Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Questions and Answers

Question:

Hi, I'm a 17 year old single mother of a 6 month old son. During my pregnancy I developed horrible strech marks that completely cover my stomach and go in circles around my belly button. I was wondering what type of surgery would best get rid of my battle scars and an approximate price. I would love to show off my stomach in a bikini again!

Answer:

Dear Julie, An abdominoplasty ( cost about $5000 total) is by far the best means to take care of your problem. However, should you get pregnant again you might need to do it all over again. Best of luck Dr. Korman

Josh Korman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mountain View, CA

Question:

I'm looking into lipusuction for my abdominal area. I've had 3 children, and while I'm back to 125 pounds, my excess skin and stretch marks are as unattractive as a huge pimple on my nose. Are there any surgeons in the Northern part of Alberta or Territories that can help me get rid of this unsightly skin?

Answer:

Dear Skinny, There are surgeons in your area although you may want to travel down to Edmonton or Calgary for those more experienced with cosmetic procedures. From your description, liposuction is not for you. You, rather, would be much better treated with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in order to remove the excess skin, tighten up your tummy muscles and remove the stretch marks. The down side is the scar that would be present. I would suggest a trip to central Alberta (I was born in Calgary) and consultation with a few plastic surgeons in the area before having the surgery done.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am scheduled to have a hysterectomy -- is it possible to do an abdominoplasty at the same time? I had a C-Section delivery 16 years ago and my stomach never tightened back up no matter how much exercise I put into it. With age, it has only gotten worse. Thank you. Sandee Sorem comcor@wtp.net

Answer 1:

I think that it is a super idea. I have performed many a tummy tuck on selected patients at the a hysterectomy is being done. Good luck!

Answer 2:

Dear Sandee, Yes it is possible, however, the complication rate from both procedures does increase when they are done together. It is also a consideration whether a vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy is being performed. Your gymecologist may have a plastic surgeon that he/she works with often. I would suggest that you discuss this matter with them.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Iwould like to know if a breast lift would enhanse the apperance of my breast i have 3 children and my breast sag badly i would also like to know the best way to get rid of bad stretch marks would a tummy tuck do the job? and is all of this very expensive?

Answer:

Dear Kimberly, I cannot tell if you need a breast lift procedure but the only down-side of it is the extensive scarring involved. Less scarring is evident the smaller the amount of lift necessary but it still tends to be visible. A breast lift procedure in my office costs from $4000 to $6000. If your abdominal stretch marks are below your belly button and you have a lot of loose skin or your abdominal muscles are lax, a tummy tuck would help and many of your lower abdominal stretch marks would be removed with the procedure. A tummy tuck costs the same as a breast lift in my practice depending, again, upon what is required and the extent of the procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Is there a surgery that can completely remove severe stretch marks? If so, where can I get this done?

Answer:

No. In my opinion, there is not yet a laser or any other procedure that allows for complete removal of stretch marks. If they are on the abdomen and a tummy tuck is otherwise needed, many can removed in this manner.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am interested in having liposuction to my stomach. I have read that good skin elasticity makes you a good candidates, but what determines that? What is the cost for this surgery? Thank you in advance for your prompt response.

Answer:

Dear Danita, Skin elasticity is all important in the liposuction procedure since you do not want to have a large amount of excess skin present after the procedure. Sometime if the skin is in excess and not very elastic, tummy tucks, thigh, buttock, etc. lifts need to be performed. The cost for abdominal liposuction is determined by the amount of fat needing removal and the operative time. Usually you would be thinking of spending from $3000 to $6000 for this procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

As my 46th birthday approaches, I have become increasing distressed about my burgeoning breast size. I am up to a C cup and gaining on a D. I would also like to have a waist again. What would ballpark figures be for Breast reduction and Tummy Tuck or Abdominioplasty?

Answer:

Dear p, The amounts vary across the country and with the extent of the procedure that you require but ballpark for the tummy would be $4000 to $6000 and for the breast reduction about the same. I would suggest that if the tummy tuck is fairly major, not to perform the two at the same time and to split the surgeries up by a few months. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

My wife is 5'4" and weighs about 125 lbs. After having four children she has a moderate fat deposit below the umbilicus and loose skin above it. The fat should respond well to liposuction. Is there a way to tighten the loose skin without leaving a noticable scar?

Answer:

Dear Mr. Stefan, No, not yet. A tummy tuck type of procedure would be best for the conditions that you describe but there is scarring involved. There are lasers under development to tighten skin without scarring but we are in our infancy with this procedure so far.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have lost 65 lbs , and I am seriously looking at getting some plastic surgery done on my belly , and my love handles.How much would it cost , and am I crazy for thinking of it , I REALLY want this junk gone FOR GOOD. thank-you.I live in New Brunswick , Canada

Answer:

I performed my plastic surgery residency in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Congratulations on the weight loss!! I would suggest that you likely need a tummy tuck - perhaps extended in order to remove all of the extra skin from your weight loss. It may be possible for the medical system to pick up some of the costs. I would suggest that you visit with some of surgeons in either NB (Dr. Lalonde) or some of the surgeons in Halifax for details on what will and won't be covered.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Is there anything to help me reduce my weight before I do a tummy tuck

Answer:

Tummy tuck procedures, unlike liposuction, should be performed when you reach your ideal or desired weight. There are really only two healthy means of reducing weight. Diet and exercise. There are many diets available but many that will not help your general health. The Shintani diet as well as the McDougall diet are two which promote healthy eating habits for a lifetime. They should help.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hello, I am to have an tummy tuck in conjunction with a hysterectomy the 29th. The reason, to save money. I am 43 yrs. old and am on a diet, I have lost 20 pds. and am to lose at least 60 more. My Dr. never said anything about needing to lose the weight before the tuck and I never thought to ask. But have been reading where you should lose the desired weight first. And am asking if you know why. I probably wouldn't be able to have the tuck done later because of the cost. I have to have the hyster. done now because I have a large fibroid tumor that has to come out. Do you know why I should wait to have it done? Also my Dr. doesn't do liposuction the same time due to some medical reason I can't recall, I read where alot of Dr.s do this at the same time. He said I could come in later, for a fee,(of course) for the lipo. Also I have to pay up front, by next week. So you see I need a quick answer, if possible. Thank you for your time. Sincerly, Donna.

Answer:

If you anticipate losing 60 more pounds this definetly should be accomplished prior to the tummy tuck. Should you lose the weight after the tuck you may very well have additonal loose skin that would require a second operation to remove. Your doctor is correct in advising to do liposuction as a second operation apart from the tummy tuck because combining a tummy tuck with extensive liposuction can severly complicate the results of the tuck. So lose the weight first and then have the tuck followed by the liposuction for the best results.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Next Step

• Learn about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Cosmetic Surgery doctors in your area

Advertisement