Se Habla Español, Portuguese, French, Italian, Serbian and Croatian       TUMMY TUCK Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Who is a candidate? Both men and women with excess abdominal fat and skin can benefit from abdominoplasty, often referred to as a “tummy tuck.”  Those desiring a narrower waist and tighter abdomen are good candidates providing they are not smokers or have poor circulation. Belly overhang is the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuation or genetic predisposition. Abdominoplasty is intended for people of relatively normal weight.  It is not the answer for a huge overhang of skin.  Those who intend to lose significant weight should postpone having a tummy tuck until their weight is within a satisfactory range. How is it done? A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen.  An incision is made near the pubic hairline from hip to hip.  It is placed low enough to be undetectable in bikini attire.  If necessary, sagging or separated vertical muscles in the abdomen are tightened with permanent internal sutures. Abdominal fat may be treated with surgical excision at the time of surgery. Skin and tissue are pulled down over the existing navel and excess skin is removed. Abdominoplasty is considered a major aesthetic surgery and takes up to 5 hours.    Recuperation The patient can expect to stay overnight in the recovery center.  A support garment will be worn and drainage tubes will be placed to aid in swelling, bruising and healing.  Recovery usually takes 7 to 10 days and work is typically resumed within 2 weeks.  Stitches will be removed in 7 to 14 days. Scar maturation can take up to twelve months.  Other Options Liposuction. Click here for liposculpture. Other body lift procedures may be performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty including buttock lift, or thigh lift. A word about financing… Abdominoplasty can be made very affordable through our partners at Care Credit or MedChoice Financial. Visit them at www.drzoran.com/financing   Our patient coordinator will be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.  Insurance Notes Abdominoplasty is considered a purely aesthetic procedure and as such is not covered by insurance.   Ask Dr. Potparic   Can I have an abdominoplasty if I intend to have children? You can have liposuction and/or a tummy tuck prior to having children, but if you get pregnant you will likely lose the benefits you have gained. If I exercise after having a baby, won’t that get me back to a pre-pregnancy shape? It depends on your body.  Some women are fortunate to resume near pre-pregnancy shape while the majority of women complain that they cannot return to their “previous” body proportions.  While exercise will help strengthen the muscles stretched open during pregnancy, it cannot replace the effectiveness of surgery for damaged or loose skin. I have heard of a non surgical tummy tuck.  What is that? A new form of light based energy uses laser heat to tighten excess skin.  This does not address even minor fat pockets but can improve very mild sagging. My stomach hangs over my pubic region ever since I lost weight.  Can a tummy tuck pull this up and tighten it? What you are describing may necessitate a procedure called panniculectomy to reduce significant skin and fat hanging below the abs.  This degree of skin sag is often experienced by those who were or are morbidly obese.  Gastric bypass patients often need this type of body contouring for overall hygiene as well as aesthetic considerations. See Bodylift     Tel: 954-779-2777  1116 E. Broward Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale FL. 33301 Office Hours Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM All contents © copyright 1999-2010 Zoran Potparic, All rights reserved. * Location Map   All contents © copyright 1999-2008 Zoran Potparic, All rights reserved. Dr. Zoran Potparic is a Fort Lauderdale plastic surgery specialist who has helped many Fort Lauderdale breast augmentation patients improve their figures and self-confidence. Dr. Potparic is also considered to be a Ft. Lauderdale face lift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, and liposuction specialist. Located in South Florida’s Broward County, Dr. Potparic’s Fort Lauderdale cosmetic surgery practice is well known for high-quality service and superior pre and post operative care. This site has been created by DRC Business Corp     BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS: In keeping with our policy of patient confidentiality, we do not show before and after photos on our website. Please call our office (954) 779-2777, to schedule a convenient time to review the before and after results of our surgeries.  We’re sure you’ll be pleased by what you see. Home Quad AAAA Accredited Surgery Center Procedures Body Contouring Breast Procedures Botox Injectables & Fillers About Fillers Facial Plastic Surgery Why Dr. Potparic Mission Statement Hospital Affiliations Contact Us Testimonials Skin Enhancement Skin Care Services Pricing Ask the Doctor Meet the Doctors staff Dr. Potparic's CV (Curriculum vitae Request an appointment Health History Questionnaire  Save time, print and fill out questionnaire and bring it with your prior to your appointment.  Help us improve, please take a minute to fill out our survey