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Tummy Tuck in Birmingham AL

Streamline Your Figure with a Smoother, Firmer Profile

Tummy tuck model

People who have lost a considerable amount of weight, possibly following bariatric surgery, often experience excess abdominal skin and laxity of the abdominal muscles. Even those of near-normal body weight and proportions can develop a protruding, loose or sagging abdomen due to aging, heredity, pregnancy or weight fluctuations.

Many of us strive for a flat and well-toned abdomen through exercise and weight control. However, these methods sometimes fail to achieve our goals.

A Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen area, and in most cases restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Highly experienced in performing tummy tucks and other body contouring procedures, our plastic surgeons in Birmingham, Alabama can streamline your figure with a smoother, firmer abdominal profile in better proportion to your weight and body type.

Tummy Tuck Cost: starts at $6,200 including facility fee.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

In general, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck include:

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, people who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although they may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that are excised.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

The success and safety of your tummy tuck depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You will be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss:

Your tummy tuck surgeon will also:

Tummy Tuck Risks and Safety

Each patient must decide if the benefits of abdominoplasty surgery will achieve their goals, and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks of a tummy tuck include:

Tummy tuck risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all of your concerns about risks with your plastic surgeon. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

In preparing for a tummy tuck, you may be asked to:

Tummy tuck procedures are performed at our accredited Outpatient Surgery Facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery is performed using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.

Tummy Tuck Incisions

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.

Diagram showing tummy tuck incisions and abdominal muscles
Tummy Tuck incision

The shape and length of the incision is determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Diagram showing abdominal muscles repair and tummy tuck incision
Tummy Tuck abdominal sutures

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.

Tummy Tuck before and after with incision
Tummy Tuck before and after

The skin incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions. You may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. Following these instructions is essential to the success of your tummy tuck. The instructions may include:

The surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, motion, swelling or abrasion during the time of healing.

Tummy Tuck Results

Your tummy tuck with Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn or Dr. Joshua Halka will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

The final results of tummy tuck surgery may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile.

The tummy tuck scar may take several months to a year to fade as much as it will. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Tummy Tuck Words to Know

Procedure Information © American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery

A Tummy Tuck creates a firmer abdominal profile by removing excess skin and fat, tightening muscles.

Birmingham, AL Office & Surgery Suites

Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery
140 Village Street
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-980-1744 or 800-HeddenMD
American Society of Plastic Surgeons* American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery*
* Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn
Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery

Contact Us Today

Questions About Body Contouring?

Please contact Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery today to find out more about Tummy Tuck to smooth and reshape your abdominal profile.

To schedule your consultation at the earliest possible date, please call 205-980-1744.

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