Complete Your Transformation With a Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss
Losing weight is a major accomplishment, whether you achieved it through diet, exercise, or weight loss… Read On
Tummy Tuck Surgery at a Glance
Type of anesthesia:
General
Recovery time:
1-2 weeks off work (non-strenuous jobs); 6 weeks before resuming exercise
Time in surgery:
2-5 hours
When you go home:
Day of operation
Often Combined With:
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your experience may vary.
Ablavsky Plastic Surgery:
Dr. Michael Ablavsky
19296 Stone Oak Pkwy, Suite 102
San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 942-6672
Monday–Friday : 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Ablavsky performs tummy tuck surgery at his San Antonio, Texas, practice to create a slimmer midsection for women and men frustrated by excess skin and fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty—known as a tummy tuck—is a popular body contouring procedure that removes rolls, stretch marks, and bulges (diastasis recti) that remain after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Tummy tuck surgery is often associated with women who want to regain a flatter, firmer abdomen after having children. However, the procedure is also performed to remove excess abdominal skin left after significant weight loss or simply the aging process. The skin and fat above the vagina (mons pubis) often is a concern for women because it sags and gets larger—this area can be raised and made thinner during a tummy tuck.
Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery should be at or near the weight they intend to maintain. A tummy tuck contours the midsection, but it is not a weight-loss procedure.
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in San Antonio?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on the extent of the procedure needed to accomplish the patient’s goals. After meeting with Dr. Ablavsky for a consultation, we’ll provide a detailed price quote for your review before you decide whether to proceed with a tummy tuck. If you’re concerned about how to afford a tummy tuck, many patients qualify for our convenient financing options.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Dr. Ablavsky customizes tummy tuck surgery to meet your individual needs and cosmetic goals. The most common procedure is a full (standard) abdominoplasty, which also often repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Still, other patients may be good candidates for either a mini abdominoplasty or an extended abdominoplasty.
Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck
Dr. Ablavsky begins tummy tuck surgery by making a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip, just above the pubic area and below the bikini line. He then makes a second incision around the belly button to release it from the surrounding skin. The procedure often involves repairing separated abdominal muscles before removing excess skin and closing the incision. This procedure simultaneously treats excess skin of the upper and lower abdomen with a well-concealed scar.
Mini (Short-Scar) Tummy Tuck
Patients whose concerns about excess skin and fat are limited to the area below the belly button are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. This procedure has benefits, including a shorter incision and no belly button incision. However, it isn’t appropriate for patients who need muscles repaired or who want stretch marks above the belly button removed.
Extended Tummy Tuck
A more extensive version of a full tummy tuck addresses loose skin on the flanks, lower back, and abdomen. The procedure involves making a horizontal incision that extends around the hips and around the belly button. As with a full tummy tuck, liposuction may be included to remove excess fat and sculpt a natural-looking waist.
Meet
Dr. Ablavsky
Dr. Ablavsky is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon whose patients trust him for natural-looking results from face, breast, and body procedures. He listens closely to his patients' concerns and takes the time to answer their questions with honesty and compassion.
Meet Dr. Ablavsky Request Your ConsultationI would recommend him 100% to people I know.
V.S.
Benefits of Diastasis Recti Repair
Tightening separated abdominal muscles includes several benefits besides creating a flatter stomach. A study published in the journal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery concluded that diastasis recti repair not only corrected the abdominal muscle condition but also significantly improved low back pain and urinary incontinence. This is important because many women develop urinary incontinence or back pain after having children. It can also improve core strength, leading to better posture.
Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
A speedy, successful recovery begins with meticulous surgical planning and techniques that minimize the risk of complications, such as small folds of skin (“dog ears”) or belly button irregularities like asymmetry, visible scarring, or loss of natural depth. Dr. Ablavsky carefully designs and shapes the new belly button opening to ensure it looks natural and heals beautifully. This careful approach sets the stage for a more comfortable, confident recovery experience.
While every recovery varies, here’s a general idea of what to expect during the healing period.
Week 1: Rest & Gentle Movement
- Take it easy—your body needs time to heal.
- Expect tightness, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort, managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Begin gentle walking (with assistance, if needed) to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
- You may have drains in place; we’ll show you how to care for them.
Week 2: Early Healing
- Most patients begin feeling more mobile and comfortable.
- Drains are typically removed around this time.
- You can return to light activities, but avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous movement.
- Swelling and bruising will still be present but should begin to subside.
Weeks 3 to 4: Gradual Return to Normal Activities
- Continue wearing your compression garment to support healing and minimize swelling.
- You may begin light walking outside the home.
- Depending on your job, you may feel ready to return to work.
Weeks 5 to 6: Increasing Activity
- Light exercise and daily routines can usually resume, with Dr. Ablavsky’s approval.
- Swelling continues to improve; incisions are healing well.
- You’ll begin to see a more refined abdominal contour emerge.
After 6 Weeks: Full Activity & Final Results
- Most patients can resume full physical activity, including core workouts and lifting.
- Results continue to improve as residual swelling fades.
- Scars will continue to mature and fade over the next 6 to 12 months.
Remember: Every body heals differently. Dr. Ablavsky will guide your recovery timeline based on how you’re progressing.
Tips for a Smooth, Successful Recovery
To help ensure a comfortable recovery and optimal results, keep these tips in mind:
- Follow all postoperative instructions closely, including wound care, medications, and follow-up visits.
- Sleep with your upper body slightly elevated and knees bent (a recliner works well) for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing.
- Wear your compression garment as directed to minimize swelling and support your abdominal muscles.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol during the healing period, as both can interfere with recovery.
- Enlist help for childcare, household duties, and errands during the first couple of weeks.
As always, Dr. Ablavsky and our caring team are available to answer questions and address any concerns throughout healing and recovery.
What’s Better? Lipo or Tummy Tuck?
If you’re deciding between a tummy tuck and liposuction, the best option depends on your goals, anatomy, and whether skin laxity or muscle separation is present. The chart below compares the two procedures and helps you better understand which one may be the right fit for your needs.
| Feature | Tummy Tuck | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Loose or sagging abdominal skin; stretched or separated abdominal muscles | Localized fat deposits with good skin elasticity |
| Removes Fat | Yes | Yes |
| Tightens Skin | Yes | No |
| Repairs Abdominal Muscles | Yes | No |
| Incision & Scarring | Low horizontal incision hidden below bikini line | Tiny incisions; minimal scarring |
| Recovery Time | 2 to 3 weeks for most activities | 3 to 7 days for most activities |
| Results Timeline | Visible after swelling subsides; continues improving for several months | Visible within weeks; full results in a few months |
In general, liposuction is strictly for fat removal. You will need a tummy tuck if you have excess abdominal skin and stretched abdominal muscles. Dr. Ablavsky often uses liposuction to enhance tummy tuck results by sculpting the back, hips, and waist. During your personalized consultation, he’ll thoroughly assess your concerns and candidacy for a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combined approach.
Combining a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures
The physical toll that pregnancy takes may include deflated, sagging breasts in addition to a protruding abdomen with excess skin. Women considering a tummy tuck after having children often choose to combine it with:
This combination of procedures is often called a mommy makeover. However, abdominoplasty isn’t just for mothers—women and men who have lost significant weight may also benefit from a tummy tuck to remove loose skin and refine their body shape.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
What is the weight requirement for a tummy tuck?
Most plastic surgeons recommend being within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal weight before your tummy tuck procedure. A stable, healthy BMI—typically 30 or under—reduces surgical risks and improves overall results. Dr. Ablavsky will evaluate your overall health and body composition to determine if you’re a good candidate.
How many sizes do you drop after a tummy tuck?
While experiences vary, most patients lose 2 to 3 pant or dress sizes after a tummy tuck once they are recovered and the swelling is gone. However, my answer to “Do you look thinner after a tummy tuck?” is that the goal of the procedure is body sculpting, not weight loss. That said, removing excess skin and repairing separated muscles can create a noticeably slimmer, more streamlined silhouette.
What is a 360 tummy tuck?
A 360 tummy tuck combines a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction around the entire midsection—including the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. This approach enhances body contouring from all angles for a smoother, more sculpted look than a standard tummy tuck alone.
Does a tummy tuck lift your pubic area?
Yes, a tummy tuck can lift and tighten the pubic area (also called the mons pubis) to some degree, especially when excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen. If significant sagging or fullness is present, you may benefit by combining your tummy tuck with a mons lift for more noticeable improvement.
Is the surgery painful?
A tummy tuck involves some discomfort. For the first week or so after surgery, patients are definitely sore and cannot stand fully upright. However, most consider the improvements from the surgery well worth their initial discomfort.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, tummy tuck results are permanent. As long as you don’t become pregnant or gain a significant amount of weight, your tummy tuck results should last indefinitely.
What can I do to prepare for a tummy tuck?
To prepare for a tummy tuck, Dr. Ablavsky recommends maintaining a stable, healthy weight, avoiding smoking and nicotine for at least 4 weeks before surgery, and stopping certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk. You should also arrange for help at home, set up a comfortable recovery space, and complete any required preoperative lab work or medical clearance before your procedure.
How tight should my compression garment be after a tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, your compression garment should feel snug but not painfully tight. It should provide gentle pressure to minimize swelling and support your healing tissues without restricting your breathing or causing numbness. If it feels uncomfortable or leaves deep marks, contact Dr. Ablavsky’s office to ensure the correct fit.
Request Your Consultation
If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in San Antonio to perform a tummy tuck, request a consultation with Dr. Ablavsky using the online form, or call our practice at (210) 942-6672 to schedule an appointment.
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