Tummy Tuck Procedures (Abdominoplasty & Panniculectomy)

If you're experiencing dissatisfaction with changes in your abdomen due to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, can provide a transformative solution. This procedure is designed to address excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat deposits that may not respond to diet and exercise alone.

In some cases, patients may benefit from a panniculectomy, which focuses on removing the overhanging apron of skin and fat (the pannus) that can cause discomfort, hygiene challenges, or skin irritation. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a panniculectomy may be medically necessary and primarily addresses functional concerns rather than cosmetic contouring.

Dr. Stubbs specializes in helping patients regain confidence in their bodies through these procedures. With a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed and abdominal muscles are tightened, restoring a firmer, smoother, and more toned appearance. When appropriate, a panniculectomy can relieve physical discomfort and improve daily mobility, while still enhancing the overall abdominal profile.

With Dr. Stubbs’ expertise and personalized guidance, you can take steps toward achieving a more confident, comfortable relationship with your body. Whether you are looking to address changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, or panniculectomy procedures may offer the solution you’ve been seeking to restore both form and function to your abdomen.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

  • Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. It is considered both cosmetic and functional because it improves body contour and strengthens the abdominal wall.

  • Removes excess skin and fat: Ideal for patients with loose, sagging skin after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

    • Tightens abdominal muscles: Repairs stretched or separated muscles (diastasis recti) to restore core strength and a flatter abdomen.

    • Contours waist and belly button: Improves overall body shape and can reposition the navel for a natural look.

    • Cosmetic focus: While it can have functional benefits, the procedure is primarily aesthetic and usually not covered by insurance.

    • Patients with loose abdominal skin or stubborn fat deposits

    • Individuals with stretched or separated abdominal muscles

    • Those who are in good general health and maintain a stable weight

    • Moderate downtime, usually 2–6 weeks

    • Swelling and bruising are expected

    • Scarring typically along the lower abdomen, hidden by underwear or swimsuit

    • Not a substitute for weight loss or liposuction, though it may be combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring

What is a Panniculectomy?

  • A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the pannus, which is the overhanging apron of skin and fat that can develop in the lower abdomen. Unlike a tummy tuck, the focus is functional rather than cosmetic. The procedure is often medically necessary and may be covered by insurance if the pannus causes health issues.

    • Removes overhanging skin and fat: Eliminates the pannus that can interfere with movement, hygiene, or cause skin irritation.

    • No muscle tightening: Does not repair or tighten abdominal muscles, and generally does not contour the waist or belly button.

    • Medically necessary in some cases: Insurance may cover the procedure if the patient experiences:

      • Chronic rashes, infections, or skin breakdown under the pannus

      • Difficulty with hygiene or mobility

      • Back pain or posture issues due to excess weight

    • Patients with a large overhanging pannus after weight loss, bariatric surgery, or pregnancy

    • Those experiencing medical complications caused by excess abdominal tissue

    • Patients seeking relief from functional discomfort rather than cosmetic enhancement

    • Moderate downtime, often similar to abdominoplasty

    • Scarring typically follows the lower abdominal fold

    • Focus on improving quality of life, comfort, and reducing medical complications

    • May be combined with other procedures, but contouring is secondary

STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY

STUBBS CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY

Tummy Tuck Gallery

Before and after images showing a woman's abdominal transformation following cosmetic surgery. Top row images are before surgery, bottom row images are after. The woman is wearing patterned underwear in the before images and black underwear in the af
Before and after photos of a woman’s abdomen and waist showing the results of cosmetic surgery, with a focus on skin tightening and contouring, at Stubbs Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
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