Best tummy tuck surgeon in washington dc Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries today. They can help you look slimmer, younger and more confident. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can help restore your body after pregnancy or weight gain.
It removes excess skin and fat from the midsection and tightens abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck is a popular procedure for both men and women who have loose skin following pregnancy or weight loss. It’s also an option for those who just want to improve their appearance by getting rid of excess fat and muscle in this area.
Read on to learn more about Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon In Washington DC, When Can I Resume My Normal Routine After My Tummy Tuck?
Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon In Washington DC
This procedure can be used to shape areas below the chin, neck, cheekbones, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.
Liposuction is not commonly considered a weight-loss method or a weight-loss option. If you suffer from being overweight, you are likely to lose more weight through diet and exercise or if that does not work, through bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass surgery, than you would with liposuction.
Liposuction in Tijuana is recommended for people who have too much body fat in specific spots but also have a stable body weight.
Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that haven’t responded to diet and exercise, such as the:
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Chin and neck
- Buttocks
- Hips and thighs
- Calves and ankles
- Chest and back
Liposuction in Tijuana decreases the number of fat cells in certain areas. The amount of fat eliminated depends on the appearance of the area and the volume of fat. It is important to remember that in order to keep the contour changes of the body, the weight has to remain stable; if not the body contour will not last. If the person has good skin tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to appear smooth.
For this surgery, a liposuction machine and special instruments called cannulas are used. The surgical team first prepares the area to be operated on and administers regional anesthesia. Through a small incision in the skin, a suction tube with a sharp tip is inserted into the fat deposits and a sweep is made through the area where the fat is to be removed. The released fat is “sucked up” with a suction tube. A suction pump or a large syringe is used to perform the suction. Multiple skin punctures may be needed to treat large areas.
The surgeon can approach the areas to be treated from several different directions to achieve the best silhouette.
As with any important surgery, liposuction in Tijuana carries risks, such as bleeding and a reaction to anesthesia. We are going to explain some of the risks that may be presented during or after the surgery:
- Fluid accumulation.
Is the build-up of fluid in the body’s tissue. Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. The accumulation of fluid must be drained with a needle.
- Infection.
There is a small possibility of skin infection. In this case, it has to be controlled quickly, because a mistreated skin infection may be life-threatening.
- Numbness.
Lost, reduced, or altered sensation and tingling are types of temporary paresthesia. This puts pressure on nerves and blood vessels, reducing sensation.
- Contour irregularities.
The skin may appear bumpy, wavy or withered due to uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity and unusual healing. These changes may be permanent and the skin will lack smoothness.
The risk of complications grows if the surgeon is working on larger surfaces of your body or doing several procedures during the same operation.
Indications
- Cosmetic reasons, including fat folds of the waist, fat accumulations, or an abnormal chin line possible to eliminate with diet and/or exercise.
Liposuction is not appropriate in the following cases:
- Improve body silhouette by removing localized fat accumulations that were not
- Improve sexual function. By reducing the abnormal fat deposits located on the inner thighs, allowing easier access to the vagina.
- As a substitute for exercise, diet, or as a method to lose weight in general.
- As a treatment for cellulite (dimpled appearance and uneven skin on hips, thighs, and buttocks).
We inform youAt Imagen Art, you can have an assessment by our specialists, who can guide you in the safest and most effective treatment for your case, as well as the follow up until your complete recovery.
Side Effects
- Edema or localized swelling of the area
- Localized bruises or hematoma
- Tiny incisions of approximately 1 centimeter located in very strategic places
- Sensitivity disturbances (temporary numbness of the skin that lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks)
The recovery time of these alterations can be tremendously shortened if massages and or ultrasound therapy is performed after the procedure.
If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, either after pregnancy or through exercise and dietary changes, excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles can leave you self-conscious about your appearance. Dr. Paul G. Ruff IV, Dr. Catherine Hannan and Dr. Lauren Patrick specialize in body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, at their Washington, D.C. practice. They have performed thousands of tummy tuck surgeries and will work with you to determine whether you are a good surgical candidate.
Abdominoplasty Candidates
If you have been unable to reduce your protruding stomach with weight loss or exercise, you are most likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Individuals who have stabilized at their desired weight or who plan no additional pregnancies have better success with tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck is often combined with either a breast lift or a breast augmentation and lift, in what’s often called a mommy makeover.
Abdominoplasty Consultation
Dr. Ruff, and our other board certified plastic surgeons, are dedicated to helping you achieve the body you want in a safe and appropriate way. Therefore, you will meet at length with staff before scheduling your tummy tuck surgery. At this meeting, your abdominal muscles will be evaluated and you will discuss how you want your abdomen to look after your surgery.
Your surgeon and the team at West End Plastic Surgery will:
- Review the various tummy tuck options with you
- Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
- Outline in detail how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
- Provide detailed cost and payment information
- Answer all your questions
You will need to provide:
- Details about your medical history
- A list of all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
- Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck surgery may be performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and usually takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. The doctor makes an incision across your abdomen; every effort is made to make the incision below the bikini line. In some cases, the incision extends vertically up the middle of the abdomen. The placement of your incision will be discussed with you during your initial consultation, especially as it relates to clothing styles and swimwear.
Once the incision is made, the doctor removes unwanted skin, fat, and tissue and tightens your abdominal muscles. He injects a local numbing medication called EXPAREL® into the surgical area to provide pain relief after surgery for approximately 72 hours. Stitches are then used to close the incision.
Once the incision is stitched, gauze dressings are applied and an elastic abdominal binder is placed around your abdomen. You will wear this binder for several weeks to facilitate the healing process.
Tummy Tuck Surgery with Dr. Paul Ruff:
Abdominoplasty Results
Tummy tuck surgery will result in a flatter and smoother abdomen because abdominal muscles and stretched skin are tightened during the procedure. The results of the surgery are permanent except in cases of large weight gain or pregnancy after surgery.
Before & After Photo Gallery
We’re as thrilled with our patients’ results as they are. Check out our before-and-after photo gallery and see for yourself the kind of work our talented surgeons do.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Tummy tucks are classified into 4 categories: standard, mini, reverse, and modified, with each category resulting in a different rate of healing. The type of tummy tuck that will be used will be discussed in detail during your meeting with Dr. Ruff and his staff so that the most appropriate technique is used for your body.
Mini Abdominoplasty & Reverse Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck Patient Testimonial
I can’t say enough about my experience with Dr. Ruff and his team at West End. I chose him as my surgeon because he was able to answer all of my questions about lipo and tummy tuck. He took his time and was very assuring to me, explaining in depth of what to expect with having the procedures. I consulted with several surgeons but Dr Ruff was definitely the best! My results are awesome. I am a new woman and feel 100% better about my body. Thank you so much. – Wanda
Abdominoplasty Recovery
Tummy tuck surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, but a short hospital stay may be requested. Once you go home, you will want to have someone stay with you for the first few days. The application of EXPAREL during surgery provides pain relief for approximately the first 72 hours and eliminates the need for a pain pump. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate further discomfort as you may experience some degree of pain for the first 10 to 20 days after your surgery.
Though you may not be able to stand up completely straight for at least a week after surgery, it is important to start moving and walking within a day of surgery. Once you return home, it is important to move around the house every few hours to reduce the chance of blood clots.
| Activity | When |
|---|---|
| Shower | 2 to 3 Days After Surgery |
| Bath | After Drains are Removed |
| Back to Work | 2 to 6 Weeks After Surgery |
| Driving | 2 to 6 Weeks After Surgery |
| Strenuous Activity | 6 to 8 Weeks After Surgery |
| Fading of Scars | Several Months to 1 Year |
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
The First 24 to 48 Hours After Tummy Tuck Surgery
During the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, you will feel tired from the anesthesia and may experience mild to moderate discomfort. To reduce the chance of blood clots and to facilitate the healing process, it is important to start moving and walking within a day of your surgery. You will wear an elastic abdominal binder for several weeks after your surgery to provide gentle, healing pressure, to provide stability, and to help reduce swelling.
The stitches used during your tummy tuck surgery are dissolving. Occasionally, small tags left at the skin surface are clipped at an early postoperative office visit. The drains that were inserted into the surgical area will be removed within a week of your surgery. Upon release from the hospital, you will be instructed on how to take care of the drains, which are used to allow fluid to drain from the surgical area. You can shower the day after the drains are removed.
The First 2 Weeks After Abdominoplasty
You will notice a marked improvement in your discomfort level during the first few weeks after your surgery:
- Any bruising you experience will usually disappear in about 2 weeks.
- You can most likely resume light activity within 10 to 20 days of your surgery.
- We will remove the stitches under your skin 14 to 28 days after your surgery.
- Sleeping on your back in a semi-upright position will most likely provide the most comfort and will help with the healing process.
- You can shower or bathe as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Treat the surgical tape placed over your incision like your own skin — bathe and dry off normally. If the strips become loose, or curl on the ends, you can snip the ends off or remove them completely.
During the first 2 weeks after surgery, you should also:
- Wear the elastic abdominal binder placed on your abdomen after surgery at all times except while showering.
- Avoid heavy lifting (greater than 15 pounds) and straining for at least 6 weeks.
Tummy Tuck with Dr. Hannan & Dr. Patrick:
When Can I Resume My Normal Routine After My Tummy Tuck?
Everyone heals at different rates, and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following are general guidelines:
- You can most likely return to work or school within 2 to 6 weeks after your procedure, unless your work is strenuous.
- You can resume driving within 6 weeks as long as you experience no pain in the abdominal area.
- Six weeks after surgery, you can begin to go without the elastic abdominal binder. If the binder is extremely uncomfortable for you, call the staff at West End Plastic Surgery to see if we can remove it earlier.
- Strenuous exercise can begin in 6 to 8 weeks after surgery depending on your comfort level. Our patients are encouraged to plan an exercise program and discuss it with the staff prior to resuming exercise.
- You should protect the scars on your abdomen from sunlight for at least a year after surgery.
What Procedures Can Be Combined with Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Ruff at West End Plastic Surgery is one of the first specialists in the Washington, D.C. area certified to perform VASERlipo™ liposuction, a much gentler form of liposuction, that can be used to remove fat in the area near your tummy tuck. Also, a Breast Lift and/or Breast Reduction are very common procedures to be combined with a Tummy Tuck.
Alternatives to Tummy Tuck Surgery
Some patients may do well with non-excisional techniques such as liposuction. The patient’s goals for contouring are critical in determining which technique is best. For severe skin and muscle laxity, abdominoplasty is the only technique that restores desired contour and tone.
Risks Of Abdominoplasty Surgery
Like all surgical procedures, there are risks with tummy tuck surgery. During your initial consultation with Dr. Ruff or our surgeons, your individual risks will be assessed and discussed and it will be determined whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. As with any surgery, you can help reduce the risks by closely following the pre- and post-surgery instructions provided to you. Your surgeon and their team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and beautifully contoured outcome.
- You may experience a loss of sensation or numbness in the area of your surgery. This is entirely normal and may take several months to disappear.
- The skin of your abdomen may appear shiny due to swelling. Within a few weeks, the swelling will disappear and the skin will return to a normal appearance.
- You may notice a tingling sensation in the surgical area. This feeling is a result of the healing of the nerves in the area and will go away within several months of your procedure.
Will Insurance Cover My Abdominoplasty?
Tummy tuck surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. We will fully discuss cost and payment information during your initial consultation.
Tummy tuck recovery
An abdominoplasty is a procedure that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. This surgical procedure is also known as a tummy tuck.
Tummy tucks can be thought of as “mini” or more involved procedures depending on the amount of skin and fat. It’s important to educate yourself, thoroughly analyze your own situation, and take your time arriving at a final decision. The procedure shouldn’t be used as an alternative to weight loss.
Who are the best candidates for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
A tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who are in good general health overall and are at a stable weight. It’s best to be a non-smoker.
A tummy tuck shouldn’t be confused with a liposuction (the cosmetic surgery used to remove fat deposits), although your surgeon may choose to perform liposuction as part of a tummy tuck. Women who have muscles and skin stretched after several pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A tummy tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and have lost significant weight, but still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area.
When should you avoid an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
If you’re a woman who is still planning to have children, you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you’re through bearing children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened. Future pregnancies can separate these muscles once again.
If you’re still planning to lose a significant amount of weight, don’t have a tummy tuck right away. Wait until your weight has stabilized.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck causes scarring on the abdomen. The length of the scar, which is along the bikini line, depends on the amount of extra skin. With minimal extra skin, the mini abdominoplasty results in a short scar.
Your plastic surgeon will discuss all these options with you when you go for the consultation. You and your surgeon will discuss the results you want, and the surgeon will determine the appropriate procedure during your consultation.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
How is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) done?
Depending on the results you want, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. Surgery is generally done as an outpatient procedure. If you are traveling out of town to a facility to have the procedure done, you’ll be asked to stay overnight at a hotel. Liposuction may or may not be recommended at the same time.
You will receive general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep during the operation. It’s important to have someone with you who can drive you home. If you live alone and you’re sent home after the procedure, you also will need someone to stay with you at least the first night after the surgery.
- Complete abdominoplasty: This option is for patients who need the most correction. The incision (cut) is made at the bikini line, at about the same level as your pubic hair. The length of the scar depends on the amount of extra skin. Your surgeon will then manipulate and shape the skin and muscle as needed. You will also have an incision around your navel (belly button) with this procedure, because it’s necessary to free your navel from surrounding tissue. Drainage tubes may or may not be placed under your skin. These will be removed in a few days as your surgeon sees fit.
- Partial or mini-abdominoplasty: Mini-abdominoplasties are done with shorter incisions and are often performed on people who have less excess skin. Your belly button most likely won’t be moved during this type of procedure. Your skin will be separated between the line of incision and your belly button. This procedure generally takes one to two hours. As with the complete abdominoplasty, you may or may not have drainage tubes after surgery.
- Circumferential abdominoplasty: This surgery includes the back area. When there is a lot of excess fat in the back as well as the abdomen, you may have either liposuction of the back or circumferential abdominoplasty. The latter procedure allows for the removal of both skin and fat from the hip and back areas, which improves the shape of your body from all sides.
After your partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. Your surgeon may have you wear an elastic bandage or compression garment after surgery. If so, it’s very important that you follow all of your surgeon’s instructions on wearing this garment and caring for the bandage. Your surgeon will also tell you about the best way to sit or lie down so you’ll be in the least amount of pain.
If you’re exceptionally physically active, you’ll have to severely limit strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. Your doctor will advise you on this as you go through the healing process. Generally, one week off work after the surgery is sufficient for most people to recover properly. Again, your doctor will help you determine this.
How should I prepare for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. If you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must completely stop using all forms of nicotine — gum, patches, and e-cigarettes — for at least one month before surgery and for two weeks after. The longer, the better, in terms of the time between when you stop smoking and when you have surgery.
Make sure you eat well-balanced, complete meals. Don’t try to diet excessively before the surgery. Proper nutrition is important to proper healing.
As part of your pre-operative consultation, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking some of your medications that thin your blood and dietary supplements for a certain period before and after the surgery. This includes aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). You must let your surgeon know if you’re taking any blood thinners.
Make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area to meet your needs before you undergo the surgery. Your home recovery area should include:
- A supply of loose, comfortable clothing that can be put on and taken off very easily.
- A telephone within easy reach.
- A hand-held shower head and bathroom chair.
RISKS / BENEFITS
What are the complications and side effects of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
As expected, you will have pain and swelling after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications as needed.
Soreness may last for several weeks. You may also have numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period.
As with any surgery, there are risks. You may have an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, heart, lung, or liver disease, or if you smoke. Complications can include:
- Scarring.
- Hematoma (bleeding).
- Infection.
- Seroma (accumulation of fluid).
- Poor wound healing.
- Blood clots.
- Numbness or other changes in sensation
Other complications include:
- Fat necrosis (death of fatty tissue located deep in the skin).
- Wound separation.
- Asymmetry (unevenness or lopsidedness).
RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK
What is the outlook for someone who has had an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Generally, most people love the new look after they’ve undergone this procedure. However, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You’ve gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen. It is a big commitment — emotionally, physically, and financially. It’s very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Does insurance cover an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
Insurance carriers usually don’t cover elective cosmetic surgery. But your carrier may cover a certain percentage if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure, or if you’ve had surgery for weight loss. It’s extremely important that you begin communicating with your insurance company early on and that you discuss your insurance concerns with your healthcare provider.
In most cases, your provider will write a letter to your insurance carrier, making the case that the surgery is medically necessary (if that applies to you). Insurance may only cover certain portions of the surgery, so make sure you get details. As with any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you, and your premiums may increase.
Tummy tuck cost salt lake city
| Procedure | Starting Price Range |
|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation Saline | $7,000+ * |
| Breast Augmentation Silicone | $8,000+ * |
| Breast Lift | $8,400+ * |
| Breast Reduction | $9,200* |
| Male Breast Reduction | $8,000+ * |
| Arm Lift | $8,700+ * |
| Brazilian Butt Lift with standard Liposuction | $10,5000+ * |
| Brazilian Butt Lift with VASER Liposuction | $11,500+ * |
| Labiaplasty | $5,750+ * |
| Liposuction 1st area | $4,600+ * |
| Lower Body Lift | $17,500* |
| Mommy Makeover | $13,000-$28,000* |
| Thigh Lift | $10,350+* |
| Abdominoplasty with Liposuction of Hips/Flanks | $10,350+ * |
| Abdominoplasty Fleur De Lis | $12,650+ * |
| Abdominoplasty- Belt | $15,000+ * |
| Upper Body Lift | $11,500* |
| Eyelid & Brow Lift | $4,200-$15,000* |
| Facelift/Necklift | $17,000-$28,000* |
| Facial Fat Grafting | $4,500* |
| Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) | $5,200+ * |
| Necklift | $12,000-$20,000 |
| Buccal Fat Removal | $5,000-$7,000 * |
| Co2 Laser Resurfacing | $5,750+ * |
| Skin Tightening Renuvion | $2,000-$5,000* |
| Rhinoplasty | $6,900+ * |
| Rhino/Septoplasty | $8,700+ * |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of Hips/Flanks & Breast Lift | $16,000+ * |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of Hips/Flanks & Breast Augmentation | $15,000+ * |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction of Hips/Flanks & Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation | $17,000+ * |
| Carpal Tunnel Surgery | Insurance dependent** |
| Trigger Finger | Insurance dependent** |
| Migraine Surgery | Insurance dependent** |
Prices may vary to each individual needs
*Pricing for all procedures (except Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Trigger Finger, and Migraine Surgery) includes doctor fees, anesthesia, operating room, compression garment, DOES NOT include labs, mammograms, other studies, or medications.
*Cost may also increase with different types of Tummy Tucks and adding procedures such as 360 Liposuction, and or additional areas of Liposuction, Fat Transfer to Cleavage, Galatea Mesh, and Wound Vacs to help with healing. These prices include the doctor’s fee, anesthesia, surgical suite, and surgical garments. The price does not include the prescription medications you need after surgery. If you have health insurance the medications are typically covered with your prescription co-pay. If you do not, they are about $150.00.
**Carpal Tunnel Surgery, Trigger Finger, and Migraine Surgery pricing includes doctor only – hospital and anesthesia separate.
*** Buccal Fat Pad Removal – The doctor’s fee for Buccal Fat Pad Removal starts at $3,500. The price does NOT include prescription medications or lab work. The lab work is only necessary for patients 40 years and older.