Tumescent Tummy Tuck

The tumescent tummy tuck procedure combines tumescent liposuction with either complete or mini abdominoplasty. Combining tumescent liposuction with tummy tuck surgery lowers the cost of the surgery, decreases the pain, bleeding and bruising, and speeds recovery time. It 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.

How is Tumescent Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Tumescent tummy tuck surgery is performed in stages and takes an hour and a half to two and a half hours. The procedure can vary slightly from physician to physician, but the general steps are as follows:

Anesthesia: 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.

Liposuction: Liposuction of adjoining areas, such as the flanks and lower flap, is performed first, if necessary, followed by liposuction of the abdominal area.

Complete tummy tuck: 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 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.

Mini tummy tuck: 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 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.

Recovery: The patient is transferred to a recovery room. In approximately an hour and a half, he or she can use the restroom and get dressed and move to an upright recliner. Most patients are discharged after an additional hour.

Pain medication is generally not required after surgery because the local anesthesia in the tumescent fluid effective for eight to 16 hours after surgery.

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 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.

Average Tumescent Tummy Tuck Price

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

Talk to your doctor about 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.