Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), is a surgical procedure designed to extract excess skin and tissue from the abdominal region. It is one of the most effective body contouring methods for women who have experienced multiple pregnancies and men who retain excess weight in this area. After an abdominoplasty, patients can expect a flatter, smoother midsection without excess hanging skin. The results of a tummy tuck can significantly improve your self-esteem, body satisfaction, and intimate relationships. (1)
At Athena Clinic, Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Robert Peterson have many decades of knowledge and experience helping patients meet their body goals. Schedule a consultation at our Honolulu location to learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired figure.
Contact our office or call (808) 944-8551 to get started with your treatment.
Before and After Photos
Contents
About Tummy Tucks
Body contouring procedures have seen a huge rise in popularity as more Americans wish to attain their desired figure. A tummy tuck can also enhance your satisfaction with your figure, an important component of self-esteem. Body dissatisfaction, one of the reasons patients seek cosmetic treatments, affects both men and women. The good news is, you do not have to settle for a body that you are not satisfied with. Our team can safely and effectively improve your body contour to help you feel better in your skin so you can enhance your physique and celebrate your body.
As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country, the tummy tuck provides numerous benefits for a wide range of patients.
After Pregnancy
Tummy tucks are an effective way to help women achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. Pregnancy can cause separation of the abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti, which can result in a protruding abdomen or “mommy pooch.” As well as removing excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck can repair and tighten these muscles, restoring a firmer abdominal contour and a stronger core. They can also remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen that are within the excised skin.
After Massive Weight Loss
Male and female patients can benefit significantly from a tummy tuck after massive weight loss, whether achieved through diet and exercise or with the assistance of weight loss medications like semaglutide. So-called “Ozempic body” skin sagging can be disheartening after a person has achieved significant weight loss. However, with a customized approach, surgeons can help patients reach their goal body contour as well as their goal weight with tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
After a tummy tuck, you will notice a difference in the way you look and feel. The benefits of this treatment include:
- Advanced abdominal contouring
- Smoother, more toned midsection
- Abdominal muscle repair
- Increased self-esteem and body confidence
- A well-hidden scar in the bikini line
- Easily combined with other procedures (mommy makeover)
After the procedure, you may also find that removing excess skin and fat helps your clothes fit better, enhances your core strength, (2) improves intimate relationships, and makes your exercise routine more comfortable.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Whereas liposuction only addresses excess fat, a tummy tuck is a solution for those with excess fat and loose skin in the abdominal area. If you have experienced multiple pregnancies, or if you are looking for a way to achieve a smoother figure, even after years of struggling to maintain a contoured silhouette, then this is likely a good procedure for you. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are those who are near or at their goal weight, as this is not a weight-loss procedure. You may not be the best candidate for abdominoplasty if you have any conditions that put you at risk of experiencing complications from anesthesia or if you have a bleeding disorder. During your consultation, Dr. Peterson or Dr. Murariu will discuss your eligibility and develop a personalized plan to help you meet your goals.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, we will ask you to provide information about your lifestyle and medical history. Please come prepared to discuss these details as well as the medications you are currently taking to help us determine your candidacy. If you have multiple body contouring goals, we can recommend corresponding procedures such as breast augmentation, a breast lift, or liposuction to help you achieve your body goals.
To learn more about receiving plastic surgery in Honolulu, please read our blog.
Preparation
To prepare for a tummy tuck, you will need to stop smoking approximately six weeks before the procedure and discontinue blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), if applicable, for the best results. You will also need to go grocery shopping and ask an adult you trust to make time to care for you after your procedure. You will need a caretaker to drive you home and remain with you for the first 1-3 days after the procedure. Meal preparation will make your recovery process smoother so you will not need to concern yourself with going to the store while your body is healing. You should also prepare to limit your physical exercise after your procedure. If you are very athletic, you will need to avoid heavy workouts for approximately six weeks while your body heals.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
At Athena Clinic in Honolulu, patients considering abdominoplasty can choose either a complete or partial procedure to contour their bodies for their desired figures. The specifics of each procedure, as well as the type of anesthesia (IV sedation or local), will vary among individuals.
Full Tummy Tuck
Full abdominoplasty begins with an incision above the pubic area that extends between the hip bones. Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the underlying tissue and tightens it. If muscle repair is necessary, Dr. Peterson or Dr. Murariu will complete this portion of the procedure next. The navel is then carefully relocated and stitched into place. Dr. Peterson or Dr. Murariu will trim the excess skin and suture the original incisions. Full abdominoplasty takes up to five hours and is outpatient-based.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty, targets the lower abdomen below the belly button. It is best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and muscle separation limited to the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck can take up to two hours and is also outpatient-based.
Adding High-Definition liposculpture
High-definition liposuction (“Hi-Def”) can also be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. High-definition liposuction is a cutting-edge body contouring procedure that utilizes advanced technology to sculpt and define the body with precision. Also known as HD liposuction or VASER liposuction, this technique targets specific areas of stubborn fat to help patients achieve a more toned and athletic appearance.
Recovery & Results
Immediately following the tummy tuck procedure, we will dress the incisions with bandages. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the initial stages of their recovery. Dr. Peterson and Dr. Murariu can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. They usually remove stitches five to ten days following surgery, although deeper sutures may take up to three weeks.
Our team will provide a compression garment for your recovery to help expedite the healing process. You will need to have adequate rest at this time. Complete recovery from a tummy tuck can take several weeks. Although you will be able to return to work after around two weeks, your body may not be ready for intense physical exercise until the 6-8-week mark. Continue to follow your post-operative instructions diligently to ensure you achieve the most effective results.
Corresponding Procedures
Liposuction
At Athena Clinic in Honolulu, liposuction is oftentimes performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty to remove fat cells as well as flatten the abdominal area for a smooth contour. If you have excess fat in addition to excess skin, we can use suction to remove the fat for a flatter abdomen. Your procedure plan will depend on your goals and the type of contour you would like to achieve.
Mommy Makeover
The mommy makeover is a highly customizable set of procedures that often includes a tummy tuck, but that may also include other body contouring techniques. Frequently performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction or non-surgical procedures may be added to your treatment plan depending on your unique needs. At Athena, we prioritize personalized care, so please bring up the procedures you would like to add to your tummy tuck at your consultation.
The Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Honolulu
The cost of your tummy tuck procedure will depend on your body goals and your unique treatment plan. Our team prioritizes accessibility and will work with you to provide detailed financing information.
Don’t wait to achieve your dream figure. Contact our office to learn more about abdominoplasty and how our experienced surgeons can help you meet your goals.
FAQ
Can I get a tummy tuck if I have not finished having children?
While it is possible to undergo a tummy tuck before completing your family, it’s generally recommended to wait until after you have finished having children. This is because another pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin once more, potentially undoing your results. By waiting until after you have finished having children, you can ensure that your tummy tuck results are not compromised.
Is it common to combine other procedures with a tummy tuck?
Yes! It is common to combine a tummy tuck with a number of additional body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, a breast lift, or liposuction, which is known as a mommy makeover.
Will a tummy tuck leave noticeable scars?
As with any surgical procedure, scarring is inevitable. However, surgeons take great care in placing incisions strategically to minimize their visibility. Over time, the appearance of scars typically fades and becomes less noticeable. Following postoperative scar care instructions, such as keeping the incision areas clean and using recommended creams or silicone sheets, can also help promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.
Can a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?
Stretch marks present on the lower abdomen may be partially removed when your surgeon excises excess skin during a tummy tuck. However, stretch marks above the belly button generally remain after the procedure.
What is the recovery time after a tummy tuck?
The exact recovery time will depend on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Most patients can expect a recovery period of two to six weeks before returning to their normal daily activities, including work and exercise.
References
- Saariniemi KMM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Helle MH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HOM. Abdominoplasty Improves Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Study. Plastic Surgery International. 2014;2014:197232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/197232
- Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049