Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Jacksonville

Achieve a more defined figure through a tummy tuck.

Woman having her stomach checked by doctor during consultation

What is a Tummy Tuck? Tummy Tuck Benefits Tummy Tuck Candidates Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy Preparing for a Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck Procedure Mini Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck Recovery Tummy Tuck Results Tummy Tuck Risks Tummy Tuck Scars Tummy Tuck Cost Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck FAQs

Redefine your figure and enjoy a tight, taut, sculpted abdomen

A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, which tightens lax core muscles, giving you a more defined figure. There are many different tummy tuck techniques, but the Florida Plastic Surgery Group team uses liposuction and abdominoplasty to improve the entire abdomen. With this approach, we contour the upper abdomen and flanks, often called love handles, with precision liposuction to obtain the desired results. During your initial consultation for your tummy tuck in Jacksonville, one of our plastic surgeons will discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Why choose Florida Plastic Surgery Group?

The Florida Plastic Surgery Group team has been practicing for 15 years and is committed to providing exceptional care and transformative results. We seek to treat our patients like family and offer 24/7 access to our providers for any aftercare or support you may need. Our doctors understand choosing to have surgery is a major decision and will guide you throughout this process so that you can achieve your aesthetic goals. From tummy tucks to breast augmentation surgeries and neck lifts, we deliver state-of-the-art surgeries with personalized care.

Before & After Abdominoplasty

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What is tummy tuck surgery?

Many of us dream of having more defined abs. Excess belly fat is not easy to shed, even with a reasonable workout regimen. A tummy tuck could provide a fitter middle and lower abdomen. If you have excess skin, it can be removed to effectively address any sagging so that you could have a tighter stomach.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular and effective cosmetic surgery options available and can provide numerous advantages for both women and men who are trying to achieve a flatter, fitter abdomen. The potential benefits of tummy tuck surgery include:

Tightening of abdominal muscles
Reparation of torn abdominal muscles or diastasis repair
Removal of excess abdominal skin
Tightening of remaining skin for a smoother, flatter appearance in the abdomen
Removal of excess fat pockets
Abdominal rejuvenation after significant weight loss or pregnancy
Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks

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Who is a candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

Both men and women who desire improvement in the shape and appearance of their abdomen are typically good candidates for this procedure. Men and women who have lost weight through bariatric surgery and have excess skin are also excellent candidates. A tummy tuck could also be an ideal procedure to include in a comprehensive Mommy Makeover for women looking to restore their bodies after pregnancy. It is important to note that tummy tuck surgery is not designed to be a tool for weight loss. Candidates for this treatment are usually at or near the ideal weight for their bodies. Patients must also have reasonably good overall health and realistic expectations for the final result. During your initial consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will evaluate your needs and goals and determine whether you are a candidate for tummy tuck surgery in Jacksonville.

Tummy tuck vs. liposuction

Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are similar in that both procedures can effectively renew body contours. They are also distinct in many ways. While liposuction can be utilized to remove pockets of excess fat accumulated in the abdominal region, it cannot remove loose, inelastic skin. Tummy tuck surgery gets rid of excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and redrapes the remaining skin for a firmer, flatter look.

For some patients, liposuction may be all that is necessary to achieve their goals for abdominal enhancement. For others, tummy tuck surgery or a combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction may be necessary. At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, many of the patients we treat benefit from lipoabdominoplasty (a combination of surgery and liposuction), which can provide more comprehensive results and an ideal contour.

Ultimately, it depends on the individual patient’s unique needs and expectations. Our plastic surgeons will talk to you about your goals and help you determine whether liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, or a combination of the two can best optimize your results.

Tummy tuck and pregnancy

Many women who consider tummy tuck surgery may also be planning to have children sometime in the future. While it is still possible for most individuals to have a normal pregnancy after a tummy tuck, our doctors recommend waiting until you are sure that you are no longer planning to bear children before undergoing this procedure. A tummy tuck after pregnancy is typically the better option because it can reverse many effects pregnancy has on the abdomen, such as stretched abdominal muscles and the collection of excess skin in the area.

If an individual undergoes a tummy tuck before pregnancy, many of the procedure’s benefits may be negated and may require an additional tummy tuck surgery to restore the results of the initial procedure. This is one of the major reasons why patients should be sure they have completed their families before having this procedure done.

How do I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

You should be smoke and vaping-free for at least four weeks before undergoing a tummy tuck. Good nutrition in the weeks leading up to surgery and fasting the night before surgery are also important. A member of our team will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions before the procedure to ensure you are properly prepared for the operation and the recovery process.

How is the tummy tuck procedure performed?

A full abdominoplasty involves more extensive sculpting of the abdominal wall. Excess skin above the belly button is removed along with the underlying fat. The abdomen and flanks (love handles) are also liposuctioned to create a more attractive contour. The abdominal muscles are pulled taut, and the remaining skin is redraped for a firmer and flatter abdomen.

Would a mini-tummy tuck be better for me?

A mini-abdominoplasty is ideally suited for women patients with limited excess skin and who may have developed stretch marks below the belly button due to pregnancy. A mini-abdominoplasty is performed by a small excision of the lower abdominal fat and skin followed by liposuction of the upper abdomen and love handles to create a feminine contour. The abdominal wall is tightened via a minimally invasive approach, which can tighten your abdominal muscles and narrow your waist. The belly button is not transposed, and the scar is often easily hidden beneath an undergarment or swimsuit.

A full tummy tuck is often a more suitable option for most patients. One of our plastic surgeons will evaluate your needs during your initial consultation and determine whether a mini-tummy tuck can help you achieve your goals.

What is tummy tuck recovery like?

Most people can resume normal daily routines about two weeks following tummy tuck surgery. Every patient is unique and heals differently, so the recovery process may vary. Our doctors utilize an intraoperative long-lasting numbing medicine that typically lasts three to four days after surgery and significantly reduces discomfort. A majority of our tummy tucks do not require post-operative drains.

You can expect some degree of bruising and swelling in the treatment area after tummy tuck surgery. These effects should dissipate as the abdomen continues to heal. Medication can help manage post-operative discomfort. Our abdominoplasty surgery team will do everything possible to help ensure a rapid recovery.

EXPAREL® for pain control

The innovative EXPAREL® treatment involves the injection of a pain-control medication directly into the surgical areas, numbing these regions for roughly 72 hours. Our doctors utilize EXPAREL® for tummy tuck procedures to provide patients with consistent pain relief during the first few days after the surgery. This treatment can often minimize the need for additional pain medication during recovery, ultimately providing continuous relief during the period of time when post-surgical discomfort is typically at its most pronounced levels.

Drainless tummy tuck surgery

For most patients, a technique can be utilized during tummy tuck surgery that is designed to avoid the need for drains during recovery. Drainless Tummy Tuck surgery uses a technique called progressive tension sutures (PTS) to allow patients to avoid having any drains after their tummy tuck, thereby decreasing pain and decreasing the recovery period. We can further discuss this during the initial consultation and determine whether you might be a candidate for Drainless Tummy Tuck surgery.

How long does a tummy tuck last?

The firmer skin and improved abdominal contours that result from a tummy tuck can be maintained for many years as long as healthy lifestyle habits are established. A good diet and regular exercise are two of the most important ways to keep your renewed figure for a long time to come. Staying hydrated with plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks, as well as significantly reducing or eliminating alcoholic beverages, can also help you maintain your results.

What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?

Risks associated with a tummy tuck include bruising, contour irregularities, and asymmetry. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Patients are encouraged to ambulate every few hours immediately following surgery to decrease the risk of developing a blood clot in their legs. Our plastic surgeons are highly experienced with this procedure and will do everything possible to minimize potential risks. We are happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have. Feel free to visit any of our locations, whether you're in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, or Fleming Island, FL.

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What do tummy tuck scars look like?

Full tummy tuck surgeries typically require an incision from hip to hip (just above the pubic region), as well as an incision to release the navel during the procedure. Our plastic surgeons are extensively trained and experienced with these types of surgeries and employ techniques that can minimize residual scarring as much as possible.

Our practice carries medical-grade silicone scar gel therapy, which is included with the price of surgery to help minimize scarring post-surgery. This treatment usually starts once the incision sites are fully healed and is applied twice a day for several weeks to minimize the appearance and coloration of scars. Tummy tuck scars can generally be well-concealed under clothing and swimwear. They also tend to fade by some degree over time, and there are other procedures available that can reduce their appearance even further.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

The average cost of a standard tummy tuck surgery at Florida Plastic Surgery Group typically starts at approximately $8,999, including all fees associated with the procedure. This fee can increase in range if additional procedures (such as liposuction) are needed. The cost of mini-tummy tuck procedures starts at $4,999. With this in mind, it is important to note that the overall cost of tummy tuck surgery is ultimately determined based on the customized treatment plan, so the total price of the procedure varies from patient to patient.

Our practice accepts a vast range of payment methods, and we work with two of the most reputable plastic surgery financing agencies in the nation: CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit. These companies offer low- to no-interest financing plans to qualified applicants, allowing patients to fit the cost of treatment into their budget with convenient monthly payment plans.

Is a non-surgical tummy tuck possible?

Although you may find various articles or online publications claiming that certain non-surgical procedures or exercises can provide the same results as tummy tuck surgery, the fact is that there is simply no other way to achieve the kind of outcomes possible with surgical abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck can do something that no non-surgical procedure or garment is capable of. Loose, inelastic skin and lax underlying muscles are often the cause of a protruding abdomen or an undesired abdominal contour. Tummy tuck surgery in Jacksonville can address these concerns by removing excess skin, pulling the muscles taut, and redraping the remaining skin for a smoother, firmer aesthetic.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

What is the difference between abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy?

Does insurance cover tummy tuck surgery?

Is tummy tuck surgery safe?

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Will I need to wear compression garments after abdominoplasty, and for how long?

What can I eat after a tummy tuck?

How can I reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery?

Will I need a drain after tummy tuck surgery?

What is seroma after a tummy tuck?

How do I choose the best tummy tuck surgeon?

What is the difference between abdominoplasty and a panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is sometimes confused with abdominoplasty since both typically involve the reduction of excess abdominal skin. These two procedures were designed to serve different purposes. A tummy tuck addresses loose skin and tightens the abdominal musculature. A panniculectomy focuses solely on removing excess skin and does not involve tightening muscles. It is also typically performed out of medical necessity and can be particularly effective after a patient loses a significant amount of weight.

Does insurance cover tummy tuck surgery?

Since tummy tuck surgery is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, medical insurance policies do not typically provide coverage for the treatment. With that in mind, Florida Plastic Surgery Group offers patients the opportunity to finance their tummy tuck procedure through reputable lending agencies. These companies provide a full selection of convenient and affordable financing plans for qualified applicants who would like to pay for their tummy tuck surgery over time.

Is tummy tuck surgery safe?

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon utilizing advanced techniques, a tummy tuck can be a very safe procedure. During your consultation, one of our surgeons will thoroughly examine your concerns and your overall health to ensure you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. They will also assess any potential risks and do all they can to reduce them.

How painful is a tummy tuck?

Some degree of swelling, soreness, and bruising can be expected in the days following tummy tuck surgery. Our practice can take extra steps to ensure you do not experience excessive discomfort during recovery. We offer EXPAREL® injections for continuous pain relief while the surgical area heals, and some patients may be eligible for Drainless Tummy Tuck surgery, which can also be helpful for minimizing residual pain after treatment.

Will I need to wear compression garments after abdominoplasty, and for how long?

Most patients will likely need to wear a compression garment following abdominoplasty. The garment is somewhat akin to an abdominal binder, and it is designed to help reduce swelling and ultimately promote healing after tummy tuck surgery. The unique needs of each patient will determine how long the garment should be worn. In many cases, four to six weeks is recommended. Our plastic surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how long you will need to wear your compression garment for optimal healing as well as the garment itself.

What can I eat after a tummy tuck?

Due to the effects of anesthesia and post-operative pain medications, it may take a few days for your appetite to return to normal after tummy tuck surgery. In most cases, our surgeons advise patients to resume a regular, healthy diet the day after the procedure. If you do not feel well enough to eat so soon, you may be directed to eat bland foods while maintaining the proper nutrition until you feel ready to eat normally again. Once you have fully healed, we recommend you adhere to a healthy diet in order to maintain your surgical results for as long as possible.

How can I reduce swelling after tummy tuck surgery?

Swelling in the abdominal area is a perfectly normal reaction following tummy tuck surgery. While swelling is often at its highest level in the four to six weeks after the procedure, it could take months before it fully dissipates. Swelling can often be more rapidly diminished by wearing the prescribed compression garments for the amount of time recommended by our surgeon.

Will I need a drain after tummy tuck surgery?

Our surgeons employ the progressive tension sutures (PTS) technique for tummy tuck patients, who are ideal candidates. This technique does not require the use of post-operative drains, which encourage proper healing and can prevent infection, but it may also be an inconvenient part of the recovery process. Depending on each patient’s unique needs, the placement of drains may be necessary in some cases.

What is seroma after a tummy tuck?

A seroma is characterized by a collection of fluid under the skin, often resembling a lump or a sensation of “fullness” in the lower abdomen. This condition can occur after tissue has been removed or manipulated during a surgical procedure. Some seromas are quite small and disappear on their own in the weeks following surgery. Other seromas may be very large or painful and will need to be examined and treated. Symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, fever, and chills may indicate that a seroma has developed into an abscess and will need medical care.

How do I choose the best tummy tuck surgeon?

The decision to undergo an abdominoplasty is a major one and requires much deliberation. As such, it is critical that you choose a highly qualified surgeon to perform your tummy tuck procedure. There are various ways you can explore a surgeon’s background, training, experience, and bedside manner to make sure they are trustworthy and qualified. For instance, it can be helpful to view their testimonials and plastic surgeon reviews for some direct insight into the manner in which they communicate with patients and the results they have achieved. You may also want to view their abdominoplasty gallery for examples of their surgical results.

Our team of respected plastic surgeons at Florida Plastic Surgery Group is known for their uncanny ability to understand patients’ needs. Their work is celebrated throughout Florida and beyond, and each is considered a top surgeon in the state. Rest assured that choosing one of our surgeons can put you on a path toward achieving excellent results.

My wife went there for a consult and was so nervous, Dr. DeFazio was so understanding and took his time with her. She said he made her feel like she was the only patient he had. His beside manner is unlike any other. We will definitely be referring others in her situation to him.

Antonio J.

Dr. Desai did AMAZING work!! Not only that, but he is also so kind and helpful. I went in not knowing exactly what I wanted, and he was so knowledgeable and guided me to the right decision. I could not be happier with my results! Highly recommend him!

Julia H.

Dr. Parks and staff are absolutely incredible. I am 3 weeks out from a breast reduction and extremely happy with results thus far. Prior to surgery, the procedure was explained in great detail more than once. Sarah in the OR made me super relaxed and comfortable as this was my first surgery, and I was super nervous. This was by far the best decision of my life! Thank you so much Dr. Parks and staf...

Jada H.

This is a wonderful practice, from the front desk to check out and all in between.

Jodi A.