Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgery that involves the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of abdominal muscles. These changes help promote a firmer and flatter appearance, improving both the aesthetics and functionality of the abdomen. 

Many people struggle to lose weight in the midsection due to the effects of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics, but a tummy tuck can easily restore the toned look you’ve always desired. With a healthy lifestyle and proper maintenance, patients can enjoy their newly contoured midsection for 10 to 20 years. 

At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we prioritize patient safety and comfort throughout the entire surgical process. Our state-of-the-art facility in Ellicott City, MD is equipped with advanced technology and adheres to the highest standards of surgical care. We have a dedicated and experienced team that provides personalized attention and support from the initial consultation to the postoperative recovery period. Our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Daniel Markmann, employs expert surgical precision alongside artistic vision to foster exceptional results. 

To get in touch with our practice, give us a call at (410) 465-3600 or book your consultation through our contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a smoother, more toned midsection.

Before and After Photos

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About Abdominal Fat 

There is never just one reason to blame for the accumulation of abdominal fat. In fact, many people have some excess fat in this region and are not considered overweight. With the aging process, the skin becomes more lax, resulting in sagging. The development of mild laxity can actually begin relatively early, as soon as your late thirties. This is due to the breakdown and reduction in the production of collagen and elastin, protein fibers within the skin that help maintain its recoil and elastic qualities. ⁽¹⁾ As these proteins degrade, the fat in the midsection is more likely to protrude. Although the tummy tuck isn’t a procedure for patients to achieve significant weight loss, they feel a sense of renewed body confidence after getting this stubborn fat removed and their skin tightened. 

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck 

Tummy tucks offer a wide range of cosmetic and medical benefits that make it a uniquely life-changing procedure: 

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

Although abdominoplasties are transformative procedures, they aren’t for everyone. The ideal candidate is a non-smoker with a BMI under 30 and no conditions that impede healing. The tummy tuck is also for people who are in good overall health, with no serious medical conditions. They also work great for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and have undergone bariatric surgery a year or more prior. In general, if you’ve been unhappy with how your belly doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, Dr. Markmann can help you find a solution. 

Personal Consultation

At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we prioritize personalized care and attention for each of our patients. If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure, a personal consultation with Dr.  Markmann is the crucial first stage in the process. Our practice offers a comprehensive approach to abdominoplasty, ensuring that we meet your individual needs and desires. During your consultation, he will take the time to understand your medical history and discuss your cosmetic goals in detail. This will enable him to assess whether a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. By examining the condition of your abdominal skin, muscle tone, and fat deposits, he will gain valuable insights into the best approach for achieving your desired results. To request your consultation today, call our practice at (410) 465-3600 or fill out our online form, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

In some cases, Dr. Markmann may recommend a tummy tuck as part of a more extensive Mommy Makeover procedure. This is a customizable procedure that can include several surgeries in one, which may include a tummy tuck, breast lift, lower body lift, Brazilian Butt Lift or other procedures of your choice.

Preparation

Prior to your tummy tuck, you should evaluate your lifestyle and see how you can incorporate healthier habits into your life, such as modifications to diet or your exercise routine. This will allow you to achieve your ideal weight before and after surgery, allowing you to get the best results possible. 

Dr. Markmann will require that you stop taking blood thinning medications for the purpose of preventing unwanted bleeding or bruising. If you are a smoker or consume nicotine products, you should quit about 4 to 6 weeks beforehand to get your healing processes working optimally. Though Dr. Markmann will give you all of the supplies you need to recover, you may want to have over-the-counter medications and ice packs available for your convenience. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you have comfortable, loose clothes that will be easy to change in and out of while you are still tender. 

Procedure

Dr. Markmann performs three variations of the tummy tuck that address slightly different needs. It’s important to understand the differences between these to get an idea of which one may work best for you. While all are performed under general anesthesia, they are all outpatient procedures that provide long-lasting results.

Full Tummy Tuck 

After you receive anesthesia, Dr. Markmann will make a horizontal incision above the pubic bone that runs from hip to hip. The incision is so low, you will be able to conceal it in a bathing suit. Using this technique, he will remove extra skin and fat and restore the abdominal muscles using sutures. As the muscles heal, they will be stronger and tighter, providing more postural support for patients. Dr. Markmann will also reposition the navel to create a natural look. The incision is then closed with sutures that are all under your skin so there are no sutures to be removed during your recovery. 

Extended Tummy Tuck 

An extended tummy tuck is extremely similar to a full tummy tuck, but it incorporates a larger incision that extends to the flanks.  This is performed for patients who have more laxity and a roll of skin that extends toward the back.   With this technique, Dr. Markmann can contour a slimmer waist that aesthetically complements the front side of the midsection. 

Mini Tummy Tuck 

This method involves a shorter incision since less fat and skin is excised; it is specifically designed for patients who have a belly bulge primarily beneath the navel. This type of tummy tuck does not include abdominal muscle tightening.

With every type of tummy tuck, Dr. Markmann can accentuate your new figure further by utilizing liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure that gently suctions out fat deposits.

Recovery and Results

Although you may have some swelling, tenderness, and/or bruising, Dr. Markmann will give you the tools and medications you need to heal as comfortably as possible. Immediately after the procedure is finished, he may place surgical drains to encourage the swelling to go down faster. As soon as you feel well enough, you should try to move around to promote more blood flow to your incision site and prevent the risk of a blood clot. Many patients are able to return to work approximately 2 to 3 weeks later. With every passing week, you will notice your results begin to settle in more and more. A full recovery may take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks- the point when you’ll be able to exercise normally. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Laser Skin Resurfacing 

While there isn’t any laser that will correct lax skin in the same way a tummy tuck will, our Mixto CO₂ laser is a great option for those who want extra skin rejuvenation post-procedure. Once you are healed enough, the CO² laser can help speed up the fading of your surgery scar, reduce any remaining stretch marks, and provide a smoother, even tone to your midsection. This concentration of light works by administering “micro injuries” in the skin which causes the stimulation of fibroblast cells in your skin’s dermis. As a result of the controlled damage to the skin, the fibroblasts significantly boost their production of collagen and elastin– allowing for the formation of healthier, younger-looking skin. 

Liposuction 

If you have good skin elasticity, it’s possible that you’ll benefit solely from liposuction more than a tummy tuck. With liposuction, Dr. Markmann injects a solution called tumescent fluid that numbs the area, prevents bleeding, and allows for easier fat extraction. Using incisions of less than an inch, he then inserts a device called a cannula that manually suctions the fat cells away. It is much less invasive and requires less downtime than a tummy tuck. 

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Maryland

When determining the cost of a tummy tuck, we consider various elements such as the extent of the surgery, the techniques employed, the type of anesthesia used, and any additional fees that may be necessary to achieve the best outcome. Our priority is to provide you with an accurate estimate for the price of your procedure during your personal consultation with Dr. Markmann.

Experience the benefits of a tummy tuck procedure at Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery. Call (410) 465-3600 to book a consultation, or contact us via our online form for more information.

Read our blog for more details about the procedures we offer.

References

1. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/ 
2. Carruthers KH, Kocak E, Hulsen JH, McMahan JD. Improvement in stress urinary incontinence after abdominoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(7):1091-1098. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X14544023