Tummy Tuck
Pregnancy, weight gain, or significant weight loss can leave you with stubborn fat deposits and stretched skin on your abdomen.
Board-certified surgeon Jaime Perez performs abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, at his Tampa, FL, practice to tighten and tone your figure.
Who should consider a tummy tuck procedure?
What Is an Abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that has been used by plastic surgeons since the 1960s to remove loose skin in the abdomen and contour the trunk. The belly button can be repositioned or recreated, depending on the patient's needs. Traditional tummy tuck procedures merely elevated and removed excess skin through a large, lower abdominal incision, did not tighten the abdominal muscles, and paid little attention to the overall physique or harmony between the abdominal area and lower body. Our Tampa surgeon can give you natural-looking results that complement your entire frame
Real Tummy Tuck Results by Dr. Perez
From the flanks to the belly button, tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures by Dr. Jaime Perez can give you natural-looking results.
Abdominoplasty Surgery Can Address a Variety of Issues
Feelings of Self-Consciousness
Most people considering a tummy tuck in Tampa have become dissatisfied with the appearance of their abdomen whether due to stubborn areas of excess fat, stretched skin, or weakened muscles.
Weak Muscles and Stretched Skin
Pregnancy and weight loss following childbirth can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles beyond their biomechanical ability to retract. The result is laxity and thinning of the skin and separation and bulging of the abdominal muscles.
Excess Fat
Aging and weight changes can also create an unattractive abdominal contour with loose skin, stretch marks, and a lower abdominal "pooch" that is not corrected by exercise.
Offering Virtual Consultations Schedule a Consultation with a Tummy Tuck expert
Dr. Perez Discusses Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck procedure can help patients achieve a curvy figure by eliminating belly fat around the stomach and love handles. Because the placement of the incision during the procedure is so low on the abdomen, and is just 15 to 17 centimeters long, patients can easily hide the minor scarring. The procedure combines the pulling of the abdomen wall with liposuction to give patients a stunning result.
What Happens during a Tummy Tuck?
Changing fashions, a better understanding of abdominal wall anatomy, and improved surgical techniques allow today's best plastic surgeons to perform tailor-made abdominoplasty based on each patient's individual desires and anatomy.
More Patient Results
Why Choose Dr. Jaime Perez
for Your Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Perez is a leading tummy tuck surgeon in Tampa and all of South Florida. His goal with each procedure is to sculpt a flat and sexy abdomen through the smallest incision possible while ensuring smooth, beautiful transitions between all body parts. To accomplish this, he not only tightens the abdominal muscles of every patient, but he also performs liposuction of the hips and flanks to produce a seamless, silky silhouette.
Having trained and been board-certified in both general surgery and plastic surgery, Dr. Perez is familiar and comfortable with this anatomy and able to diagnose the exact cause of each patient's dissatisfaction. He can perform an abdominoplasty alone or as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover.
Dr. Perez's Prestigious Affiliations
Ready to Get Started?
Tummy tuck is a particular area of interest and specialty of Dr. Perez. He has been perfecting his technique, adjusting it to the anatomy, fashion sense, and needs of each patient for over 10 years in private practice and six years at Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa. His gentle technique and aesthetic eye as an abdominoplasty surgeon can restore almost any waist to the hourglass shape of its youth. He can also combine the techniques of other treatments, such as liposuction, to create the results you desire.
If you are ready to transform your figure, contact our Tampa, FL, office online or call (813) 877-3739 today. We can discuss your goals in person or over a virtual consultation.
The Cost of a Tummy Tuck
The price of abdominoplasty varies depending on several factors, including the location of the practice, the surgeon's skill, and the techniques required to produce the best possible results. According to RealSelf.com, the average price of a tummy tuck in the United States is $8,250. A tummy tuck at Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa begins at $9,900.
Dr. Perez can examine you during a tummy tuck consultation and provide you with an individualized price depending on your unique needs. Some of the factors that will be considered include the complexity of each case, the distribution of fat deposits and excess skin, and the potential need for complementary procedures.
A 5-Star Google Review
"Dr. Perez and his team are absolutely amazing! I felt completely safe and confident in his abilities and bedside manner. I am so happy with my results. I could not have asked for more. My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner! I will forever be indebted to Dr. Perez for allowing me to finally like and appreciate my body." Allison L
Finance Your Procedure with CareCredit
Dr. Perez and the staff at the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa understand that price is a concern for many patients considering plastic surgery. Many patients take advantage of the financing options that we accept with CareCredit®; these plans can help patients work the cost of treatment into their budget.
To learn more about the cost of a tummy tuck at our Tampa, FL, plastic surgery office, contact us online or call:
(813) 877-3739
Risks of Abdominoplasty
The majority of patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery love their new body and can't wait to get back into their "skinny jeans" or a new swimming suit. Despite the high patient satisfaction rate, like every plastic and cosmetic surgery, there are well-known risks associated with tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. Perez in Tampa is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive abdominoplasty experience. He examines all of his patients within one to two days after surgery so that in the rare chance there is a complication, it can be diagnosed and addressed appropriately.
Rare Complications
The most serious complications of tummy tucks are fortunately rare and include blood clots of the leg (approximately 1% of patients) and blood clots of the lungs (less than 1% of patients).
Risk Factors for Blood Clots
Patients at increased risk of blood clots include those with a history of:
- Blood clots
- Clotting disorders
- Cancer
- Spontaneous miscarriages
- Pregnancy within the last three months
- Age over 40
- Patients taking birth control pills
Make sure to discuss your full medical history with Dr. Perez prior to surgery.
Minor Complications
Other minor complications of tummy tuck surgery include:
- Small areas of wound breakdown
- Fluid collections under the skin
- Contour irregularities on the sides of the incision
"He is an ARTIST!"
"Dr. Perez is a magnificent plastic surgeon! My experience with him was exceptional... I am now 6 weeks post op and I feel amazing, I love my body it looks so natural just as I imagined it, I'm in love!!! ...Dr. Perez works magic with his hands, he is an ARTIST!!! You will look absolutely phenomenal. If there were 10 stars to give, he would be a 10!" Laura
Benefit from Treatment by an Abdominoplasty Specialist
Dr. Jaime Perez has been perfecting his tummy tuck technique for nearly 20 years and might also recommend precisely tailored lipoabdominoplasty for patients who want an even more dramatic effect. In addition to his years of experience, Dr. Perez has achieved board-certification from the:
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
- American Board of Surgery
For more information about undergoing a tummy tuck at Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa, contact our office online or call:
(813) 877-3739
Liposuction Tummy Tuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)
Our Tampa practice can combine liposuction with a tummy tuck. In contrast to the standard tummy tuck which relies on sharp dissection to separate excess abdominal skin from the underlying abdominal wall, liposuction tummy tuck relies on cannulas to dissect between the skin and abdominal wall, preserving delicate blood vessels in the process.
Because there is less theoretical damage to the existing blood vessels than with a standard tummy tuck, aggressive liposuction can safely be performed in the upper and lateral abdomen, flanks, hips, and back.
Another difference between liposuction tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck is that the fascial layer separating the superficial and deep fat of the abdominal wall is preserved during liposuction tummy tuck.
Many believe that preservation of the fascial layer may help absorb fluid accumulations between the abdominal wall and skin and decrease the length of time that drains must be used. This often expedites recovery.
Is Abdominoplasty with Liposuction Right for Me?
The ideal candidate for a liposuction tummy tuck is:
- Healthy
- Has been at a stable weight for at least six to twelve months
- Is near his/her ideal body weight
- Does not plan on future pregnancies
- Has a moderate amount of excess abdominal skin, fat, and muscle bulging
- Desires total abdominal, flank, hips, and back sculpting
Patients who are still in the process of losing weight or may want to become pregnant in the future should postpone a tummy tuck until after having met their target weight and have finished growing their family. Finally, patients with a history of smoking, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots may not be candidates for this surgery or, at the very least, may need to undergo preoperative medical clearance and smoking cessation.
Patients who are still in the process of losing weight or may want to become pregnant in the future should postpone a tummy tuck until after having met their target weight and finished growing their family.
The Short-Scar Full Tummy Tuck Procedure
After lipo is complete, the tummy tuck portion of surgery begins by making a 15-17cm horizontal incision approximately 6cm above the labial commissure (shown by the red line in Figure 1). Due to the low placement and short length of this scar, it is easily hidden by an undergarment or bikini. Then, the abdomen is dissected all the way from the pubic area to the xiphoid process (bottom edge of the sternum) just like in a regular full tummy tuck. Next, the abdominal muscles are plicated to correct the muscle separation that often results from childbearing. The excess skin and belly fat within the triangle are removed and the skin outside of the triangle is pulled down to close the incision. Lastly, a new hole for the belly button is made and it is sutured down at its new position.
Note that the length of skin pulled down (shown by the blue lines) is roughly twice the length of the lower abdominal incision (red line). Because there is a greater length of skin being pulled down than would normally fit within the length of the lower incision, the tummy tuck scar often appears “wrinkly” after surgery. However, this wrinkling is temporary and usually smooths out within seven months. After a year, the scar from a tummy tuck has faded to its fullest extent.
Liposuction Tummy Tuck Recovery
Liposuction tummy tuck surgery typically takes three hours and is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Immediately after surgery, patients are placed in compression garments that must be worn for six weeks to help support and shape the healing tissues. If drains are placed, they are generally removed in the office in seven to ten days when they are putting out less than 30 ml per day. Recovery times following a liposuction tummy tuck vary, but patients are generally able to return to work in one to two weeks, light exercise in three to four weeks, and full recovery and exercise in five to six weeks. Antibiotics and pain medicines are prescribed following the surgery.
Patients are generally able to return to work in one to two weeks.
Cost of Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
The price of a liposuction tummy tuck is usually similar to that of a traditional tummy tuck. However, prices of a liposuction tummy tuck will vary depending on the complexity of each patient and the necessity of other simultaneous procedures.
Dr. Jaime Perez and the staff at the Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa understand that price is a concern for many patients considering a tummy tuck. We believe that cost should not deter anyone from obtaining plastic surgery and the body of their dreams and thus provide assistance with financing options through Care Credit (a company specializing in providing financing for cosmetic surgery procedures).
The cost of a tummy tuck by Dr. Jaime Perez begins at $8,900.
