Consdering a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck? What are the costs? Find surgeons in your area.

It is the goal of just about every woman on planet Earth. A flat, even, firm tummy. So few of us succeed.

About Tummy Tucks

Pregnancy, weight gain and weight loss take a tremendous toll on a woman's body, especially in the stomach area. Repeated stretching and scarring makes most women's bellies loose, oversized and out of shape. Often, the stomach area can't be improved even with a strenuous exercise program. But, there is a solution.

A tummy tuck could be the answer. This modern medical procedure can remove excess skin and tighten up the underlying musculature giving you a flatter, firmer, tighter stomach and thinner waist as well!

There are several popular approaches. The most common involves an incision across the lower abdomen, a little above the pubic area, and beneath the bikini line. An additional incision is made around the belly button to free it from the surrounding skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up above the rib cage. Next the surgeon pulls loose tissue from the left and right of the abdomen together, towards the center, and sutures it together. This tightens muscles, provides a stronger abdominal wall and shrinks the waist.

The skin is then lowered and the excess removed. A new opening is made for the belly button at the proper position (the old location is now much too low) and the incisions are closed with sutures and a firm elastic dressing is placed over the area. After the first couple of days, the elastic dressing will be replaced with an abdominal supporter. You may have to wear a light support garment for several months.

After Your Tummy Tuck

After surgery, you will have some soreness and discomfort which can be controlled with medication. You will need to remain in bed for two or three days with your hips bent to reduce the strain on your abdominal area. You will be up and around after that, but you should avoid being overactive for four to six weeks. You will probably be able to return to work in two to four weeks.

By removing the sagging, excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue, you will immediately enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen and thinner waist. Although every effort is made to minimize scarring, the inevitable scars will be permanent. But take heart, they will fade over time. Within three to six months your scars will get flatter, become lighter in color and improve considerably.

Tummy Tuck Prices

$5,063 is the national average cost for a tummy tuck, though accounts for the physician's fee only. The total cost for a procedure may vary by physician and include additional fees for anesthesia, surgical center or hospital stay, supplies, and other necessities.