Tummy Tuck
Age, heredity, pregnancy, surgery, and weight fluctuations can significantly impact the appearance of your abdominal region.
At Carmel Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons, we can perform a tummy tuck to tighten loose muscles for a smoother, more toned abdomen.
Learn how tummy tuck surgery at our practice north of Indianapolis can enhance your silhouette.
Beautiful Results From Our Skilled Surgeons
What Can Abdominoplasty Do for Me?
Remove Excess Skin
Loose abdominal wall skin is an unfortunate consequence of weight fluctuations and pregnancy. Oftentimes, this excess skin does not respond to diet and exercise, making surgical excision the only effective treatment option. By removing the excess abdominal wall skin, tightening the underlying abdominal wall musculature, and re-draping the skin, we can leave you with a smoother, tighter abdomen.
Produce a Flatter Stomach
If the underlying abdominal muscles weaken and separate, this can contribute to a bulging stomach. During abdominoplasty, we tighten these muscles and remove loose skin for a flatter and more athletic abdomen.
Improve Your Confidence
If you have achieved your weight loss goals but still hide your stomach with loose clothing because of excess skin, this procedure allows us to make the critical adjustments needed to realize the full results of your efforts. After surgery, you can feel confident baring your abdomen and wearing more form-fitting clothing.
"I would highly recommend her!"
Brooke Walker
2019
Dr. Bergman is amazing. She did my breast augmentation and mini tummy tuck with and I couldn’t be happier. The staff is always so friendly and always make me feel comfortable and welcome. I would highly recommend her!
View on Googlecarey lynch
2021
Dr. Grasee was amazing. I had a wonderful experience from start to finish. Initial consultation she took over an hour to explain everything to me patiently and answered all my questions and concerns. Then after surgery she was always available for concerns. And I couldn’t be happier with my results!! Tummy Tuck and brachioplasty
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Contact Our Plastic Surgery Practice
to Schedule a Consultation
Even if you are committed to exercise and a balanced diet, you may be frustrated with abdominal wall laxity that a diet and exercise regimen alone can not address. At Carmel Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons, our board-certified plastic surgeons have more than 15 years of experience. Dr. Debra C. Bergman and Dr. Elizabeth A. Grasee have undergone rigorous training to perform treatment with beautiful results. All abdominoplasty procedures are performed in an accredited outpatient surgery center or hospital.
We invite you to contact our plastic surgery practice online or call us at (317) 581-0001 to schedule a consultation at our Carmel practice located just north of Indianapolis.
What Is Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and small amounts of fat to help you achieve the flat and toned stomach you desire. Additionally, the procedure actually tightens the abdominal wall musculature.
The procedure is targeted more at removing excess skin than fat. If excess fat is the primary problem, however, we may recommend liposuction as an alternative. In other cases, we may suggest combining liposuction and abdominoplasty to achieve the best results.
Abdominoplasty can address one or more of the following conditions:
- Localized, excess fat
- Loose skin and tissue
- Weakened abdominal muscles
A tummy tuck can focus on the center of the abdomen or address the abdominal region between the ribs and hips, through the sides, and to the back. The technique that is right for you depends on the amount and location of excess skin that needs to be removed.
View Our Patient's Tummy Tuck Results
Types of
Tummy Tuck
Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck involves the placement of a three to five-inch incision that is placed just under the bikini line. As the least invasive option, this approach requires the smallest incision and allows for removal of skin in the lower abdomen.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
The length of the traditional tummy tuck incision can vary, but it may extend all the way from hip to hip. An additional incision is made around the navel. This approach allows for skin removal from the upper and lower abdomen. The skin is then re-draped and an opening created, through which the belly button is secured.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck involves an incision that wraps around the hips so loose upper and lower abdominal skin, as well as loose skin from the hips, flanks, and back, can be addressed. An additional incision is made around the belly button to allow for re-draping of the skin around the navel.
Do You Need More Than a Tummy Tuck? Consider a Mommy Makeover
After pregnancy, sagging skin in your abdomen may not be your only problem. Many women also are dealing with volume loss in the breasts caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unfortunately in this situation, a tummy tuck alone won't bring back your former self.
The plastic surgeons at Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons can combine abdominoplasty with other procedures to create a toned, shapely silhouette. You will feel comfortable in all your clothes, from slim-fitting jeans and pencil skirts to swimsuits.
Learn about your options to combine a tummy tuck with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or butt lift in a mommy makeover.
"She has truly changed my life."
Danielle R
2019
I had such a positive experience at Carmel Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Grasee performed my abdominoplasty and I am beyond thrilled with the results. She listened to me, addressed all of my questions and concerns, and understood my goals. I have a new level of self confidence now. Her staff was extremely helpful and courteous. I could not have asked for a better plastic surgeon or plastic surgery practice.
View on GoogleSara Reed
2020
I just want to Thank Dr. Bergman and her staff. From the second I called for my consult I felt heard. When I walked into her office it was very welcoming and meeting her made my fears melt away. I knew the second I met her she was the one for this. I had went to a few consults already and they just didn’t fit for me. I walked out happy as a kid in a candy store that day. I am 4 days post op and feeling great. She has truly changed my life. I would recommend her a million times over. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Dr. Bergman! No pictures yet but I had a tummy tuck, with a little lipo, and a small reduction and breast lift.
View on GoogleHave Questions About Tummy Tucks? Request a Consultation
The best way to get answers or to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you is to sit down with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Described as gifted and brilliant in patient testimonials, our surgeons help patients every day achieve their dreams.
Dr. Grasee and Dr. Bergman are known for creating a warm and supportive environment that makes patients feel to comfortable talk about their goals. In turn, they offer guidance so you can feel confident choosing the right solution for you.
Our Carmel practice just north of Indianapolis offers a full suite of plastic surgery options that can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. In practice for more than 15 years, our surgeons can take your goals and skillfully translate them into a tailored treatment plan designed just for you.
Recovery:
What to Expect
Did you also know that your results are still improving during the weeks, and sometimes months, after your surgery? That is why it is so important to take the time to heal after surgery and follow all post-surgical instructions.
Recovery is different for everyone, in addition, recovery varies according to the degree of the procedure. The recovery period is usually shorter for a mini tummy tuck.
- Initial wound healing will take approximately five to ten days. You may return to work and normal activities in two to three weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Strenuous activity such as running or weight lifting should be avoided for about six weeks.
- After surgery, a compression garment will be applied to decrease swelling. In addition, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess blood and fluid.
- After the initial swelling subsides, which takes about six weeks, you can expect a flatter abdomen that better supports your core and leaves you feeling confident in your body image.
Concerned About Pain During Recovery?
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You will experience some post-op pain, but we can help you manage it. In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Most of the discomfort is limited to the first few days after surgery and can be managed with over-the-counter medications or prescription medications.
"...I absolutely loved the woman I saw in the mirror..."
"Going into Dr. Bergman’s office for the first time I was extremely self conscious and uncomfortable seeing my own reflection in the mirror. My goals were to always have a breast augmentation and a tummy tuck done as a reward for all of the hard work put into reaching my fitness goals. The first time meeting Dr. Bergman was the best experience I have ever had meeting a medical professional. During the consultation we talked about everything I wanted done and how we would achieve the desired look I wanted for so long. After surgery I looked in the mirror for the first time and was overwhelmed with emotions because I absolutely loved the woman I saw in the mirror after years of not loving the way I looked. I would highly recommend Dr. Bergman and her team to anyone seeking plastic surgery." Whitney Little
