Tummy Tuck in Washington DC is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. The procedure (also known as abdominoplasty) may also tighten abdominal muscles that may have become lax or separated after pregnancy or through the aging process. The end result is an abdomen that is smoother and flatter. The procedure is not effective at removing stretch marks and should not be used as a substitute for responsible diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are healthy patients with relatively stable weight. In the consultation, Dr. Troy Pittman will discuss your body sculpting goals, your medical history, and your previous surgeries. He will determine the safest and most-effective course of treatment. At times, abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction to contour the hips.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure that lasts 2-3 hours. An incision is made horizontally across the lower abdomen at the level of the pubic bone. A separate incision is made above the belly-button, and the skin in between the two incisions is removed and discarded. The abdominal muscles may be surgically tightened at this time to flatten and strengthen the abdominal muscles. The upper abdominal flap is then brought down to contour the abdomen, while a new belly-button is created.
What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck
There are three types of abdominoplasty surgeries. These include a full tummy tuck that tightens muscles throughout the abdominal region, a mini tummy tuck that tightens the muscles below the belly button, and an extended or high lateral tension tummy tuck that targets love handles and hips. Dr. Pittman may advise a liposuction treatment in conjunction with the tummy tuck to yield optimal results.
Full Tummy Tuck
The primary incision in a full abdominoplasty is made above the pubic mound and runs across the torso to the hips. A secondary incision is made around the belly button. Dr. Pittman then sutures the ab muscles together.
The loosened skin is stretched down over the newly tightened ab muscles, and any excess tissue is trimmed away. Dr. Pittman will mark the navel location and create a hole in the skin. Sutures are applied around the new naval and the incision above the pubic area. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty, full recovery time can be six weeks or more.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a simpler, less invasive procedure than a full abdominoplasty. Individuals in reasonably good shape but are troubled by excess fat or skin below the navel are good candidates for this surgery. The main difference is that the incision is smaller and does not travel from hip to hip, and there is no need to make a new navel.
Extended or High Lateral Tummy Tuck
An extended abdominoplasty goes further into the torso’s sides to shape the love handles and upper hips. An extended or high lateral tummy tuck is ideal for those who have lost an extreme amount of weight and require significantly more work.
Secure Firmer Abs with a Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty will not prevent the long-term effects of aging. Living a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and adhering to an exercise regime will help maintain the results.
A consultation with a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Troy Pittman will allow you to ask questions and share any concerns you may have. If stretch marks, sagging skin, or a lower belly make you feel self-conscious, a tummy tuck in Maryland can help restore your confidence and your desire to show off your body.
What to Do After Surgery
Immediately after surgery, Dr. Pittman will apply a dressing that will remain in place for 48 hours. Some tenderness and post-operative discomfort is expected and can be controlled with pain medications and muscle relaxers. Surgical drains may be placed at the time of surgery. The drain outputs need to be recorded and emptied twice daily. Most patients are able to return to normal light activity within 2 weeks. Swelling continues to go down over the next 4-6 weeks, and patients are discouraged from heavy exercise for 6 weeks following the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks in Washington DC
Many of our patients tend to ask similar questions about their tummy tuck. Here are some of the most common.
How long is my recovery?
You will have mild to moderate swelling and bruising of your abdomen, and the swelling might persist for several weeks. You will be given an abdominal compression garment to wear when you leave the surgery surgical suite, which helps to reduce swelling and protect your incision. You should be able to resume normal activities in a few days. You may take small walks as long as you are not dizzy, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and abdominal exercises are restricted for 6 weeks.
How long will I be in pain?
You will have discomfort for a few days after a tummy tuck in Washington DC. Tightness and soreness in the abdomen might persist for a couple of weeks. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to use immediately post-op, and can change to Tylenol after a few days.
How often will I need to come to the office for follow-up visits?
Your first post-op visit will typically be within a week after surgery. We will check your incisions, observe for signs of infection and monitor your recovery. We will then see you on a weekly basis until your drains are ready to be removed. Sometimes, after the drain is removed, you can develop a collection of fluid in your abdomen called a seroma. This is not serious, but can be uncomfortable and put stress on your incision. If this occurs, we will remove the fluid with a small needle in our DC office. This might have to be done once or twice weekly until the body absorbs the fluid. This is not a painful procedure.
When can I go back to work?
You should be able to return to work in about two or three weeks. If your job requires physical labor, you should consider taking 4-6 weeks of leave or return to work with lifting restrictions.
When can I drive after getting a tummy tuck?
You can drive as soon as you are off of the narcotic pain medication, and feel alert enough and physically able to do so.
Can I go home the same day?
Patients who have a tummy tuck go home the same day. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you the first night.
When can I have sex after a tummy tuck procedure?
You may have sex when you feel comfortable enough. However, we suggest waiting a week to give your incision time to heal. Too much stress on your incision can cause it to reopen.
Will I have scars?
You will have one long incision across your abdomen, usually extending upward from hip to hip. You will also have an incision around your belly button. You will have an adhesive glue or steri-strips covering your incisions. Your incisions can get wet 48 hours after surgery, so do not apply any ointment or scar products to your incision until discussed with Dr. Pittman.  Many patients will often choose to undergo FraxisPro laser treatment to their incisions to help optimize the long-term cosmetic result.
Will I have drains?
A small surgical drain is usually necessary to help collect fluid that accumulates in your abdomen following surgery. You will need to empty and measure the output of the drains at least twice daily. The recovery room nurse will show you how to empty the drains before you leave the surgical suite. The amount of time the drains stay in place varies with each patient. Usually they stay in place for about 10 days. They are usually concealed when secured under loose garments.
When can I shower?
You can shower or take a sponge bath 48 hours after surgery. You should not submerge your incision under water for 6 weeks after surgery.
When will I see the results of the tummy tuck?
Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. We recommend taking Miralax. This medication is available over the counter at the pharmacy. You should begin taking this medication when you get home, and continue as long as you are on the narcotic pain medication. Increasing your fiber intake, eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of fluids also helps. If constipation becomes a serious problem, we suggest either a Dulcolax suppository or drinking Citrate of Magnesium.
How do I prevent constipation?
Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. We recommend taking Miralax. This medication is available over the counter at the pharmacy. You should begin taking this medication when you get home, and continue as long as you are on the narcotic pain medication. Increasing your fiber intake, eating fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of fluids also helps. If constipation becomes a serious problem, we suggest either a Dulcolax suppository or drinking Citrate of Magnesium.
Do my sutures need to be removed?
Dr. Pittman usually uses dissolvable sutures in a tummy tuck. They are not noticeable and are absorbed by the body. You will have one suture holding each drain in place that will be removed with the drain.
What if I get pregnant after my abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty will not interfere with your ability to become pregnant. However, pregnancy will interfere with your surgical result. Skin and tissue are removed from your abdomen, but your remaining abdominal skin will stretch to accommodate your pregnant belly. Women who have had children and want to rejuvenate their body can discuss getting a mommy makeover package, which often includes a tummy tuck, as well as a breast lift or breast augmentation, among other procedures.
Abdominoplasty Pricing and Financing
Abdominoplasty is an investment in your future. Pricing for the procedure will vary depending on the patient’s needs and desires, whether liposuction will be performed, and the amount of time needed to safely complete the surgery.
We offer financing options through Care Credit. You can apply for Care Credit financing by clicking here.
Fly Private With Us for Your Tummy Tuck in Washington DC
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in our all-private, state-of-the-art surgical suite. To learn more about the Somenek+Pittman Surgical Suite, click here. Contact us to schedule a consultation regarding your tummy tuck procedure in Washington DC or call us at (202) 810-7700 to speak with someone at our office.
Check out some of our work in these before and after galleries for tummy tucks.
