Tummy Tuck in Nashville, TN

What is a Tummy Tuck?

When it comes to the “battle of the bulge,” the midsection is often a target for men and women. The abdominal area often collects fat before other areas of the body. Coupled with weakening abdominal muscles, this gives your stomach and flanks a rolled appearance rather than the chiseled, shapely look that you want.

Tummy tuck surgery may help. Drs. MaDan and Hueneke make an incision from one hip bone to the other to allow access to the muscles and tissues of the abdominal area. During the procedure, he may:

Use sutures to tighten muscles
Sculpt fat with liposuction
Remove excess fat and skin

View All Before and After Pictures

What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is $8,000 - $8,500, although this does vary by patient. We can discuss the details of your tummy tuck at the time of your consultation. For your convenience, Plastic Surgery Affiliates offers financing options for qualified patients.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Gives the abdomen a flatter appearance
Tightens underlying muscles
Improves body proportions and how clothing fits

What is the Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Your abdomen may be wrapped with a special bandage that keeps a slight amount of compression on the abdominal area. This helps to reduce swelling, hold the tissues in place, and shorten recovery. You will wear the bandage for up to six weeks. During this time, avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise.

Prepare to remain at home for a few days immediately after your surgery. Due to the limitations on your activities, we recommend that you arrange for someone to stay with you and help you eat, bathe, and perform other daily tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do tummy tucks last?

The surgical results from a tummy tuck can be permanent. The skin and fat that is removed will
never come back. However, weight loss, weight gain, and pregnancy could change the skin and
fat that are left behind. These are the greatest factors that could alter your surgical result.

Does a tummy tuck remove fat?

A tummy tuck usually removes the skin and fat below the belly button. Liposuction (of flanks and
or bra line) can be included in the tummy tuck procedure to give a more hourglass figure.

Is it safe to have a baby after a tummy tuck?

It is possible to have a baby after a tummy tuck, however your tummy tuck results will change.
The weight changes and size increase from pregnancy will stretch out the muscle repair and
can contribute to excess skin and fat post-pregnancy.

What is rectus diastasis? Do I have one? How is it fixed?

‘Rectus diastasis’ is a separation between the ab muscles. It is most likely to occur with large
fluctuations in weight (weight loss/gain ~70 - 100 lbs) and pregnancy. Anyone who has been
pregnant or had massive weight loss most likely has abdominal wall laxity.
Rectus diastasis is repaired by tightening the ab muscles to eliminate the separation.

Is there a scar after a tummy tuck?

The scar for a tummy tuck usually extends from hip to hip. This allows the greatest amount of
skin removal and contouring. The ideal scar location is invisible when wearing underwear or
bathing suit. A scar can take up to 12 months to fully mature. The goal is for the scar to be thin,
soft and similar in color to surrounding skin.

When will I see my results after a tummy tuck?

The change in skin and fat removal are immediate. Skin tightening from liposuction can take 3
or more months to be noticeable. Swelling after surgery can last 3 months or more.
Compression garments are worn continuously for 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I exercise after a tummy tuck?

Low intensity activities can start around two weeks after tummy tuck procedure. Low intensity
activities include walking, stationary or recumbent bike, elliptical. Lifting anything more than 10
pounds in limited for the first two weeks post-op. Activity restrictions are usually lifted at six
weeks post surgery.

Is an abdominoplasty the same procedure as a tummy tuck?

Yes. The terms abdominoplasty and tummy tuck can be used interchangeably.

Can a tummy tuck cause stomach issues?

It is possible that tummy tuck can cause changes in constipation, diarrhea, IBS symptoms.

What is a seroma after a tummy tuck?

A seroma is a fluid collection within the tummy tuck. It occurs when your body is unable to
absorb all of the normal fluid produced by surgery. Seroma can be often be treated in clinic with
drainage or placement of a drain.

What is a drainless tummy tuck?

A drainless tummy tuck can often be performed on patients who do not need a large amount (<1
L) of liposuction. ‘Progressive tension sutures’ can help eliminate the need for a drain.

What qualifies you for a tummy tuck?

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is one who is within 10% of goal weight, no significant
intra-abdominal fat, and excess skin and fat hanging below the belly button.
Intra-abdominal fat is the fat around your internal organs. It is unable to be removed surgically.
The ideal way to get rid of intra-abdominal fat is weight loss through diet and exercise.

How much do you have to weigh to qualify for a tummy tuck?

There is no specific weight that qualifies for a tummy tuck. Ideal weight is within 10% of stable
goal weight to allow long-lasting results. Body Mass Index for elective tummy tuck procedure
should be less than 35 to minimize complications like wound healing problems.

How many sizes to you lose after a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. The weight removed is often much less than you
would guess. Tummy tuck results are difficult to measure in sizes lost. The majority of patients
see a loss of inches and improved body contour.

Are tummy tucks permanent?

The skin and fat removed from a tummy tuck are gone forever. The skin and fat left behind are
still able to change with weight loss, weight gain, and pregnancy. The best way to ensure long-
lasting results are to stay within 10% of your goal weight after surgery.

Are tummy tucks painful?

The post-operative pain can be treated with a pain pump and/or oral pain medication. Most
patients need pain medication for 2- 5 days after surgery.

Can you gain or lose weight after a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck procedure does not prevent against weight loss or weight gain. Weight loss or
weight gain can compromise/worsen your surgical results. Additional weight loss after tummy
tuck can leave more hanging skin and fat. Weight gain after tummy tuck can give a similar
appearance to one before the tummy tuck procedure.
Ideal weight before tummy tuck is within 10% of goal weight. Stable weight at your goal for 6+
months is ideal.

Do I need a mini or full- tummy tuck?

Most patients need a full tummy tuck. The allows for the greatest amount of skin and fat removal
with contouring of the waist. A mini tummy tuck is usually reserved for patients with a small
amount of excess skin and fat directly under the belly button.

If you are looking for a plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck in Nashville, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Franklin, Smyrna and the nearby areas of Tennessee, entrust your care to Drs. MaDan and Hueneke, plastic surgeons with more than 20 years of combined experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.