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Tummy Tuck

Aesthetics Plastic Surgery located in Richmond and Sommerville Court, Midlothian, VA
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Tummy Tuck services offered in Richmond and Sommerville Court, Midlothian, VA


A tummy tuck gets you the smoother, tighter abdomen that you just may not have been able to achieve with diet and exercise alone. At the offices of Stephen M. Chen, MD, in Midlothian and Richmond, Virginia, the established plastic surgeon performs tummy tucks to help patients get rid of loose skin and fat around their midsections. Call today or schedule an appointment online to find out how a tummy tuck can help you achieve a more toned physique.

Tummy Tuck Q & A

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that creates a smoother midsection. The procedure helps refine extra skin, stubborn fat, and slack muscles. 

When you have stubborn pockets of fat, diet and exercise may be unable to reduce the loose skin at your abdomen and get you the contoured physique you desire. Aging, weight loss, or pregnancy can affect your abdomen’s ability to slim down and look taut. 

How can I benefit from a tummy tuck?

Benefits of a tummy tuck may include:

  • More comfortable fit of clothing
  • Repair of the separation of the abdominal muscles
  • Removal of stretch marks along with excess skin
  • Improved self-confidence

Before deciding to undergo a tummy tuck, you should be close to your normal weight range. A tummy tuck is not designed for comprehensive weight loss. 

What happens during a tummy tuck?

Dr. Chen performs a tummy tuck while you’re under general anesthesia. The entire surgery takes about 2-4 hours.

Dr. Chen begins by creating an incision along your lower pubic area so any scars are under your bikini line. He’ll use liposuction to remove any excess fat. Then, he lifts loose abdominal skin and accesses your abdominal muscles, which he tightens and repositions. 

When the surgery is complete, he sutures your incision and reattaches your belly button to match your new, flatter stomach.

What is recovery from a tummy tuck like?

A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day to recover. However, you’ll need someone to drive you home as you'll likely be groggy from the anesthesia. 

Dr. Chen applies dressings to the incision sites and wraps a compression garment around your midsection to assist with healing. He places small tubes to help drain blood and other fluids from the surgical area.  

You’ll likely be sore, have swelling, and notice bruising for several days. But you can control pain with over-the-counter pain medications or any prescription medications recommended by Dr. Chen. 

Most patients return to work within 10-14 days, but you may need more time to recover if you have a strenuous job. Expect to refrain from heavy physical activity for at least 3-6 weeks. 

 

To set up your tummy tuck consultation, call one of the offices of Stephen M. Chen, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.