Complete Tummy Tuck

Complete tummy tuck, also known as full tummy tuck, is for people with a large amount of excess skin and fat tissue on the abdomen. The complete tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have all three layers of their abdomen stretched beyond their normal limits. Not only does the complete tummy tuck surgery help the abdominal skin tighten to return to a flat, youthful look, complete tummy tuck also removes the excess skin and fat in the love handles and upper abdomen to restore the desired shape. The complete tummy tuck procedure can noticeably change your figure, giving you the flat stomach you have always wanted.

The complete tummy tuck addresses three components: the skin, fat, and muscle, so it benefits most patients who want a flat stomach and skin as tight as possible. When combined with liposuction, results on the abdomen and the flanks are dramatic. Complete tummy tuck is almost always performed under general anesthesia, though in some cases, the surgeon might use local anesthesia with tumescent tummy tuck.

Who is the ideal complete tummy tuck candidate?

Complete, or full, tummy tuck is reserved for patients with more than moderate excess skin and fat tissue. The best candidates for complete tummy tuck surgery are men and women who are otherwise in good health but who have an excess of loose abdominal skin and fat that doesn't respond to diet or exercise.

Complete tummy tuck surgery is particularly helpful to women who have had one or more pregnancies, patients who have had bariatric surgery at least one year prior, older patients who have lost skin elasticity, and patients whose abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched to the point that they cannot return to their original shape and size without surgery.

How is Complete Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

The tummy tuck surgeon makes a long incision in the bikini line above the pubic area. The incision starts at the tip of the pelvis, extends down to the bikini line, and comes back up to the other pelvic bone. A second incision is made around the belly button to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Next, the tummy tuck surgeon lifts a flap of skin from the abdominal wall to the ribs in order to access the muscles in the abdomen. The tummy tuck surgeon tightens these muscles by positioning them closer together and suturing them. This procedure firms the abdomen and thins the waist. The skin flap is then stretched down, the excess skin and fat is removed, and a new belly button opening is formed.

Complete Tummy Tuck

The incision is then closed, and a firm dressing is placed on the abdomen. Liposuction to remove excess fat from the hips and flanks is often performed in conjunction with the complete tummy tuck for a better body contour.

The tummy tuck surgeon will usually insert drains to eliminate fluid and blood buildup. These drains will be removed in a few days. Complete tummy tuck surgery usually takes three to six hours, depending on the extent of your surgery. Longer surgeries entail more risk. Hospital stays usually lasts several hours to a few days.

Average Complete Tummy Tuck Costs

Complete tummy tuck costs include surgeon and facility fees, lab work, and postsurgical prescription costs. The average cost of a complete tummy tuck is $8,000. Fees vary widely based on geographic location, experience level of the tummy tuck surgeon, facility type, difficulty of the surgery, and other factors.

Financing or payment plans may be available. Ask your tummy tuck doctor if he or she offers payment options.

Find Out More About Tummy Tuck Surgery

For more information on tummy tuck surgery, see the tummy tuck menu items to the left. To find a tummy tuck doctor near you, use our tummy tuck surgeon locator.