Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that uses incisions in your abdomen to remove excess fat and skin and permanent sutures to restore weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal area that is smoother, firmer, and more toned.
Also Known As
Abdominoplasty
Anesthesia
General
Hospital Stay
Inpatient or Outpatient
Typical Recovery Time
Several Months to a Year
About the Surgery
How safe is tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck is a common surgery with minimal risks, though there are some. If you’re a smoker, your surgeon might recommend that you stop at least during the time of your procedure because smoking can impede healing. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit health care watchdog organization; and was named the safest hospital in Indiana on the Lown Institute Hospital Index.
How do I know if tummy tuck surgery is right for me?
You’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are bothered by fat, loose skin, and stretch marks in your stomach area. The loose skin and fat can be caused by aging, heredity, pregnancy, weight changes, prior surgery, or fluctuations in weight.
How is a tummy tuck done?
In a full tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will place horizontal incisions to remove most of the protruding skin and fat between your belly button and pubic area. Permanent sutures will be placed to tighten the fascia—connective tissue—around your abdomen. Once that’s done, your surgeon will readjust your skin around your belly button using another, much smaller, incision. Then your incisions will be closed.
Before Surgery
How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?
Prior to your procedure, you may be asked to get lab tests and a medical evaluation. (Not sure where to go to get your lab tests? Check out Gateway Hancock Health, where you’ll be able to get in and out quickly and pay, on average, 70% less than you’ll pay at a hospital.)
If you smoke, you’ll probably be asked to stop for several weeks or months, and you’ll also likely be instructed not to take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding. Your surgeon will also likely tell you not to eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgeries.
During Surgery
How long will I be in the hospital after tummy tuck surgery?
You might be released to go home that same day or stay in the hospital for one or two days.
How long does a tummy tuck take?
A tummy tuck typically takes one to five hours.
Insurance & Costs
What are payment options like for tummy tuck surgery at Hancock Health?
Hancock Health is committed to helping make great care affordable for all patients. To find out more about payment options, please visit the billing and insurance FAQ page at HancockRegionalHospital.org.
Will Medicare cover a tummy tuck?
Because it’s typically elective cosmetic surgery, Medicare will usually not cover a tummy tuck unless it has been deemed medically necessary.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
Consult the Price Transparency Tool at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much tummy tuck surgery might cost.
READY TO TALK?
Whether you’re looking for an initial consultation or a second opinion—or you just have more questions—we’re here to help. Get in touch with us, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
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