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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): flattens/tightens abdomen by surgically removing excess skin and fat, and tightening abdominal wall muscle. Usually requires an overnight stay in our suite with a private duty RN. Must not smoke prior to and while recovering. Results are permanent.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What type of scar is involved? It seems like they are pretty long?

A: The scar of the abdominoplasty operation typically is an extended bikini scar that can be covered with most one piece and selected two piece swim suits. If you had a hysterectomy or C-section, it would typically be a bit of an extension from that scar. In some people who have had massive weight loss, the scar may go all the way around, dipping down in front like a Cesarean scar.


Q: I have had a hysterectomy or a C-section and now have an ugly scar from that. Is that something that can be fixed?

A: Usually hysterectomy and Cesarean section scars, if unfavorable, can be fixed during the course of a tummy tuck?


Q: Why do you keep your patients overnight?

A: Almost all procedures can be done as an outpatient. However, with the tummy tuck operation as well as a few others, we prefer for patients to spend the night at our overnight care facility for your comfort and so that a professional nurse can monitor you for safety.


Q: I have heard that some doctors use a pain pump. Is that something that you offer?

A: We offer all tummy tuck patients the option of an ON-Q pain pump system. This involves a small apparatus that drips local anesthetic in to the areas most likely to be uncomfortable for the first 3-4 days after surgery. While it is a slight extra expense, most patients who have had this felt that it was very helpful.


Q: Do you do liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck?

A: Almost all tummy tucks benefit from some liposuction at the same time. This may be on the flanks, the inner and outer thighs, inside the knees or possibly the lateral chest, arms or somewhere around and about to make all of the results match together. If one only does a tummy tuck, then sometimes the rest of the body doesn't go with the flat abdomen and an undesirable imbalance is created.


Q: I have heard that you can have breast surgery at the same time as a tummy tuck. Is that right?

A: Combining operations is something that we frequently do, depending exactly upon what a person is having and on their medical condition. Combining an abdominoplasty with a breast reduction, breast lift, or breast implants alone can be done in select cases, but would have to be discussed with Dr. Wallace. If breast implants are the only procedure required, that can usually be done and sometimes will actually put the breast implants in through the tummy scar so that there is absolutely no scar anywhere to be found from the breast surgery.


Q: Do you do the operation called a "mini tummy tuck"?

A: Abdominoplasties come in different sizes just as patients come in many different sizes. For people with minimal muscle damage or minimal excess skin, a mini tummy tuck can be appropriate. This is something Dr. Wallace will be happy to discuss during the course of your consultation and recommend just exactly that which is best suited to your physical circumstances.