummy Tuck Introduction Video

    Dr. Shah & Dr. Farber

    Variations of tummy tuck surgery 

    “Fleur-de-lis”

    For patients that have undergone major weight loss and have a lot of excess skin, a “fleur-de-lis” procedure may be the best option. This procedure involves making an incision in the shape of a fleur-de-lis, a flower-shaped symbol often associated with French culture. The surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and any loose or stretched-out muscles. In some cases, the surgeon may also tighten the abdominal muscles. The incisions will then be closed with sutures, and the recovery process will begin. 

    Mini abdominoplasty

    A mini abdominoplasty entails the removal of excess skin and fat below the belly button. This method can be utilized for patients with excess skin that often hangs over c-section scars. The abdominal muscles are not tightened, and the belly button is not moved. This is not a suitable procedure for patients with extra skin above the belly button or a sagging belly button. Liposuction can be combined with a mini abdominoplasty.

    References:  How To Minimize Tummy Tuck Scars After 5 Years.

    Panniculectomy

    A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. The panniculus is the apron of skin and fat that hangs down from the lower abdomen, often extending to the thighs. This can be a result of dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or other factors.

    A panniculectomy is not to be confused with a tummy tuck, as the latter is a cosmetic procedure that also tightens the abdominal muscles for a more toned appearance. A panniculectomy will only remove the excess skin and fat. However, this can still make your abdominal area flatter. 

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    Dr. Amita Shah

    Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

    Hill Country Plastic Surgery was founded by two experienced board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Scott Farber and Dr. Amita Shah. With years of experience, they have performed some of the most complex plastic surgery procedures, including tummy tucks in San Antonio & Boerne, TX.

    Learn More About Dr. Shah

    Dr. Amita Shah

    Dr. Scott Farber

    Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

    Dr. Shah and Dr. Farber specialize in drainless tummy tucks, offering a unique alternative to traditional tummy tuck surgery. This expertise reduces recovery time by eliminating the need for managing and emptying drains.

    Learn More About Dr. Farber

    Dr. Scott J. Farber

    Video: What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

    Dr. Shah & Dr. Farber

    Tummy Tuck Consultation

    During your tummy tuck consultation at Hill Country Plastic Surgery, we will discuss:

    • Your concerns and goals
    • Review your health and lifestyle
    • Perform a physical exam
    • Take measurements for surgery planning.

    After the consultation, you will receive access to your notes via the patient portal and can contact us with any questions or concerns.

    When you're ready for an abdominoplasty in San Antonio, contact our office to schedule a pre-operative appointment with one of our surgeons.

    Tummy tuck FAQs

    Will I stay overnight after my procedure?

    How do I know which surgery is right for me?

    When can I return to normal activities?

    Is a tummy tuck be covered by insurance?

    Will I stay overnight after my procedure?

    After an abdominoplasty, most patients can go home the same day. If we are doing an excision of a large amount of skin or additional procedures, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital or surgical center.

    How do I know which surgery is right for me?

    During your consultation, your surgeon will review all your options and supply you with recommendations. In general, an abdominoplasty is a good option if:

    • You are at your ideal weight and have been stable at that weight for at least 6 months
    • You are nicotine free. Nicotine can cause severe complications such as skin necrosis and wound separation. Tobacco use can also lead to an increased risk of developing a blood clot
    • you have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.
    • If you have any bleeding or clotting problems, it is important that we are made aware of it. We will work with your hematologist to determine if this is a safe operation for you.
    • If you have significant medical problems, we will work with your physicians to determine if you can safely undergo surgery.

    If you are considering abdominoplasty, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience performing this procedure. The surgeon will be able to evaluate your individual case and provide you with specific recommendations.

    When can I return to normal activities?

    You can return to your normal activities in about six weeks. If you had abdominal plication performed, you may want to limit your abdominal core workouts until 3 months after surgery. When resuming activities, it is recommended that you start slow and wear an abdominal binder at first and slowly increase your activity level.

    Is a tummy tuck be covered by insurance?

    A cosmetic abdominoplasty is not covered by insurance, however, if you have chronic rashes under excess skin, your insurance carrier may cover a panniculectomy. If you are having a panniculectomy, the abdominal muscle plication (six pack tightening) and any additional dissection and liposuction will not be covered. These procedures can be combined with the panniculectomy but will be an additional and separate cost. We will work with your insurance carrier, but the final decision will be theirs.

    Book your tummy tuck consultation!

    Dr. Shah & Dr. Farber

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