Tumescent Tummy Tuck

The tumescent tummy tuck procedure combines tumescent liposuction with tummy tuck surgery: either complete tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck. When you combine tumescent liposuction with tummy tuck surgery, you can lower the cost of the surgery, decrease the pain, bleeding, and bruising, and speed recovery time for the patient. Tumescent tummy tuck is generally performed in the surgeon's office or clinic under local anesthesia with a mild sedative.

Tumescent tummy tuck surgery produces dramatic results. The combination of tummy tuck and tumescent liposuction make it possible to sculpt an ideal figure for most patients.

Tumescent Tummy Tuck with Mini Tuck

 
Tumescent fluid is injected into the abdomen, which numbs the patient. Liposuction is then performed on adjoining areas, if needed, and then on the abdomen, removing excess fat. Mini tummy tuck then begins with an incision that extends just above and beyond the pubic bone. Skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the incision line to the navel. The skin flap is lifted, exposing the lower abdominal muscles. With the skin flap lifted, the surgeon removes any remaining excess fat. In some case, the abdominal muscles are pulled tightly together and sutured in place, forming a stronger abdominal wall and a thinner waistline. Excess skin is pulled down and removed. The incisions are sutured or closed with steri-strips.

Tumescent Tummy Tuck with Complete Tuck

 
Tumescent fluid is injected into the abdomen, which numbs the patient. Liposuction is then performed on adjoining areas, if needed, and then on the abdomen, removing excess fat. Complete tummy tuck then begins with an incision that spans the abdomen and extends to the front of the hips. Skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the incision line to the upper rib cage. The skin flap is lifted, exposing the abdominal muscles. With the skin flap lifted, the surgeon removes any remaining excess fat. The abdominal muscles are pulled tightly together and sutured in place, forming a stronger abdominal wall and a thinner waistline. Excess skin is pulled down and removed, including the former navel opening. A new navel is formed and attached to the umbilicus. The incisions are sutured or closed with steri-strips.

Who is the Ideal Tumescent Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Tumescent tummy tuck surgery is ideal for patients who have an accumulation of fat in their abdomens, flanks, or love handles, possibly with loose abdominal skin that doesn't respond to diet or exercise. Patients should be nonsmokers in good general health who would prefer to have tummy tuck surgery in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia.

The tumescent tummy tuck surgery is an elective procedure. Any patient who considers an elective surgery should be in good overall health. Patients in poor health might have compromised outcomes and are at higher risk for complications. Schedule a consultation with one of our tummy tuck surgeons to determine if you are a good candidate.

How is Tumescent Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Tumescent tummy tuck surgery is performed in stages. The procedure can vary slightly from physician to physician, but the general steps are as follows:

  1. The tummy tuck surgeon anesthetizes the patient using tumescent fluid, which contains lidocaine, epinephrine, and lactated Ringer's (known as IV solution). The lidocaine numbs the area, the epinephrine constricts the blood vessels, reducing bleeding during the surgery, and the Ringer's solution provides a vehicle for the other elements. The patient remains awake during the procedure.
  2. Liposuction of adjoining areas, such as the flanks and lower flap, is performed first, if necessary. Then the tummy tuck surgeon performs liposuction of the abdominal area.
  3. The tummy tuck surgeon then performs tummy tuck surgery, either mini tuck or complete tummy tuck. The surgeon makes incisions and removes the skin from the pubic bone to the navel.
  4. In a complete tummy tuck, the umbilicus (navel) and its stalk are released. In Step 7 they are sutured back into place with a new opening. This step is not performed with mini tummy tuck surgery.
  5. In complete tummy tuck surgeries and some mini tuck surgeries, the tummy tuck surgeon carefully pulls the abdominal muscles together and stitches them closed, creating a stronger, flatter abdominal wall.
  6. The tummy tuck surgeon places drains under the abdominal flap before stitching the skin closed.
  7. In complete tummy tuck, a new opening is cut for the navel, which had been moved in Step 4. Then the navel is stitched into place.
  8. All skin flaps are sutured closed or closed with steri-strips. The tummy tuck surgeon places gauze on the incisions. Then the surgeon places an abdominal binder on the patient.
  9. The patient is transferred to a recovery room. In approximately 1.5 hours, the patient can use the restroom and get dressed and then moves to an upright recliner. Most patients are discharged after an additional hour.

Pain medication is generally not required after surgery because the local anesthesia present in the tumescent fluid persists for many hours. Postoperative discomfort is minimal since the local anesthesia is effective for eight – 16 hours after surgery.

Tumescent tummy tuck surgery usually requires 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis, with hospital, office, or clinic stays usually lasting a few hours.

Average Tumescent Tummy Tuck Costs

Tumescent tummy tuck costs include surgeon and facility fees, lab work, and postsurgical prescription costs. The average cost of a tumescent tummy tuck is $6,500. Fees vary based on geographic location, experience level of the tummy tuck surgeon, facility type, difficulty of the surgery, and other factors. Costs are generally lower for tumescent tummy tuck than for other tummy tuck surgeries because the surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office or clinic with local anesthesia.

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