Portland Plastic Surgery Group
1200 Northwest Naito Parkway #310
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 292-9200
Fax: (503) 292-9205
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tummy Tuck
Sometimes a healthy diet and regular exercise just aren’t enough. Whether it’s through pregnancy and childbirth, weight fluctuations, or other life changes, some people develop and can’t seem to lose excess fat and skin around their midsection. If this sounds like you, you may want to consider a tummy tuck in Portland, Oregon, performed by one of our highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons.
To learn more about a tummy tuck or one of our other body contouring options, you can request a consultation online or call our office at (503) 292-9200.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Before & After Photos
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Her scar was kept VERY low and is hidden by under... Read More
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Our plastic surgeons perform abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck,” to help patients achieve a slimmer and more toned abdomen by:
- Reducing excess lax skin
- Tightening weak or separated abdominal muscles
- Reshaping the bellybutton
For many patients, a tummy tuck improves self-confidence and makes their clothes fit better.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Portland?
At Portland Plastic Surgery Group, the cost for a tummy tuck starts at $11,950, and the cost for a mini tummy tuck starts at $7,100. The cost for a circumferential tummy tuck, which involves removing excess skin on the lower and upper abdomen along with the entire waistline (including the flanks and the back), starts at $15,730. These costs vary with the complexity of the surgery and include our plastic surgeon’s fee, the surgical assistant’s fee, the cost of garments needed after your surgery, the surgery facility’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and CosmetAssure insurance. A personalized quote will be provided at your consultation once you and your surgeon have decided on your surgical plan.
Five Providers, One Goal
Combining artistry with the science of medicine, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Shannon O'Brien, Dr. H. Daniel Zegzula, Dr. Kyle Baltrusch, and Dr. Austin Hayes, and Colleen Phillips, PA-C serve women and men in Portland.
*Dr. Zegzula and Dr. O'Brien are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons
Who Is the Best Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck patients should meet the following criteria:
- In good physical and psychological health
- Non-smokers (or plan to quit at least a month before surgery)
- At or near a healthy, stable weight
- Not planning to become pregnant
If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight or are considering future pregnancies, you should mention this during your consultation. Your surgeon will probably suggest postponing your tummy tuck under those circumstances. It’s also important to know that a tummy tuck cannot necessarily fix stretch marks.
Combining Procedures
Patients who are finished having children sometimes choose to combine liposuction or breast augmentation with a tummy tuck, a procedure commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover.
Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
Liposuction is strictly for reducing areas of unwanted fat. If your primary concern is excess fat and you do not have loose abdominal skin, liposuction may be enough to help you reach your goals. You may be a candidate for nonsurgical fat reduction with CoolSculpting® Elite as well.
Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
Our surgeons perform abdominoplasty using general anesthetic at an outpatient surgery center. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision just above the pubic bone area and, perhaps, another around the navel. The actual location and length of these incisions are based on your specific needs. The surgeon will then reduce excess fat, tighten stretched skin, and repair weakened abdominal muscles.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Our surgeons recognize patients have unique needs. They offer a less invasive “mini tummy tuck” for people who are primarily concerned about excess fat in the lower abdomen (the area below the belly button). Because a smaller area is treated, the incision is shorter and the procedure is less invasive, patients find that recovering from a mini tummy tuck is more manageable for them than recovering from a full tummy tuck.
Recovery
As with most abdominal surgery, there will be downtime associated with a tummy tuck. After surgery, there will be some discomfort, and you’ll need to avoid positions that would place strain on the treated area.
Recovery Milestones
While experiences vary, expect to reach the following milestones along the specified recovery timeline:
- No longer need pain medication: 5 to 7 days
- Drains removed: 7 to 10 days
- Able to stand upright: 7 to 10 days
- Return to nonstrenuous work and activities: 2 to 3 weeks
- OK to stop wearing compression garment: 3 to 4 weeks
- Resume strenuous exercise: 6 to 8 weeks
- Swelling dissipates: 3 to 5 months
- 90% healed: 6 months
- Final results: Approximately 1 year
Common Questions
How much weight do you lose with a tummy tuck?
While most patients look like they’ve lost weight, actual weight loss after a tummy tuck is minimal.
How many sizes will I go down following surgery?
Without the lax skin, excess fat, and abdominal muscle bulge, patients can expect to wear pants and dresses 2 to 3 sizes smaller.
Will my bellybutton be moved?
If you have a traditional tummy tuck, your bellybutton will remain in the same place; however, it will have a new location in the overlying abdominal skin once the skin is tightened.
Are the results permanent?
Expect your renewed abdominal contours to last indefinitely as long as you don’t become pregnant or gain a significant amount of weight.
Will I really not be able to stand up straight during recovery?
If your surgery includes abdominal muscle repair, it will be difficult and painful to stand completely upright initially. We recommend against trying because doing so puts strain on the incision and surgical area.
Is the procedure safe?
Abdominoplasty is safe when a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon performs the procedure on a healthy patient who follows the post-op instructions carefully.