A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a body-contouring procedure that removes extra skin, removes fat (with liposuction), and tightens abdominal muscles. (1) Tummy tuck procedures remain one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, with surgeons performing more than 171,000 procedures in 2024 alone. (1)
Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic is one of Denver’s leading aesthetic practices. Our team of surgeons is dedicated to helping each individual achieve their desired appearance; they can perform several different types of tummy tucks to enhance your figure, helping you look and feel like the best version of you!
To learn more about tummy tucks, please schedule a consultation online or call (720) 372-2155.
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Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
At Denver Liposuction Specialist Clinic, our surgical team offers several different types of tummy tucks. This allows them to tailor your surgical plan with ease and deliver your desired results. We offer full tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks, and extended tummy tucks.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is what many patients consider the traditional tummy tuck. During a full abdominoplasty, your surgeon will address concerns in the mid and lower abdomen. They will excise loose or hanging skin and tighten your abdominal muscles, as well as offer belly button reconstruction if needed. Your surgeon will also include liposuction to remove stubborn fat before skin removal to further sculpt the waist and overall figure.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that addresses mild to moderate concerns below the navel. This procedure still targets excess skin and loose tissue, but it uses a shorter incision and does not typically address diastasis recti.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a technique that uses a longer incision that extends around the hips toward the back. Our surgical team typically performs this technique on patients with more significant concerns or skin laxity, such as those who have recently lost a significant amount of weight.
Candidates
Candidates for a tummy tuck typically include most patients with loose or hanging skin around their abdomen, as well as separated abdominal muscles. These concerns usually arise after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Women interested in this procedure should have completed planning their families and breastfeeding. Those who have recently lost a considerable amount of weight should reach a stable weight, as fluctuations may alter the final results.
Anyone interested in a tummy tuck should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of their treatment. Patients should ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine entirely. Our surgical team will finalize each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, one of our patient coordinators will meet with you individually to get to know more about your goals. They will ask you our standard patient intake questions for a picture of your medical history, treatment goals, and concerns. They will also perform a physical examination to assess your abdomen.
We will use this information to create your personalized surgical plan. This plan will include the most effective type of tummy tuck, the most fitting surgical techniques, and anesthesia considerations. If you are interested in any additional procedures, our team may incorporate them into your surgical plan, allowing you to address multiple concerns in one sitting.
To schedule this consultation and receive your personalized procedure plan, please contact us online or call (720) 372-2155.
Preparation
You will be given a set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. These include personalized steps based on your surgical plan, as well as more general guidelines and practices. These instructions may include:
- Cease the use of nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as it can inhibit your recovery by constricting your blood vessels.
- Stop drinking alcohol several days before and after your appointment to reduce post-operative bruising.
- Discontinue using blood-thinning medications and supplements.
- Pre-arrange transportation home after your procedure.
- Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities and commitments.
By following each of these instructions, you can facilitate a safe and successful procedure.
Procedure
Our tummy tucks are performed in an accredited surgery center using general anesthesia. Mini tummy tucks can be performed with only local anesthesia.
Once the treatment area is prepared, your surgeon will make an incision low in the abdominal area to perform liposuction, repair muscles, and remove excess skin. They may also reshape or reposition your navel if necessary. (3)
After your surgeon makes each of the desired corrections, they will carefully close the incision, using meticulous techniques that minimize scarring.
Recovery
After a tummy tuck, you can expect to experience some swelling and bruising around the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate on their own with plenty of rest and adherence to aftercare instructions.
You may return to your career and other commitments after about one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities until your surgeon clears you to return.
Our team will provide a full set of post-operative instructions to guide you through recovery. You should return for any follow-up appointments so that we can monitor your healing progress.
Results
You will be able to enjoy the full, refined results of your tummy tuck after a full recovery. You will notice a flatter and smoother stomach, as well as a more contoured and defined waist. Many patients also report improvements in their sense of self-esteem and confidence.
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting and durable, with many patients experiencing results that last for years. However, you will need to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, as weight fluctuations can alter your long-term appearance.
Corresponding Procedures
VASER Liposuction
Many patients choose to enhance their tummy tuck results by combining it with VASER liposuction. While a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, VASER liposuction helps refine surrounding areas by targeting stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction uses advanced ultrasound technology to gently break down fat before removal, allowing for precise contouring and smoother results. This procedure can be performed on various areas of the body, essentially anywhere there is fat. Common treatment areas include the flanks, waist, or thighs.
VASER is our preferred liposuction technology because it is time-tested, has consistently proven to create great results, and allows for a more precise treatment.
When performed alongside a tummy tuck, liposuction is performed before skin removal. Patients can undergo abdominal liposuction alone, but it is often preferable to undergo a paired procedure, as liposuction does not address lax skin, and removing fat volume can make sagging worse.
To learn more about the other procedures that can complement your tummy tuck, please read our blog.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Denver, Colorado
The cost of your tummy tuck can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical approach your surgeon uses, the extent of your corrections, whether your surgeon performs any additional procedures, and more. During your consultation, your patient coordinator will provide a comprehensive cost estimate for your tummy tuck.
To learn more about the pricing of your personalized procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (720) 372-2155. We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQ
How will I know which tummy tuck is best for me?
During your personal consultation, we will evaluate your medical history, concerns, and physical anatomy to determine the best tummy tuck procedure for your needs.
Can I still receive a tummy tuck if I have had a C-section?
Yes, our surgical team can still perform a tummy tuck on you if you have had a C-section. During the consultation, they will evaluate your abdomen and tailor the surgical techniques used accordingly.
Who is considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
If you are in good general health, have excess skin around your midsection, or have weakened abdominal muscles, you may be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck.
Can I combine my tummy tuck with another cosmetic procedure?
Yes, your surgeon can combine your tummy tuck with another procedure for further contouring. We recommend discussing this during your personal consultation.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Ramirez AE, Hsieh TY, Cardenas JP, Lao WW. Abdominoplasty: My Preferred Techniques. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2021;86(3S):S229. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000002639
