Is a Tummy Tuck painful?

Tummy Tuck surgery, like any surgical procedure, involves a certain level of discomfort during the recovery process. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, and we take it extremely seriously. You can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery, but these effects will gradually subside as you heal. Dr. Papanicolaou will provide you with some temporary pain medication and we will also guide you on how to alleviate discomfort to ensure a smooth recovery process.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments you’ll need for a Tummy Tuck procedure can vary depending on your case and the specifics of your surgery. After your procedure, anticipate a series of follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. Around one week after your surgery, Dr. Papanicolaou will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your healing and discuss your satisfaction with your Tummy Tuck results. You’ll have additional appointments to monitor your progress and ensure everything is on track. Dr. Papanicolaou will provide you with clear guidance on the timing of these follow-ups to support your recovery journey.

How long until I see results?

The timeline for results from a Tummy Tuck procedure can vary for each patient. Typically, you might start noticing initial improvements within a few weeks as post-operative swelling gradually subsides. However, the final results of your Tummy Tuck may take a few months to fully manifest. During this time, your body will continue to heal, and the contours of your abdomen will become more defined and toned. It’s important to be patient and give your body the necessary time to heal and settle into its new shape.

When can I work out again after a Tummy Tuck?

You will be encouraged to start moving and walking in the first-week post-tummy tuck surgery, however, working out will need to wait until you have more time to heal. Most patients generally heal to the point where they can begin working out after six to eight weeks of recovery time.

Can I combine a Tummy Tuck with other procedures?

Many women will combine abdominoplasty as part of a “mommy makeover.” Often, women find their overall self-confidence drops after childbirth due to excess tissue around the midsection and lower belly from the significant weight gain and loss that occurs during pregnancy. A tummy tuck can boost a woman’s self-image and help her regain the confidence she had before having children. Patients routinely combine tummy tucks with other body contouring procedures and surgeries, such as a breast lift , for a comprehensive makeover.

What are the risks associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Although Dr. Papanicolaou takes great pride in providing safe and stunning results with any cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, a Tummy Tuck does have potential risks or side effects, which can include, but are not limited to: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding Blood clots Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Damaged fatty tissue (fat necrosis) Fluid accumulation (seroma) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Recurrent looseness of skin Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling Skin loss Suboptimal aesthetic result Unfavorable scarring If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact us immediately.

Will my Tummy Tuck scar be visible?

While scarring is practically inevitable with any invasive surgery, our team does our best to hide the incisions in your body’s natural creases. When performing a Tummy Tuck, these incisions are often made in your pubic area where any scarring can be discreetly hidden by a bathing suit or underwear line. We will provide you with post-op instructions that include scar treatment to help assist the scars in becoming less visible. The scars will be firm and pink for approximately six weeks, and then will gradually fade and flatten six months to a year after surgery.

What is the difference between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

This is a common question among our patients, but there is a major difference between the two procedures. Where a Tummy Tuck reconstructs the muscles underneath and removes excess skin, Liposuction only removes excess fat and will not remove or reduce loose, hanging, or excess skin. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of fat in the abdominal area.

Best Tummy Tuck In Orlando | Abdominoplasty Lake Mary, FL

Woman in black sports bra laying back | Tummy Tuck procedures in Orlando

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

Individuals with poor skin elasticity and excess skin due to weight loss often opt for the tummy tuck. Connective tissues and abdominal muscles, which run from the ribs to the pubic area, can get stretched and separate after pregnancy or significant weight loss. If you are looking to achieve a firmer, tighter abdomen, a Tummy Tuck from Soma Plastic Surgery in Lake Mary, just 30 minutes north of Orlando, could be the perfect surgery for you. To learn more about the treatment and its benefits, please keep reading below.

Before & after photo gallery

View photo gallery

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery performed to remove excess fat and skin in the abdomen while restoring separated abdominal muscles and improving the overall aesthetics of the center of the abdomen. In a tummy tuck, excess skin is removed from the abdominal area. The underlying muscles and connective tissues are sutured and the skin is then repositioned to create a flatter, more toned appearance.

Individuals with excess fat or skin around the belly or with a weak abdominal wall often choose to have a tummy tuck. Liposuction can resolve stubborn fat in the stomach area, but it cannot address sagging skin folds or loose abdominal muscles.

The tummy tuck surgery removes this loose skin and fat and tightens weak muscle tissue in the abdominal area. Individuals with stretch marks and excess skin especially in the lower belly often see significant improvement after having a tummy tuck. However, if stretch marks are present on the upper abdomen above the belly button, they will still be visible after having a tummy tuck.

What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck?

Our Lake Mary and Orlando Tummy Tuck patients have seen the following benefits from their surgery:

A smooth, tight abdominal area
Being able to take part in different activities and exercises
Better posture
Increased self-esteem
Relief from back pain
Safety from the risk of any possible secondary skin infection or rash within the folds of your skin.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

This is less invasive than the traditional tummy tuck. The mini procedure produces a shorter scar in the bikini line and no scar around the belly button.

This surgery still allows for the tightening of your six-pack muscles. Patients may wonder if a full or mini tummy tuck is the right procedure for them. The main consideration is how much skin needs to be removed. If you have a lot of extra skin that needs to be removed, then a full tummy tuck is probably your best option. If you have only a little extra skin with good natural elasticity, and tightening the muscles will give you the primary improvement, then you might be a good candidate for the mini tummy tuck.

Unfortunately, the decision between full versus mini is not just patient preference. You should never compromise your result to get a shorter scar if it means you will end up with a bad shape. Dr. Papanicolaou performs many tummy tucks, and it is one of his areas of specialization. Since everybody is a little different, he can help to determine which procedure is best for you during your consultation visit.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An Extended Tummy Tuck is a more extensive version of the standard option that reaches beyond the tummy to the hips and sides of the lower back. A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen that extends around the hips. A vertical incision may also be required depending on the size of the treatment area.

During surgery, slack abdominal muscles are tightened, tissue and excess skin from the abdominal and flank regions are removed, and the skin is resecured. As with a standard tummy tuck, repositioning the navel is typically required. Recovery takes longer than a standard tummy tuck due to the longer incision and more extensive tucking. Expect two to three weeks of recovery time, at a minimum.

This technique is best for adults who have had significant weight loss, excess skin, a flabby abdomen, or those who find difficulty slimming down their love handles or back fat regions.

Who are the Best Candidates for the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are healthy individuals who have excess loose skin around the abdomen. This often occurs after significant weight loss. Men and women alike can be good candidates for tummy tuck surgery.

Women who have had children and are unable to shed excess skin around their waist and lower abdomen are often great candidates for a tummy tuck. These women often have an abdominal pannus, which is soft loose skin that hangs down towards the pubic area and separation at the abdominal muscles in the center area.

A tummy tuck may be a good option if you have:

Are in relatively good shape
Excess skin around the belly button region
Liposuction has not been effective in improving signs of loose skin on the abdomen
Visible scarring from a previous C-section
Weak lower abdominal wall

Individuals who plan to lose a lot more weight, are planning to become pregnant, active smokers, or have a severe chronic illness such as diabetes, IBS, or heart disease may not be good candidates for a tummy tuck.

Woman with her midsection showing standing in the shadows | Tummy Tuck procedures in Orlando

What’s the First Step?

The first step towards achieving the toned and contoured abdominal appearance you desire through a Tummy Tuck procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. George Papanicolaou at Soma Plastic Surgery. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns, and any questions.

Dr. Papanicolaou will conduct a thorough examination of your abdomen, taking into consideration factors such as your medical history, current health status, and the quality of your skin. Based on this evaluation, he will recommend the most suitable approach to address your unique needs and achieve the desired outcome.

What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

On the day of your Tummy Tuck surgery at Soma Plastic Surgery with Dr. George Papanicolaou, you’ll experience a carefully orchestrated process designed to provide you with the best possible experience.

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our supportive team who will ensure you are well-prepared and at ease. Throughout the surgery, your comfort and safety will be a top priority, with anesthesia administered to ensure you are pain-free and relaxed. Dr. Papanicolaou will meticulously perform the procedure to remove excess abdominal fat and skin while sculpting your abdominal area to achieve your desired contours.

After the surgery, you’ll be guided through the initial recovery phase by our caring staff, and you’ll receive thorough instructions on how to ensure a smooth healing process. Rest assured that your Tummy Tuck journey with us will be characterized by professionalism, support, and a commitment to achieving the results you desire.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

There may be some discomfort associated with a tummy tuck; however, this will be well managed with pain medication during the first one to two weeks. Special nerve-blocking techniques may also be utilized to minimize postoperative discomfort. Surgical drains will be placed at the time of surgery and will be removed within one to two weeks. Typically, routine activity can resume within one to two weeks; however, rigorous activity should be avoided for up to 6 weeks. You will be asked to wear an abdominal binder for approximately six weeks after surgery to optimize your results. Restrictions and limitations will be fully detailed at your appointment.

Cost

How Much

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Orlando?

The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Orlando will vary significantly from patient to patient depending on the type of procedure and several other factors, including the complexity of the procedure, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and post-operative care. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Papanicolaou, he will create a personalized surgical plan based on your specific needs and circumstances. Our team will then use that information to provide you with your Tummy Tuck quote.

Soma

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Dr. Papanicolaou?

Choosing George D. Papanicolaou, M.D. at Soma Plastic Surgery for your Tummy Tuck procedure means entrusting your aesthetic goals to a double-board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience and expertise. Dr. Papanicolaou’s commitment to patient safety, personalized care, and natural-looking results sets him apart from the rest.

As a proud member of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Dr. Papanicolaou is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field ensures that you will receive innovative and effective treatment options tailored to your needs. He values open communication, ensuring that he understands your goals and concerns, and guiding you through a well-informed decision-making process. Dr. Papanicolaou’s compassionate approach, combined with his surgical skill and artistic eye, make him a trusted choice for achieving the desired outcomes and enhancing your confidence.

Photo of Soma Plastic Surgery office building

Schedule Your Consultation

It’s time to embark on your journey for a more defined and contoured abdomen, so schedule your Tummy Tuck consultation at Soma Plastic Surgery in Lake Mary (just north of Orlando, FL) today! As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Papanicolaou and his dedicated team look forward to guiding you through the possibilities of a new mental and physical confidence, call us today to book your consultation, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Tummy Tuck surgery, like any surgical procedure, involves a certain level of discomfort during the recovery process. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, and we take it extremely seriously. You can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery, but these effects will gradually subside as you heal. Dr. Papanicolaou will provide you with some temporary pain medication and we will also guide you on how to alleviate discomfort to ensure a smooth recovery process.
The number of appointments you’ll need for a Tummy Tuck procedure can vary depending on your case and the specifics of your surgery. After your procedure, anticipate a series of follow-up visits to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.

Around one week after your surgery, Dr. Papanicolaou will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your healing and discuss your satisfaction with your Tummy Tuck results. You’ll have additional appointments to monitor your progress and ensure everything is on track. Dr. Papanicolaou will provide you with clear guidance on the timing of these follow-ups to support your recovery journey.
The timeline for results from a Tummy Tuck procedure can vary for each patient. Typically, you might start noticing initial improvements within a few weeks as post-operative swelling gradually subsides. However, the final results of your Tummy Tuck may take a few months to fully manifest.

During this time, your body will continue to heal, and the contours of your abdomen will become more defined and toned. It’s important to be patient and give your body the necessary time to heal and settle into its new shape.
You will be encouraged to start moving and walking in the first-week post-tummy tuck surgery, however, working out will need to wait until you have more time to heal. Most patients generally heal to the point where they can begin working out after six to eight weeks of recovery time.
Many women will combine abdominoplasty as part of a “mommy makeover.” Often, women find their overall self-confidence drops after childbirth due to excess tissue around the midsection and lower belly from the significant weight gain and loss that occurs during pregnancy. A tummy tuck can boost a woman’s self-image and help her regain the confidence she had before having children. Patients routinely combine tummy tucks with other body contouring procedures and surgeries, such as a breast lift, for a comprehensive makeover.
Although Dr. Papanicolaou takes great pride in providing safe and stunning results with any cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, a Tummy Tuck does have potential risks or side effects, which can include, but are not limited to:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Damaged fatty tissue (fat necrosis)
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Unfavorable scarring
If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions, please contact us immediately.
While scarring is practically inevitable with any invasive surgery, our team does our best to hide the incisions in your body’s natural creases. When performing a Tummy Tuck, these incisions are often made in your pubic area where any scarring can be discreetly hidden by a bathing suit or underwear line.

We will provide you with post-op instructions that include scar treatment to help assist the scars in becoming less visible. The scars will be firm and pink for approximately six weeks, and then will gradually fade and flatten six months to a year after surgery.
This is a common question among our patients, but there is a major difference between the two procedures. Where a Tummy Tuck reconstructs the muscles underneath and removes excess skin, Liposuction only removes excess fat and will not remove or reduce loose, hanging, or excess skin. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of fat in the abdominal area.

TestimonialsWhat our patients
have to say

Eve F.

Dr Papanicolaou is the best! Very knowledgable and caring! So glad I found him! I definitely recommend putting your trust in him. Awesome office staff. They make you feel like family. Cant say enough good things about the whole staff.

C.V. Fig

Dr. Papanicolaou is the BEST Plastic Surgeon in Central Florida. He is smart, caring and honest.. I have been his patient for over two yrs. His staff is available, responsive and accommodating. They treat you like family. I feel very fortunate and grateful that I found Dr. Papanicolaou. He helped me during a very difficult process.

Yamile K.

Dr. Papanicolaou exceeded my expectations, he is a master at his craft, the entire process was relatively painless, his nurses are amazing, so caring. Also the Florida surgical center was great, they treated me like a princess. Overall I cannot be happier with my experience, I highly recommend Soma Plastic surgery.

Sheila O.

Dr. Papanicalou and staff are exceptional. The process was smooth from beginning to end and I am so pleased with the results. Very natural and as close to perfect as possible. I highly recommend Dr. Papanicalou!

Swandra W.

Dr. P and all of the staff are wonderful. They were amazing to me at the most vulnerable time in my life. I am thankful to have such caring, thoughtful, skilled, knowledgeable and talented human beings to reconstruct the damage that cancer caused. Forever grateful.

See all reviews

Schedule a consultation
committed to extraordinary care

Schedule Consultation

Tummy Tuck in Orlando