Cosmetic Surgery Information and Photos from Dr.Ricardo Rodriguez.
Dr.Ricardo Rodriguez, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Baltimore, MD.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck Information and Photos

Baltimore, Maryland
click the before and after tummy tuck photos to enlarge

" No matter how much I exercise my stomach sticks out."

What is a tummy tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the most effective way to tighten your stomach area. It also gets rid of loose or wrinkled skin. Stretch marks between the belly button and pubic hair are eliminated. Fat tissue in the lower abdomen is removed. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened so that even when sitting down or bending over the abdomen doesn't stick out. Say goodbye to holding in your belly.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

Abdominal wall deformities have three components:

  • Loose or wrinkly skin, stretch marks. This can be a result of ageing, pregnancy, or marked weight loss.
  • Fat tissue, most of the time seen in the lower abdomen.
  • Muscle separation, which can occur by itself, or as a result of pregnancy. Sit-ups or crunches don't help in this situation as once the muscles relax, they separate and the tummy bulges out.

  • Liposuction alone can take care of excess fat tissue, but loose skin and stretch marks must be addressed by one of three techniques: dermatolipectomy, mini-tummy tuck, or full tummy tuck.

    dermatolipectomy

    A dermatolipectomy is a procedure that takes out skin and fat but does not tighten the muscle. It benefits most slender women who have wrinkly or excess skin but good muscle tone. It has the same scar as a tummy tuck.

    mini tummy tuck

    A mini tummy tuck is best suited for women who don't have stretch marks or saggy skin but have a pouch below the belly button. It can be done through an incision in the belly button, or through a C section scar if the patient wants a little excess skin taken off.

    Men, on the other hand seem to have their pouch above the belly button. Dr. Rodriguez performs the mini tummy tuck in the same fashion by going thru a small incision in the belly button.

    full tummy tuck

    The full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty addresses the three components of abdominal deformity (skin, fat, muscle) so it benefits most women who want as flat a stomach as possible and skin as tight as possible. Results, especially when combined with liposuction of the flanks, are dramatic.

    What is involved in the full tummy tuck procedure?

    The tummy tuck procedure can be done under general, regional, or twilight anesthesia, depending on individual patient preference and needs. The first step is to cut the skin between the belly button and top of pubic hair. The belly button stays in place. The muscles are then tightened from the pubic bone to the ribs. The skin above the belly button is then stretched down to the pubic area and stitched in place. Finally, the belly button is brought out thru the overlying skin to occupy its original position. Some liposuction is performed to fine tune the new shape of the abdomen area.

    I also have skin which hangs over the sides of my hips. Can a tummy tuck fix that too?

    If you have excess skin and fat which hangs over your hips, you should consider the lower body lift procedure. The body lift includes an outer thigh lift and buttock lift, in addition to the tummy tuck. Please see those sections of our web site for photos and more information.

    What is the cost of an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure?

    The physician's surgical fee for the three types of tummy tucks range from $3500 to $5300. Hospital charges and anesthesia are in addition to the physician's fee. Dr. Rodriguez's surgical fee does include liposuction of the waist, which is sometimes not included in costs quoted by other offices. All follow up office visits are included in his surgical fee. After the initial consultation, you will be able to speak with our former patients. Financing is available.

    Is a tummy tuck right for me?

    To learn if you are a candidate for the abdominoplasty procedure or if you should consider a body lift, please visit What's Right for Me?, Dr. Rodriguez's interactive plastic surgery body quiz.

    Read tummy tuck patient testimonials to see what actual patients have had to say about their experiences. You may also like to take a peek at our patient portfolio of before and after tummy tuck photos:

    1-full tummy tuck combined with a breast aug
    2-full tummy tuck with liposuction to flanks and thighs
    3-full tummy tuck with breast lift
    4-full tummy tuck with breast augmentation
    5-tummy tuck
    6-full tummy tuck
    7-full tummy tuck with vertical breast reduction
    8-full tummy tuck
    9-full tummy tuck with breast augmentation
    10-full tummy tuck with liposuction
    11-full tummy tuck with vertical breast reduction
    12-full tummy tuck

    We would be happy to have you Contact Us to discuss your individual needs with you and answer any questions you may have about tummy tucks.



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    Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facelift, body lift and tummy tuck procedures in the Baltimore, Maryland / Washington DC areas. Dr. Rodriguez and his surgical team have years of experience performing multiple Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in the same operative session. These procedures also include thigh lifts, breast augmentations, Brazilian butt lifts, labioplasty (or labiaplasty).

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