Tummy Tuck in Sarasota

Flatten and tighten your midsection with tummy tuck surgery at Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery, designed to remove excess skin, repair abdominal muscles, and restore a firmer, more sculpted waistline.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

The Tummy Tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct a loose, sagging, or protruding abdomen, which can be brought on through a dramatic weight loss, pregnancy, or simply the aging process, all of which can cause the stomach muscles to weaken. As this happens, the mid-section will experience a loss of tone and elasticity, but diet and exercise alone cannot correct these physical changes. An abdominoplasty can eliminate the excess skin and tissue along the stomach, removing the pooch or “muffin top” by pulling the skin and muscle tight, allowing clothes to fit better, increasing confidence and self-esteem, and improving intimate relationships. As long as a healthy weight is maintained, the results from a Tummy Tuck can be long-lasting. Please schedule a consultation if you're interested in a tummy tuck in Sarasota.

Before & After Feature Tummy Tuck

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Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

The ideal candidates for this surgery are healthy men and women looking to improve the look of their body, who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by loose abdominal skin or large fat deposits that won’t respond to diet or exercise.

Abdominoplasty can be particularly beneficial for women who have stretched abdominal skin due to pregnancy, though they should have completed childbearing before considering the procedure. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved through tummy tuck surgery.

Ashley's Surgical Journey with HKPS

When to Wait on a Tummy Tuck

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. Poor healing of the skin is most likely to affect smokers, so smokers must quit at least one month prior to surgery and refrain from smoking at least one month after the surgery. Although abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, it produces a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

What to Expect During Your Consultation for a Tummy Tuck

During your consultation for a tummy tuck in Sarasota with Dr. Kreithen or Dr. Salzman, they will assess and evaluate your health, abdominal fat deposits, and skin tone. Please let them know if you smoke or take any medications, vitamins, herbs, or drugs.

A mini-tummy tuck may suit those with fat deposits below the navel. Some may benefit more from a full abdominoplasty with liposuction. After the consultation, you'll meet with our patient coordinator for cost estimates and scheduling.

Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman are happy to have a follow-up consultation with you if you have additional questions, and you're welcome to bring a companion along. Abdominoplasty is usually not covered by health insurance.

Quick Facts About the Tummy Tuck

Procedure: Flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Length: 2 to 5 hours.
Anesthesia: General.
In/Outpatient: Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery.
Side Effects: Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Risks: Blood clots, fluid collection, infection, bleeding under the skin flap, poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss, and the need for a second operation.
Recovery: Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.

I could not be more pleased with my results from my abdominoplasty! It’s a surgery I’ve wanted since I was 18 (now 35) and Dr. Kreithen and his staff not only did an amazing job but their before and after care, their bedside manner, and my overall experience has been wonderful and relatively seamless (pun intended).

Taylor West

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Preparing for Your Surgery

Dr. Kreithen or Dr. Salzman will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, herbs, and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one month before your surgery and not resume for at least one month after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

You should bring your bathing suit on the day of surgery to help Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman design the incisions so that the scar will be hidden in public. Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

An abdominoplasty will most likely be performed at our new state-of-the-art Holcomb – Kreithen Plastic Surgery Medical Center operating room. An overnight stay may be required depending on the extent of the surgery.

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Types of Anesthesia

General anesthesia is preferred by Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman for abdominoplasty, so you’ll sleep through the operation. For a mini-abdominoplasty, local anesthesia is an option, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy.

You’ll be awake but relaxed, and your abdominal region will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The total time for surgery will be between four and six hours, depending on the individual patient.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck includes a horizontal incision, above the pubic line, as well an incision immediately above the umbilicus (Belly Button). From here, the excess skin and fatty tissue will be excised. The weakened abdominal muscles will be pulled taut, and the belly button will be appropriately repositioned. A low-lying scar will be apparent after the procedure, running from hip to hip, although this will significantly fade over time.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

A mini-tummy tuck, or limited abdominoplasty, can be used when the primary trouble area lies below the belly button area. This technique utilizes a shorter incision along the abdomen, and does not require the repositioning of the belly button. The mini-tummy tuck results in a smaller scar than the full tummy tuck.

Meet Your Surgeons 75 Years of Combined Experience

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

J. David Holcomb, MD is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as rhinoplasty and laser resurfacing, and he has participated in groundbreaking clinical research trials (principal investigator in several helium plasma dermal resurfacing studies and BLESS II Letybo neurotoxin non-inferiority study).

Meet Dr. Holcomb

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is an Aesthetic Breast & Contouring Body Specialist who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kreithen has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2004.

Meet Dr. Kreithen

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in face and body procedures. A recognized educator and innovator, he's known for advancing techniques and contributing to FDA studies on breast implants.

Meet Dr. Salzman

Abdominoplasty Surgery

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Most commonly, Dr. Kreithen or Dr. Salzman will make a long incision from hip bone to hip bone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down, and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Liposuction may be performed to contour the abdominal wall or flanks. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter, and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched. Next, Dr. Kreithen or Dr. Salzman will separate the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lift a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

After Your Tummy Tuck in Sarasota

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen, and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, some of our tummy tuck Sarasota patients are released within a few hours, while others may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Dr. Kreithen or Dr. Salzman will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After the procedure, a compression garment will need to be worn for several days. This will minimize swelling and provide support for the abdomen as it heals. You’ll experience moderate discomfort after the procedure, so we’ll prescribe pain medication to keep you resting comfortably at home, along with a potential antibiotic to prevent the chance of infection. Drain tubes will be used to reduce the amount of fluid and blood in the abdomen; these are usually removed between one and two weeks after surgery. The area may have temporary numbness, or a firm feeling on the top of the skin, both of which will gradually resolve over the first several months. Bending, stretching, and lifting should be avoided for the first week, and strenuous exercise should remain off limits for another four to six weeks. Patients are generally well enough to return to work 10 to 14 days after their surgery.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

Each plan is customized to individual situations and includes facility fees, IV sedation, medication, and post-operative appointments. Schedule an appointment with the doctor to discuss the details of your surgery, and he will provide a customized plan and quote for you.

When Will I See My Results?

Some results from the tummy tuck will be immediately visible, although these may be obscured due to swelling and discoloration of the area. Within the first two weeks, patients generally regain their ability to move around freely and stand fully upright; it is at this time the new, thinner figure can be fully appreciated.

Are There Complications?

The complications arising from this surgery are rare, but can occur, as this is an invasive procedure. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, or poor healing. Patients should be extremely cautious in choosing their Abdominoplasty provider. Only a Board Certified cosmetic surgery, like Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman, can assure patients of a safe and efficient procedure. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Kreithen’s and Dr. Salzman's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Getting Back to Normal

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. You will need to take care of your drainage tubes and record the output three times a day.

Exercise will help you heal better, particularly walking. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably, approximately 6 weeks after the surgery.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they’ll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

Tummy TuckFrequently Asked Questions

Do men get tummy tucks too?

Yes, men often choose abdominoplasty after major weight loss to remove loose skin and achieve a firmer, more athletic-looking midsection.

Can I drive again safely after a tummy tuck?

Most patients are ready to drive in about 1–2 weeks, once they’ve stopped all pain medications and can comfortably make full range-of-motion movements.

Can I still feel my abdomen normally after surgery?

You may experience temporary numbness, tightness, or a “tingly” sensation immediately after surgery. This usually fades over the first few months as your nerves regenerate and skin re-sensitizes.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposuction for better results?

Absolutely. Many patients do both for enhanced contouring, especially around the flanks or waistline, since a tummy tuck alone mainly addresses skin and muscle.

Your New Look

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for Sarasota abdominoplasty patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long-lasting as long as you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you’re realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.