Sarasota tummy tuck surgeon, Brandon Lambiris MD, has engaged in rigorous training to perfect his abdominoplasty techniques, improving the lives and bodies of countless patients in his career as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Working together, you can discuss the type of tummy tuck that is best suited to your needs after weight loss or pregnancy.

What is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck is the common phrase for the medical procedure, Abdominoplasty.

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to tighten lax skin on the abdominal contours after weight loss or pregnancy. It involves removing the excess skin and fat through an abdominal incision and may entail liposuction. Most tummy tucks also include muscle repair to correct diastasis recti, a condition that occurs in nearly 60% of pregnant women. Through the various tummy tuck procedures he offers, Dr. Lambiris sculpts a flat, firm tummy with a tighter skin envelope.

sarasota tummy tuck model walking through water

What are the benefits of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Redundant abdominal skin and fat can have a significant physical and psychological toll after weight loss or pregnancy. After their tummy tuck Sarasota patient's quality of life improved in many ways. Possible tummy tuck benefits may include:

Better mobility
Less abdominal fat
Enhanced self-esteem
Tighten abdominal skin
Flattening of a bulging tummy
Improve fit of clothing and swimwear
Increase confidence during intimacy
Reduction in chronic skin irritations

Who is a candidate for Tummy Tuck?

The ideal tummy tuck candidate is a nonsmoker who is physically healthy and has realistic goals. Certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, somatic or bleeding disorders may disqualify some individuals from having surgery.

Tummy Tuck after Weight Loss

Women and men who have loose skin after losing weight through bariatric surgery or dieting may benefit from a tummy tuck with Dr. Lambiris. After maintaining a healthy BMI for one year, he can surgically tighten the abdominal skin and reduce fat to put the final touches on your body after weight loss.

Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy

Women who have lax abdominal skin after pregnancy are also candidates for a tummy tuck. While abdominoplasty does not affect fertility, it is wise to wait a year after the final pregnancy to consider a tummy tuck. During this time, the abdominal area may retract on its own to an extent. Waiting a year also allows time to get back in shape after pregnancy. Dr. Lambiris can correct any skin laxity that persists beyond a year with a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Procedures

Abdominoplasty is a highly customized procedure. There are several different types of tummy tucks to consider.

Mini Abdominoplasty

A Mini Tummy Tuck addresses lax skin on the abdomen below the level of the umbilicus. It involves a small incision on the lower abdomen hidden in the underwear line. This procedure effectively tightens the lower abdominal ‘pooch’ that many women complain about after pregnancy. The results are modest compared to a full tummy tuck as it does not address the upper abdomen, nor does it correct muscle separation.

Full Abdominoplasty with Rectus Plication

When broadly referring to a tummy tuck, this is the procedure that usually comes to mind. A traditional tummy tuck removes lax skin on both the upper and lower abdomen with a horizontal incision from hip to hip. During this type of tummy tuck Sarasota plastic surgeon, Dr. Lambiris dissects and elevates the skin flap, then brings the separated muscles together with interrupted plication sutures at the abdominal midline. He trims off the excess skin and fat, then closes the incision.

Full Abdominoplasty without Rectus Plication

In cases when there is excess skin on the upper and lower abdomen but the rectus muscle is intact, Dr. Lambiris performs a full tummy tuck without plication.

Fleur-de-lis Abdominoplasty

After extreme weight loss, some patients see the best result with a fleur-de-lis operation. The Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck, however, it leaves an additional vertical scar on the abdominal midline. By removing and tightening the skin in two directions, it provides more dramatic skin tightening for patients who have excessive skin on the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and sides.

Monsplasty

Many women develop sagging mons after pregnancy or weight loss. Also called a mons lift, pubic lift, or mons reduction, a monsplasty corrects a protruding mons area, which lies over the pubic bone. With an incision on the lower abdomen, Dr. Lambiris removes the lax skin. He also may perform liposuction to reduce mons fat.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Sarasota, FL?

There are many kinds of tummy tucks. A mini tummy tuck costs less than a full tummy tuck. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty costs more than a full tummy tuck. Adding liposuction to the procedure typically incurs additional costs. With that said, the average national tummy tuck cost is approximately $8,300. Prescription drugs and aftercare may cost extra. To receive a full breakdown of costs and a personalized treatment plan, contact the office of Dr. Brandon Lambiris for a private consultation.

Does my insurance cover it?

Insurance does not cover abdominoplasty procedures for cosmetic reasons. In post-weight-loss patients, some of the costs may be covered by insurance, however, strict eligibility criteria apply. The majority of patients pay out of pocket.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

Tummy tuck recovery can be uncomfortable. Dr. Lambiris prescribes analgesics for pain relief. He is trained to minimize dissection when possible so that his patients can enjoy a more comfortable recovery.

What's the difference between a mini, full, and extended tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen and does not include abdominal muscle repair. A full tummy tuck addresses loose skin both above and below the umbilicus and may include muscle repair as needed. An extended tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck, however, the incision extends above the hips to address excess skin and fat on the flanks as well. To determine what type of tummy tuck you need, contact Dr. Brandon Lambiris’ office to book a consultation.

Do I need to have someone drive me home because of anesthesia?

Yes. A trusted family member or friend must be available to drive you home from surgery. Driving can resume approximately two to three weeks following your procedure.

How long is recovery?

Most patients require two to three weeks off work for a full tummy tuck. Mini tummy tucks have a shorter recovery time. More extensive procedures such as the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty can have increased recovery time.

Is it safe to have a tummy tuck and liposuction?

In the past, many surgeons avoided tummy tucks with liposuction. Today, modern surgical advancements have made it possible to safely perform liposuction-assisted abdominoplasty. Not only is it safe, but it may also lower the risk of seroma and bleeding.

Does a tummy tuck affect fertility?

No, abdominoplasty does not impact fertility. If you are a female patient who plans to have more children, Dr. Lambiris will advise you to wait to have surgery until one year after your final pregnancy.

How is a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck different from an extended tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is like a full tummy tuck with a longer incision that goes across the lower abdomen and above the hips. Pulling the skin downward to close the incision corrects skin laxity in one direction only. A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, on the other hand, has an inverted T incision. In this procedure, the surgeon pulls the skin both downward and inward toward the abdominal midline, tightening the skin in two directions.

What kind of tummy tuck do I need?

It can be difficult to assess what kind of tummy tuck you need without an in-person consultation. Dr. Lambiris can let you know what procedure is in your best interest after performing a visual and tactile exam to evaluate how much redundant skin and fat is present. He will listen to your cosmetic concerns closely before creating a customized treatment plan just for you.

Tummy Tuck in Sarasota, FL