Tummy Tuck
in Novi, Michigan

Aging, weight gain, and childbirth can dramatically change your abdomen. You don’t have to suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, though. A tummy tuck could be just the thing. This procedure is specially designed to remove excess skin, tighten abdominal muscles, and eliminate or improve stretch marks across your abdomen. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lakin, is an expert in body contouring surgeries and will customize the surgery to you and your goals

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Tummy Tuck Overview:
What’s It All About?

What is a tummy tuck, aka abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgery more properly referred to as abdominoplasty. It is an invasive procedure and does require full sedation (you’ll be asleep during the process). A tummy tuck removes sagging and addresses muscle separation, known as diastasis recti, from your abdominal area left from childbirth, weight loss or gain, and more.

What Abdominal Concerns Do Tummy Tucks Address?

Abdominoplasty can address a wide range of concerns about your abdomen, including the following:

Sagging skin can develop through weight gain and subsequent loss or due to pregnancy and childbirth. This is removed during abdominoplasty, giving you a flatter abdomen.

With this cosmetic surgery, you can remove or at least reduce visible stretch marks by removing the excess loose skin.

Pregnancy can widen your abdominal muscles, causing the lower stomach to protrude. Dr. Lakin can tighten those muscles, as well as the abdominal wall, reducing the protrusion and flattening your stomach.

Weight gain and loss over time can create sagging, loose abdominal skin, and a rough texture. A tummy tuck removes that excess skin and smooths the surface, helping you create the toned, flat physique you want. 

The Different Types of Tummy Tucks

While you might assume that abdominoplasties are all the same, the truth is that there are several different types out there. Each offer different skin removal, muscle tightening, and tummy tuck scar options. Which is right for you, though? Here’s a closer look at the three options.

Traditional Tummy Tuck aka Complete Abdominoplasty:

With a full tummy tuck, Dr. Lakin will create an incision at the top of one hip and extend it across your abdomen to the top of the other hip, just over the pubic area. The scar line will be low and is often hidden by undergarments. This type of procedure also allows the surgeon to reposition your belly button naturally after removing the excess skin and fat. This surgical procedure gives access to the entire abdominal wall allowing Dr. Lakin to tighten the abdominal muscles giving you better tummy tuck results. This surgery is great for moms suffering for having a mom pooch or people with moderate skin laxity.

Traditional Tummy Tuck aka Complete Abdominoplasty:

With a full tummy tuck, Dr. Lakin will create an incision at the top of one hip and extend it across your abdomen to the top of the other hip, just over the pubic area. The scar line will be low and is often hidden by undergarments. This type of procedure also allows the surgeon to reposition your belly button naturally after removing the excess skin and fat. This surgical procedure gives access to the entire abdominal wall allowing Dr. Lakin to tighten the abdominal muscles giving you better tummy tuck results. This surgery is great for moms suffering for having a mom pooch or people with moderate skin laxity.

Mini Tummy Tuck:

A mini tummy tuck is precisely what it sounds like; a smaller version of the traditional procedure. You might also hear it called a Brazilian tummy tuck. The surgeon uses a smaller incision along the bikini line and only removes excess skin from the lower abdomen. This procedure doesn’t affect the belly button, and liposuction can be used to remove excess fat simultaneously. This type of procedure is usually conducted on patients with mild extra skin and no muscle separation.

Mini Tummy Tuck:

A mini tummy tuck is precisely what it sounds like; a smaller version of the traditional procedure. You might also hear it called a Brazilian tummy tuck. The surgeon uses a smaller incision along the bikini line and only removes excess skin from the lower abdomen. This procedure doesn’t affect the belly button, and liposuction can be used to remove excess fat simultaneously. This type of procedure is usually conducted on patients with mild extra skin and no muscle separation.

Extended Tummy Tuck:

With an extended tummy tuck, the incision extended a little further rather than stopping at the top of the hips, it goes farther back. This also allows the surgeon to tighten the entire waistline and address the hanging skin. Great for patients with severe excess skin.

Extended Tummy Tuck:

With an extended tummy tuck, the incision extended a little further rather than stopping at the top of the hips, it goes farther back. This also allows the surgeon to tighten the entire waistline and address the hanging skin. Great for patients with severe excess skin.

Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck:

This procedure is recommended for patients that had massive weight loss. The incision site is similar to a full tummy tuck (along the bikini line), but another vertical incision is made from the middle of the chest to the pubic hairline. After significant weight loss, patients experience a significant amount of skin laxity that can be corrected by this surgery.

Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck:

This procedure is recommended for patients that had massive weight loss. The incision site is similar to a full tummy tuck (along the bikini line), but another vertical incision is made from the middle of the chest to the pubic hairline. After significant weight loss, patients experience a significant amount of skin laxity that can be corrected by this surgery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

Tummy tucks are invasive procedures. That means you’ll have downtime afterward. Understanding what to expect during the recovery process will help things go more smoothly. Here’s what you need to know.

Drain Tubes and Compression Garments

You will likely be fitted with drain tubes to allow fluid to drain from the incision. Your doctor will explain how to care for them, and they’ll be removed a few weeks after the procedure. Compression garments will probably be prescribed and should be worn as instructed to help your body adjust to its new shape and to control swelling.

Post-Surgery Care

Your surgeon will recommend that you rest for up to 48 hours after the procedure. After that point, you should begin trying to move around to help restore blood circulation and avoid clots. It can take up to two weeks to recover and up to six weeks before you can begin exercising once more.

Follow-Up Visits

You will have several follow-up visits with your surgeon. These allow the surgeon to inspect the incisions and gauge their healing. The drain tubes will also be removed during one of your follow-ups. Make sure you come to each appointment.

Lymphatic massages

Lymphatic massages are highly recommended to help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. It will allow you to have a faster recovery.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Michigan?

The average cost of a tummy tuck in Michigan is between $6,000 and $9,000. Health insurance does not pay for this procedure, as it’s considered elective. However, your costs will vary depending on many factors, including the type of tummy tuck you choose and whether you include additional procedures, like liposuction.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Michigan?

The average cost of a tummy tuck in Michigan is between $6,000 and $9,000. Health insurance does not pay for this procedure, as it’s considered elective. However, your costs will vary depending on many factors, including the type of tummy tuck you choose and whether you include additional procedures, like liposuction.

How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck

If you’ve decided that a tummy tuck is right for you, you’ll need to prepare yourself before the procedure. This can take several months.
4-6 Months Prior
You’ll need to focus on your health four to six months before your procedure. Create an exercise regimen to help you lose weight and stick to it. You’ll also need to follow a healthy MORE diet to ensure proper nutrition, and you should drink plenty of water since hydration is critical for skin health. If you smoke, now is the time to quit, as well. You will also want to limit the amount of alcohol you drink or quit drinking altogether. Smoking and drinking inhibit your body’s ability to heal itself.
4 Months Prior
At four months away from your abdominoplasty, you should be close to your ideal weight and your fitness level should have noticeably improved. Your surgeon will evaluate your MORE body and help you set realistic goals for the procedure. Speak with your surgeon about your goals and concerns and ensure you’re comfortable with them.
3 Months Prior
By this point, you should have chosen a surgeon and be well on your way to losing weight and improving your fitness. Follow your surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions at this time and begin MORE making arrangements for after the surgery. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the surgery and to care for you during your recovery at home. If you have young children, you’ll need to arrange for childcare, as well.
1 Month Prior
During this time, you’ll want to start building your at-home supply stockpile. You’ll need gauze pads, ice packs, over-the-counter pain medication, compression clothing (if your doctor MORE prescribes it), and comfortable clothing to wear during your recovery. Maintain a stable weight this month and speak with your surgeon about any concerns you have.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tucks

Plastic surgery is not for everyone. However, a tummy tuck can offer some dramatic benefits, including:

  • Regain Confidence and Self-Esteem with a Flat Tummy – With a flat, toned abdomen, you’ll feel better about yourself. Imagine feeling free to wear that new two-piece without worrying about your stomach showing.

  • Improved Physical Health and Quality of Life – A tummy tuck delivers more than a boost to your self-confidence. With tighter abdominal muscles and less excess skin and fat on your abdomen, you’ll feel stronger and more capable, and you’ll be at less risk for certain health conditions. 

  • Achieving a Slim and Toned Body through a Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedure – With a skilled plastic surgeon, you can combine a tummy tuck with other procedures to create the slim, toned body you want. 

You can expect some soreness in your abdomen and around the incisions. You will also feel general fatigue. Your lower abdomen may also feel tighter. Full recovery can take about six weeks (to return to your regular activities)

You’ll notice some results almost immediately, but because of swelling and the healing process, it can take several months to see the full results. Most patients see the full benefit of a tummy tuck within about a year.

A tummy tuck permanently removes excess skin and fat, reduces or eliminates stretch marks, and tightens your abdominal muscles. However, you will need to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise or new fat and skin cells can develop.

Yes! You can still have healthy, full-term pregnancies even after a complete tummy tuck.

You will need to wear a compression garment after your procedure. Most patients wear them for about two weeks, but your situation may vary. Your surgeon will explain how long to wear them during your consultation.

Yes! Many patients choose to combine their tummy tucks with other procedures like liposuction to remove excess fat.

Your surgeon will move the belly button upward and restore its natural appearance.

You will need to take about two weeks off work. After that point, you can return to light normal activities, but you should wait six weeks (or until you get the green light from your surgeon) to return to exercising.

Yes, during a tummy tuck procedure, the abdominal wall is being treated. Tightening muscles will help you achieve a flatter abdomen and treat diastasis recti. Not that a mini-abdominoplasty will only partially correct abdominal muscle separation.

Like all plastic surgery procedures, tummy tucks have several risks and complications. These can include blood clots, poor circulation, and poor wound healing. And while you can have a healthy, full-term pregnancy after the procedure, your abdomen may feel tighter than before. The best way to minimize risks is to follow your surgeon’s aftercare advice to the letter and then maintain a healthy weight after the procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you’re looking for Dr. Lakin’s expert insight or know exactly what you’re looking for, scheduling a consultation is the obvious and easy next step. Sit down with one of Michigan’s premier plastic surgeons and start your journey into illuminating the best version of yourself.

Katie Wells BSN, RN

Nurse Injector

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and worked as an operating room nurse at Michigan Medicine for 2 years before transitioning to aesthetics. She
received her certification as a Nurse Injector, and attended further training and certification through Allergan Medical Institute. She absolutely loves being a Nurse Injector and is very passionate about
combining medicine and the creativity and artistry of aesthetics in her practice. It is extremely important to her to remain educated and up to date with the newest and best treatments and injection techniques. Her goal as an Injector is that when you sit in her chair that you feel comfortable, fully educated on your procedure, and confident and happy in your results when we are done. She loves forming connections with her patients and feels truly honored to be a part of your journey to becoming your most confident self, inside and out! She is a great listener and looks forward to creating an individualized plan to meet each of her patient’s unique goals and desires. Some of her favorite treatments include lip filler, Botox, and midface/cheek filler (but there is so much more!). When she is not injecting, you can find her trying new recipes, spending time with family, working out, gardening, or taking a long walk with her dog.

Heidi Winkler BSN, RN

Director of Nursing & Surgical Services Leadership

Heidi’s goal is to ensure every patient has a positive experience and is satisfied with the high quality of service provided by our clinical staff. Her passion as a caregiver is to impact each person’s life in a positive way.

Tonya Gilbert BSN, RN

OR nurse

Tonya has been a registered nurse for 15 years. She earned her BSN at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!

She started her career as a trauma RN in Detroit. She has been working as a recovery RN for the past 8 years. She loves being part of a team that makes a difference in people’s lives. 

Her passions include lounging with her fur babies, family, and friends, traveling, crunching, and recycling. 

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