Tummy Tuck

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho

Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles of the abdomen beyond what you can accomplish on your own with diet and exercise. It is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle and does not replace personal weight loss efforts, but a tummy tuck helps contour and flatten the abdominal area when diet and exercise alone cannot achieve the appearance you desire.

Tummy tuck candidates

Multiple pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and loss of elasticity due to age can cause the skin and muscles of the abdomen to become so stretched that they do not respond to diet and exercise and can never return to a normal, flat appearance. A tummy tuck can restore a natural contour by removing the excess tissue and tightening the overstretched muscles. It is important to remember that abdominoplasty cannot change the amount of intraabdominal fat you have, which is the fat tissue surrounding your internal organs and is sometimes described as a “pot belly”.

There are various types of abdominoplasty, and the right choice depends on your individual body type and health status. A full tummy tuck is a surgery which can take several hours to perform. You must be in good health before undergoing the procedure. Patients with strong abdominal muscles respond best to the surgery and have the easiest recovery. If you are thinking about a tummy tuck, you can prepare by taking up an exercise routine to help strengthen these muscles, improve your overall health, and maintain your ideal body weight.

After weight loss or having a child, you may be very anxious to get your beautiful shape back. However, I usually ask patients to wait to have a tummy tuck until your weight has been stable for at least 6 months or you are not planning to become pregnant again. This is the safest approach for your health and produces the best, most predictable, long-lasting results.

Mini-tuck

The mini-tuck, or limited incision abdominoplasty, is a great option if your problem area is below the belly button. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the muscles can be tightened, just as in a full tummy tuck, but the navel is not surgically moved. The belly button is pulled slightly downwards in most cases. The incision is smaller and the recovery quicker.

Based on the condition of your body, your overall health, and your personal goals, I will help you decide whether a full or limited incision tummy tuck is right for you. In some cases, I may recommend alternative procedures, such as liposuction or a panniculectomy, or even a combination of procedures to achieve your desired results.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your tummy tuck consultation.

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