Diet and exercise sometimes do little to eliminate unwanted fat and loose skin in the abdominal area. If you are bothered by these appearance problems, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be a good choice for you. Abdominoplasty is performed to rid a person of excess skin and to tighten the weak abdominal wall muscles. This is frequently present in women following childbirth.
The procedure can be done as an outpatient surgery and sometimes can be done as a mini-abdominoplasty, which works mainly on the lower portion of the abdomen (in combination with liposuction). Recovery period is anywhere from 14-21 days, depending on the extent of the procedure and the tightening of the abdominal wall musculature. Liposuction and body contouring can also be performed at the time of this surgery.
The Consultation at Cleveland Plastic Surgery
- When you schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Medalie, he will go over the procedure in depth, show you numerous patient pictures and let you examine photos of your own abdomen, sides and back in order to get an accurate idea of what surgery can and can not do for you.
- This will gives you an opportunity to see if you can communicate well with Dr. Medalie.
- Dr. Medalie can assess you for any issues that may complicate or prevent your abdominoplasty surgery.
- You can learn how different choices may impact your result.
- You can learn about different types of tummy tuck surgery (such as mini, full, fleur-de-lis, circumferential)
- Together, you and Dr. Medalie will come up with a plan for surgery that achieves your goals for a more refined and pleasing torso.
- You can ask what to expect during your recovery from your abdominoplasty procedure.
What Are The Steps Of A Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Medalie will recommend the best choice for you. For a full tummy tuck all patients must go to sleep under general anesthesia. In addition right after you go to sleep, Dr. Medalie will infiltrate tumescent anesthesia into your abdomen, sides and flank region. This is dilute local anesthesia which constricts blood vessels and further numbs you up so that when you wake up your are not as sore. It also minimizes bleeding during the surgery. Finally, Dr. Medalie will inject long acting local into the muscle fascia while it is exposed during the abdominoplasty. This local can have effects up to three days.
Step 2 – The Incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.
The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired. Dr. Medalie uses a triple layer of stitches in the midline to repair the rectus diastasis. Sometime he also uses stitches lateral to the belly button and across the lower abdomen.
A second incision around the belly button is usually necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Step 3 – Closing The Incisions
Sutures (all dissolve in 3-4 months), skin adhesives, and steri-strips close the skin incisions. All patients have two silicone rubber drains coming out of the pubic area. These typically stay in for 1 week. Foam is applied to the abdomen and an abdominal binder. All dressings then stays on for 4-5 days to minimize swelling and bruising.
Step 4 – See The Results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Get more information about tummy tuck results.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery: Cost, Recovery, and What to Expect
Abdominoplasty surgery, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. Many men and women choose abdominoplasty after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging to restore a firmer, flatter stomach. As one of the most popular body contouring procedures, a tummy tuck delivers lasting improvements in both appearance and confidence.
What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the midsection. Factors such as pregnancy, genetics, and major weight changes can stretch the abdominal skin and weaken muscles, leaving behind loose skin and bulges that diet and exercise alone cannot correct.
A tummy tuck addresses these concerns by:
- Removing excess skin and fat
- Tightening separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Creating a flatter, smoother, more toned midsection
Benefits of Abdominoplasty Surgery
Patients often choose abdominoplasty for a combination of cosmetic and functional benefits, including:
- Flatter, firmer abdomen with improved contour
- Removal of loose or hanging skin after pregnancy or weight loss
- Improved muscle tone and repair of abdominal separation
- Reduction in stretch marks, particularly below the navel
- Boosted self-confidence and comfort in clothing
Abdominoplasty Procedure: How It’s Done
A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes 2–4 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. There are several types of abdominoplasty:
- Full Abdominoplasty:Â Removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles.
- Mini Tummy Tuck:Â Focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button.
- Extended Tummy Tuck:Â Targets the abdomen, flanks, and sometimes the lower back for patients with significant excess tissue.
The procedure typically involves an incision low on the abdomen, which is placed to be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.
Abdominoplasty Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck varies by patient and the extent of surgery, but most people find it manageable with proper care.
- Back to work: 2–3 weeks (longer for physically demanding jobs)
- Exercise: Light activity after 2 weeks; full exercise after 6–8 weeks
- Swelling resolution: Improves gradually over 2–3 months
- Final results: Visible within 3–6 months, with scars continuing to fade over 12–18 months
Compression garments and careful aftercare help reduce swelling and support healing.
Abdominoplasty Cost
The cost of abdominoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. On average, tummy tuck costs range from $10,000 to $12,000 for Dr. Medalie. Fees include anesthesia, surgical facility costs, and follow-up visits.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Tummy tuck before and after photos can demonstrate the dramatic improvements possible with abdominoplasty. While each patient’s results are unique, most enjoy a flatter, smoother, and more toned abdomen that is long-lasting with proper diet and exercise. Click HERE to see Dr. Medalie's Tummy Tuck Photo Gallery
Is Abdominoplasty Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you:
- Have loose or hanging skin on your abdomen
- Struggle with stretched abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Want to restore a firmer, more youthful midsection
- Are in good overall health and at a stable weight
A personal consultation with Dr. Medalie can confirm if a tummy tuck is right for you.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Risks and Benefits for Abdominal Contouring
| Feature | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles | Removes localized fat deposits |
| Best For | Patients with loose skin, stretched muscles (often after pregnancy or major weight loss) | Patients with good skin tone but stubborn fat pockets |
| Procedure | Involves surgical removal of skin and fat plus muscle repair | Fat suctioned out through small cannulas |
| Results | Flatter, firmer abdomen with tightened skin and muscles | Slimmer, more contoured abdomen if skin is elastic |
| Scarring | Low abdominal scar, hip to hip (concealed below underwear) | Small, minimal scars at cannula entry points |
| Recovery Time | 2–3 weeks off work, full recovery 8–12weeks | 3–7 days off work, full recovery 2–4 weeks |
| Risks | Infection, blood clots, delayed healing, fluid accumulation, visible scarring | Irregular contours, skin laxity, fluid accumulation, minor scarring |
| Cost | Higher (average $6,000–$12,000) | Lower (average $3,000–$7,000) |
| Longevity | Long-lasting with stable weight and healthy lifestyle | Long-lasting if weight remains stable, but skin may sag if elasticity is poor |
 Bottom line: A tummy tuck is the best option for patients with loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles, while liposuction is ideal for those with good skin tone who want to target stubborn fat. In some cases, surgeons combine both procedures for optimal abdominal contouring.
Choosing an Abdominoplasty Surgeon
When searching for tummy tuck near me, look for a surgeon who is:
- Board-certified in plastic surgery
- Experienced in body contouring procedures
- Able to provide personalized treatment plans and before/after examples
- Dr. Medalie meets all of these criteria. He has been performing tummy tucks since 1999 and specializes in body contouring surgery.
Final Thoughts
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery is one of the most effective ways to restore a firmer, flatter abdomen and enhance overall body confidence. Whether after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, abdominoplasty delivers long-lasting results that diet and exercise cannot achieve alone. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, consult with Dr Medalie of Cleveland Plastic Surgery to explore your options.
View Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Do I Need General Anesthesia?
Yes-Abdominoplasty needs to be performed with the patient asleep.
How long does it take?
Typical surgery time is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
What is the chance of infection?
I typically give my patients antibiotics on the day of surgery. Post operative infections are rare and are typically related to the dissolving sutures which can sometimes irritate the skin. Please be aware that smoking is the number one reason for post-operative infections and healing problems. I thus require my patients to STOP SMOKING at least 3 months prior to a tummy tuck procedure.
Are there bleeding risks?
During the surgery, local anesthetic is injected into the tissue using a tumescent technique-this blocks the sensation and also constricts blood vessels. As a result, there is very little bleeding during the surgery. I have NEVER had a patient have a severe bleeding complication post-op, but it is not impossible and a return trip to the OR may be necessary. No one has ever needed a blood transfusion for this procedure.
What is the recovery?
After the abdominoplasty procedure a patient will spend about 1 hour in the post-op recovery room. Drain care and wound care will be reviewed with the nurses. At home, patients are encouraged to start moving right away and keep the blood circulating in their legs. The abdominoplasty dressing consists of foam and a binder and stays on without being removed for at least 5 days. The drains typically are removed after 1 week. Once the drains are out, tummy tuck patients feel much better and can start to shower and resume driving and other normal activities. No crunches or heavy lifting are allowed for up to 3 months to make sure that the rectus diastasis tightening stitches remain intact.
When can I resume my normal activity?
I recommend that patients refrain from exercise for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Even after 3 weeks, the incisions may be sensitive and patients need to use caution. Full activity including abdominal crunches can not resume until the patient is 3 months out from surgery.
When will I be completely healed?
Some of the deep sutures under the skin can take up to three months to completely dissolve. For this reason, some patients may report sensitivity issues such as itching for up to three months post-op. Abdominal wall sensation may always be a little numb. Typically my patients have resumed full activity by 3 months. The final result including fading of the tummy tuck scars can take up to 1 year.
Can other procedures be performed at the same time as abdominoplasty?
Yes – I frequently perform multiple procedures on tummy tuck patients. Almost 100% of the time, I perform liposuction of the abdomen, sides and love handles. Sometimes, I also perform breast procedures such as breast augmentation or breast lift. Many of my patients ask for vaginoplasty or labiplasty as an adjunct to the tummy tuck (please see the mommy makeover section).
What does it cost?
A full abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks and abdomen costs around $11,500-$12,500 at Dr. Medalie’s outpatient surgery location. All procedures are less expensive when combined with other procedures such as vaginoplasty or breast augmentation.
What if I am from out of town?
I frequently perform abdominoplasty and body contouring surgery on patients who live out of town and are unable to easily to see me in consultation prior to the procedure. I have several requirements for these patients: I must see pictures of them prior to scheduling surgery. They need to contact my office and have my patient care manager email them a medical history form to be filled out and sent back. Typically the patient will come into town 1 day prior to the procedure, and I will see them the day of surgery. I will perform a phone consultation about 3 weeks prior to surgery. I will then perform the operation and see them back in my clinic in several days to check the surgical site and answer any questions. This means that the patient will spend around 4-7 days in the Cleveland area. Patients who live far away, but can drive to Cleveland (2-6 hrs.), can go home the next day and drive back to see me for their first post-operative appointment. I will then follow the progress of the patient via e-mailed pictures. My patient care manager has information about hotels in the area as well as financing. You may contact her at valerie@clevelandplasticsurgery.com.
What Patients are Saying
" Dr. Medalie did a tummy tuck on me as well as arm lifts and breast lifts with breast implants. This was a very big day for me and one that I had been waiting for for a long time. I have three kids and gained a lot of weight during and after my kids. When I lost some of that weight I ended up with loose skin and really saggy boobs. My right boob was also much bigger and droopier than my left one. I also had lots of stretch marks on my belly. I was so nervous on the day of surgery but Dr. Medalie is cool as a cucumber and seemed completely sure of himself. The operation took around 6 and a half hours, but I was only in recovery for about an hour after that. I had drains in my belly and arms but none in my boobs. I will not lie, that first week was not fun! But I got better pretty quick and his nurse Michelle was super helpful with all my questions. Long story short, I look great! My boobs are even and perky! I actually was not expecting my final results. How can you really picture what you are going to look like after so much time looking a different way. I am so happy. I can not recommend Dr. Medalie and his team enough. You will not go wrong!"
-Sonia B
Where can I get more information?
Please call Dr. Medalie at 216-393-9924. You can also e-mail his patient care manager, Valerie, at valerie@clevelandplasticsurgery.com.
