Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is designed to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat in the abdominal area. Almost all of the tummy tucks we perform use a “drainless” method we call the C.L.A.S.S. method (Combined Lipo-Abdominoplasty Sculpting & Shaping). In the typical recovery, our patients can return to desk work and light activity in about 2 weeks, with more strenuous activity, lifting and exercise at 4–6 weeks.

Liposuction is better for localized fat deposit problem areas, while a tummy tuck is better for people with loss of abdominal muscle tone and loose skin, often following pregnancy or extreme weight loss.

Both procedures grant a slimmer look, but through different methodologies. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck for more effective results.

Although both procedures can slim down the abdominal area, they are not much alike. A tummy tuck involves the removal of skin and fat along with tightening abdominal muscles, while liposuction only removes fat.

Liposuction is better for localized fat deposit problem areas, while a tummy tuck is better for people with loss of abdominal muscle tone and loose skin, often following pregnancy or extreme weight loss.

Both procedures grant a slimmer look, but through different methodologies. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck for more effective results.

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is already in good health, has a stable weight and realistic expectations regarding their results. This surgery is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.

If considerable weight loss is planned, a tummy tuck should be postponed until after weight has stabilized. Also, this procedure is not suitable for women who expect to become pregnant, since stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin will significantly compromise surgical results.

Abdominoplasty requires general anesthesia. To begin the surgery, the surgical area is prepped and an incision is made below the belly button from hipbone to hipbone. Through the incision, the abdominal wall is surgically retightened. After that, any excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen is removed, and the incision is sutured. Patients will need help getting around for the first few days.

After surgery, your abdominal contours will be flatter and firmer. If you previously had loose or hanging folds around the stomach area, those will no longer be present. Oftentimes, skin that had stretch marks is also removed during the procedure. Your navel may be relocated and look slightly different as well.

Right after your surgery, dressings will be applied to the incision area. It may be painful to stand up fully straight at first. However, once you are able to stand upright comfortably, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your silhouette. There may be some swelling after the surgery initially, which can disguise your final results. This should resolve in the first month or so.

There is a scar any time your skin is cut, and our Denver abdominoplasty patients should expect some degree of scarring. However, every effort is made to minimize the scar, and its placement is low enough to be covered by clothing, swimsuits and most underwear.

It may seem prominent at first, but with proper care should fade with time. For most patients, an unobtrusive scar is well worth the tradeoff for a slimmer appearance.

Dr. Campanile recommends waiting until your weight has stabilized for several months after major weight loss. This helps to ensure the results are predictable and long-lasting.

Yes. The incision is typically placed low on the abdomen so it can be covered by most swimsuit bottoms and underwear.

In many cases, the belly button is reshaped or repositioned as part of the procedure. It’s designed to look natural and proportional with your new contour.

Yes. Many patients benefit from combining liposuction with a tummy tuck to refine the waistline and enhance overall body contour.

Most people can return to light desk work in about two weeks. More strenuous activity is gradually resumed over the following several weeks, under Dr Campanile’s guidance.

Most patients are good candidates for Dr. Campanile’s drainless tummy tuck technique, which does not require post-surgical drains. This generally makes recovery more comfortable and, in many cases, quicker than with traditional tummy tucks with drains.

Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, major weight changes or future pregnancies can affect the outcome.

Stretch marks located on the skin that is removed will be eliminated. Any marks outside that area will remain, though they may appear less noticeable after tightening.

A full tummy tuck treats the entire abdomen and may include muscle tightening, while a mini tummy tuck focuses only on loose skin below the belly button. The right option depends on where your concerns are located and how much skin tightening is required in order to achieve your desired result.

Preparing your home, arranging help for the first few days, and staying as healthy as possible can all contribute to a smoother recovery. Wearing comfortable clothing on surgery day also helps.