Redefine Your Contours with a Tummy Tuck in Lansing

If you’re dealing with loose skin, excess fat, or a weakened abdominal wall, a tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—may be the right solution. At Michigan Plastic SurgeryⓇ in Lansing, Dr. Colony offers personalized tummy tuck surgery to help patients restore their abdominal contour and regain confidence in their appearance.

Understanding the Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck procedure removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, while tightening separated abdominal muscles. Often performed after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or abdominal surgery, this surgical procedure creates a flatter abdomen and improves posture and core strength. There are several types of tummy tucks, including the mini tummy tuck and the extended tummy tuck:

Different Tummy Tuck Techniques

Dr. Colony specializes in a range of cosmetic surgery techniques. In all procedures, the incision site is typically placed low on the abdomen, just above the pubic hairline, to help conceal the tummy tuck scar beneath clothing. Common techniques include: 

• Mini Abdominoplasty: Removes excess skin and fat below the belly button, ideal for patients with mild sagging skin or fatty tissue on the lower abdomen.
• Standard Abdominoplasty: A typical tummy tuck that addresses the entire abdominal area, tightening abdominal muscles from both the upper abdomen and lower abdomen.
• Extended Tummy Tuck: Best suited for patients with substantial hanging skin following significant weight loss that extends along to the sides and back.

Considering the Practicalities

Like all cosmetic procedures, a tummy tuck comes with some practical considerations; tummy tuck cost varies based on the extent of the surgery and whether it’s combined with other cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It’s important to have realistic expectations, maintain a stable weight, and understand that the procedure is not a substitute for weight loss.

The tummy tuck recovery process usually involves compression garments, limited activity, managing drainage tubes, and following your surgeon’s instructions to avoid poor wound healing and complications. Most tummy tucks are outpatient procedures, and you’ll start to notice a smoother abdomen as the swelling decreases. While tummy tuck results are long-lasting, maintaining them requires a commitment to healthy habits and avoiding significant weight gain.

When Should I Get a Tummy Tuck?

There’s no ideal age for a tummy tuck; the best time for a tummy tuck is when you’re at a stable weight and not planning future pregnancies. Most patients fall between their late 20s and early 50s. Younger individuals may seek surgery after weight loss or pregnancy, when abdominal muscles and skin can still respond well to tightening.

In your 40s and 50s, a tummy tuck can address excess fat and extra skin that often develops with age. Ultimately, the best time is when you’re at a stable weight, have completed family planning, and are ready to reduce excess skin and tighten abdomen.

Combining a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures

To enhance results, many patients combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction or breast procedures as part of a Mommy Makeover. These combinations can further contour the body and refine your shape, especially when excess fat and skin is a concern beyond the abdominal area.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to restore your confidence and redefine your silhouette, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Colony at Michigan Plastic Surgery®. With expertise in abdominal surgery and a patient-focused approach, he can help determine the best approach—a mini tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, or a full tummy tuck—to achieve your desired outcome. Contact our Lansing office today and take the first steps.