TUMMY
TUCK

iStock 1180799995

TUMMY TUCK

iStock 1180799995

TUMMY
TUCK

iStock 1180799995
tummy is 1180799985

ABDOMINOPLASTY

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Achieving a flat stomach used to be almost impossible. Even with a strict diet and exercise routine, many people find it difficult to tone, flatten, and reduce the appearance of their stomachs. However, now with new surgical techniques, a tummy tuck procedure has become more common, and not only does it help patients achieve their goal weight, but it also helps increase their self-confidence.

Everyone wants to have a flat stomach. Unfortunately, while we can reduce the fat in the area, diet and exercise do little to address sagging, excess skin, and muscles that are no longer taut. A tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, can give you a more contoured body shape and a flatter stomach.

A tummy tuck can benefit patients from different many different backgrounds and situations. Many patients who are interested in a tummy tuck procedure have undergone a major weight loss and are left with sagging skin that no longer responds to the traditional ways of losing weight, such as healthy eating and exercise. This surgery allows them to remove the excess skin so they can then continue their dieting and exercise routines to tone, contour, and shape their body.

For other patients, a tummy tuck can be a way to get back to the body you had when you were younger, especially if you have given birth. Many mothers find that tummy tucks have been beneficial to them in not only losing weight but also gaining back the elasticity and firmness they lost during their pregnancy.

Whether you’re hoping to contour your body’s silhouette or looking to gain back the body you loved before, Dr. Saltz is ready to help you. Drawing from decades of experience in plastic surgery, he prioritizes patient needs during each procedure, making the tummy tuck experience one that many patients are satisfied with.

If you’re interested in learning about if a tummy tuck procedure is right for you, read our FAQ below.

tummy is 1180799985

ABDOMINOPLASTY

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Achieving a flat stomach used to be almost impossible. Even with a strict diet and exercise routine, many people find it difficult to tone, flatten, and reduce the appearance of their stomachs. However, now with new surgical techniques, a tummy tuck procedure has become more common, and not only does it help patients achieve their goal weight, but it also helps increase their self-confidence.

Everyone wants to have a flat stomach. Unfortunately, while we can reduce the fat in the area, diet and exercise do little to address sagging, excess skin, and muscles that are no longer taut. A tummy tuck, formally known as abdominoplasty, can give you a more contoured body shape and a flatter stomach.

A tummy tuck can benefit patients from different many different backgrounds and situations. Many patients who are interested in a tummy tuck procedure have undergone a major weight loss and are left with sagging skin that no longer responds to the traditional ways of losing weight, such as healthy eating and exercise. This surgery allows them to remove the excess skin so they can then continue their dieting and exercise routines to tone, contour, and shape their body.

For other patients, a tummy tuck can be a way to get back to the body you had when you were younger, especially if you have given birth. Many mothers find that tummy tucks have been beneficial to them in not only losing weight but also gaining back the elasticity and firmness they lost during their pregnancy.

Whether you’re hoping to contour your body’s silhouette or looking to gain back the body you loved before, Dr. Saltz is ready to help you. Drawing from decades of experience in plastic surgery, he prioritizes patient needs during each procedure, making the tummy tuck experience one that many patients are satisfied with.

If you’re interested in learning about if a tummy tuck procedure is right for you, read our FAQ below.

tummy is 1180799985

ABDOMINOPLASTY

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother, flatter, and firmer.

If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery in Salt Lake CityPark City and surrounding areas, schedule an appointment with Dr. Saltz today!

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Depending on the degree of excess skin and its location, Dr. Saltz will either perform a full or mini tummy tuck.

In a full tummy tuck, a somewhat horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision is dependent on the amount of excess skin. In some cases, a second incision around the navel is necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Once the incision(s) has been made, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down and the excess skin is trimmed away. When that skin is lifted the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are tightened. It may be necessary to move the belly button.

illustrated cross section of female abdomen before and after tummy tuck showing less fat and more muscle after procedure

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

illustrated cross section of female abdomen before and after tummy tuck showing less fat and more muscle after procedure

Depending on the degree of excess skin and its location, Dr. Saltz will either perform a full or mini tummy tuck.

In a full tummy tuck, a somewhat horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision is dependent on the amount of excess skin. In some cases, a second incision around the navel is necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Once the incision(s) has been made, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down and the excess skin is trimmed away. When that skin is lifted the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are tightened. It may be necessary to move the belly button.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Depending on the degree of excess skin and its location, Dr. Saltz will either perform a full or mini tummy tuck.

In a full tummy tuck, a somewhat horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incision is dependent on the amount of excess skin. In some cases, a second incision around the navel is necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Once the incision(s) has been made, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down and the excess skin is trimmed away. When that skin is lifted the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are tightened. It may be necessary to move the belly button.

illustrated cross section of female abdomen before and after tummy tuck showing less fat and more muscle after procedure

There will be pain and swelling for a few days after your abdominoplasty, and there will be some residual soreness for weeks, maybe even months. You may need to take up to a month off of work, and any strenuous activity will have to wait six weeks. Dr. Saltz will give you detailed instructions on how to best handle your recovery.

Your tummy tuck from Dr. Saltz will look great for decades, as long as you maintain a healthy weight and follow some sort of exercise routine. Weight gain can negate the surgery’s results.

Skin is elastic and resilient, but there is a point at which, if overstretched, it will not rebound to its previous state. This can happen when the stomach is stretched by pregnancy or massive weight gain (and subsequent loss), leaving you with sagging skin or a protruding stomach pouch. Both men and women can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. But a tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method, and is intended for people at a healthy, stable weight. As with any surgical procedure, successful abdominoplasty candidates are generally in good health with no serious medical complications. Women need to be sure they are not going to become pregnant and have another child, as this will negate the results of the tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty with Dr. Saltz is major surgery, and it entails the risks inherent with any surgery: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, reaction to anesthesia, infection, keloid scar formation, and the like. However, Dr. Saltz has extensive experience with these procedures and they have proven to be very safe and very satisfying for our patients. The most significant and rare risks of abdominoplasty surgery are pulmonary complications and blood clots, which are prevented by using leg compression devices, blood thinners, early ambulation, and respiratory exercises. Patients at higher risk are kept in the hospital overnight for observation and intense early ambulation.

Recovery from your tummy tuck will involve some pain. This procedure can create a long incision just above the pubic area (the size of the scar depends on how much loose skin is to be removed), and Dr. Saltz repositions and anchors underlying muscles and the abdominal skin. Once the core muscles are brought back together with permanent stitches, numbing medication is injected directly on the fascia surrounding the muscle so patients have no pain when they wake up. Pain pills will be necessary for the first few days of your recovery. After your initial recovery, you can have residual soreness that comes and goes for weeks. You’ll need to be cognizant of your incision and try not to stress it too much.

A mini tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck, only more conservative. This procedure may be ideal for you if you have a "mini" amount of skin and fat to address. During the mini tummy tuck, Dr. Saltz makes an incision that may measure only a few inches long. This is made in between the hips where the resulting scar will be hidden by a bathing suit or underpants. Like the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck involves muscle tightening, fat removal as needed, and skin trimming to sculpt the lower abdomen. Your belly button is untouched during this mini procedure.

The purpose of the abdominoplasty procedure is primarily to resolve the issue of severe tissue laxity. The correction of stretch marks is an added bonus that may or may not be possible. If you have stretch marks in the area from which excess skin will be removed, your stretch marks may be eliminated. If your stretch marks extend beyond the area of surgical focus, such as around your sides or higher up above your belly button, they will not be removed through your tummy tuck. That said, because your abdomen will be flatter and smoother after surgery, the appearance of your stretch marks may be less prominent than before.

In general, we encourage patients to take a full two weeks off to heal after a tummy tuck. During this time, the primary objective is to rest as much as needed. Your body will tell you how much rest you need and how much activity you can tolerate. While you do need to walk a little bit here and there every day, this is only to prevent blood clots due to inactivity. Aside from walking, you will not engage in many tasks. No cooking or cleaning. No exercise, just rest and sleep. You may return to work after two weeks provided that you do not have to meet certain physical demands as part of your job. Even after two weeks, though, you may feel sore and tender, and you may tire more easily for some time. Your body has a lot of healing to do in the deeper layers of your abdomen, so be patient. Rest assured that our staff is available to support you through your recovery period after your tummy tuck.

After your abdominoplasty procedure, your belly button and incision will be covered with an appropriate dressing. You may have drains in place and will need to wear a compression garment. These necessary bandages and drains can obscure your tummy for at least a few days. If you observe your tummy when you awaken from anesthesia, you may notice that it looks flatter and tighter, but it will also look swollen. It may look extraordinarily tight due to the restructuring of your abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. It is important not to observe your immediate appearance as an indication of your final outcome from surgery. In fact, Dr. Saltz or the surgical staff may advise against looking at the area until your first follow-up visit.

While tummy tuck drains are in place, you cannot shower as you normally would. For this brief period of having drains, you will take sponge baths as needed to remain comfortable and clean. You may need assistance with this task to obtain the most benefit. However, even on your own, seated safely, you can wet a soft cloth in warm soapy water and clean your body. Take extra care around your incision and belly button.

You will be prescribed at least one medication to help you recover from your tummy tuck surgery. You will need to pick up your prescriptions before the day of surgery so they are available for you to begin taking as directed after you leave the surgical center. The doctor or nurse will inform you (and your caregiver at home) which medications to take and when. This way, you don't have to question or wait until you feel the need for pain relief. It is especially important to take your pain medication as directed even if you do not feel uncomfortable when it is time for a dose. Skipping medication doses could result in pain that is difficult to regain control over.

The changes made during an abdominoplasty by Dr. Saltz can be permanent. He trims excess skin and brings separated muscles back together in the center of your abdomen. Your contour will be slimmer and defined. If you maintain a healthy weight and incorporate exercise into your life, you’ll be pleased with your tummy tuck for the rest of your life. You may develop some slight sagging as you age, but it will be nothing like you had before your surgery.

Dr. Saltz asks his patients to be sure they are not going to have any additional children if they are going to have abdominoplasty surgery. This is because a new pregnancy will negate all of the changes made through your tummy tuck. You will be gaining all of that localized weight, which was the cause of your original sagging stomach. Plus, by stressing your incisions, this can distort your scars.If you’re even considering having another child, this is not the time to have a tummy tuck. In the case that you accidentally get pregnant again or gain weight, small revisions may be necessary to get you back to the best result possible.

A tummy tuck is an involved procedure and makes for a prolonged recovery. You need to weigh those factors if considering adding another procedure to your tummy tuck. However, if you are a good candidate, Dr. Saltz may perform mommy makeovers, which is simply a term describing a combination of surgeries that address the effects that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding have on your body.In a mommy makeover, Dr. Saltz performs a breast lift (with or without augmentation), a tummy tuck, and liposuction all in a single surgical session. In combined cases, admission to the hospital for 1-2 nights is mandatory.

There will be pain and swelling for a few days after your abdominoplasty, and there will be some residual soreness for weeks, maybe even months. You may need to take up to a month off of work, and any strenuous activity will have to wait six weeks. Dr. Saltz will give you detailed instructions on how to best handle your recovery.

Your tummy tuck from Dr. Saltz will look great for decades, as long as you maintain a healthy weight and follow some sort of exercise routine. Weight gain can negate the surgery’s results.

Skin is elastic and resilient, but there is a point at which, if overstretched, it will not rebound to its previous state. This can happen when the stomach is stretched by pregnancy or massive weight gain (and subsequent loss), leaving you with sagging skin or a protruding stomach pouch. Both men and women can benefit from tummy tuck surgery. But a tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method, and is intended for people at a healthy, stable weight. As with any surgical procedure, successful abdominoplasty candidates are generally in good health with no serious medical complications. Women need to be sure they are not going to become pregnant and have another child, as this will negate the results of the tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty with Dr. Saltz is major surgery, and it entails the risks inherent with any surgery: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, reaction to anesthesia, infection, keloid scar formation, and the like. However, Dr. Saltz has extensive experience with these procedures and they have proven to be very safe and very satisfying for our patients. The most significant and rare risks of abdominoplasty surgery are pulmonary complications and blood clots, which are prevented by using leg compression devices, blood thinners, early ambulation, and respiratory exercises. Patients at higher risk are kept in the hospital overnight for observation and intense early ambulation.

Recovery from your tummy tuck will involve some pain. This procedure can create a long incision just above the pubic area (the size of the scar depends on how much loose skin is to be removed), and Dr. Saltz repositions and anchors underlying muscles and the abdominal skin. Once the core muscles are brought back together with permanent stitches, numbing medication is injected directly on the fascia surrounding the muscle so patients have no pain when they wake up. Pain pills will be necessary for the first few days of your recovery. After your initial recovery, you can have residual soreness that comes and goes for weeks. You’ll need to be cognizant of your incision and try not to stress it too much.

A mini tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck, only more conservative. This procedure may be ideal for you if you have a "mini" amount of skin and fat to address. During the mini tummy tuck, Dr. Saltz makes an incision that may measure only a few inches long. This is made in between the hips where the resulting scar will be hidden by a bathing suit or underpants. Like the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck involves muscle tightening, fat removal as needed, and skin trimming to sculpt the lower abdomen. Your belly button is untouched during this mini procedure.

The purpose of the abdominoplasty procedure is primarily to resolve the issue of severe tissue laxity. The correction of stretch marks is an added bonus that may or may not be possible. If you have stretch marks in the area from which excess skin will be removed, your stretch marks may be eliminated. If your stretch marks extend beyond the area of surgical focus, such as around your sides or higher up above your belly button, they will not be removed through your tummy tuck. That said, because your abdomen will be flatter and smoother after surgery, the appearance of your stretch marks may be less prominent than before.

In general, we encourage patients to take a full two weeks off to heal after a tummy tuck. During this time, the primary objective is to rest as much as needed. Your body will tell you how much rest you need and how much activity you can tolerate. While you do need to walk a little bit here and there every day, this is only to prevent blood clots due to inactivity. Aside from walking, you will not engage in many tasks. No cooking or cleaning. No exercise, just rest and sleep. You may return to work after two weeks provided that you do not have to meet certain physical demands as part of your job. Even after two weeks, though, you may feel sore and tender, and you may tire more easily for some time. Your body has a lot of healing to do in the deeper layers of your abdomen, so be patient. Rest assured that our staff is available to support you through your recovery period after your tummy tuck.

After your abdominoplasty procedure, your belly button and incision will be covered with an appropriate dressing. You may have drains in place and will need to wear a compression garment. These necessary bandages and drains can obscure your tummy for at least a few days. If you observe your tummy when you awaken from anesthesia, you may notice that it looks flatter and tighter, but it will also look swollen. It may look extraordinarily tight due to the restructuring of your abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. It is important not to observe your immediate appearance as an indication of your final outcome from surgery. In fact, Dr. Saltz or the surgical staff may advise against looking at the area until your first follow-up visit.

While tummy tuck drains are in place, you cannot shower as you normally would. For this brief period of having drains, you will take sponge baths as needed to remain comfortable and clean. You may need assistance with this task to obtain the most benefit. However, even on your own, seated safely, you can wet a soft cloth in warm soapy water and clean your body. Take extra care around your incision and belly button.

You will be prescribed at least one medication to help you recover from your tummy tuck surgery. You will need to pick up your prescriptions before the day of surgery so they are available for you to begin taking as directed after you leave the surgical center. The doctor or nurse will inform you (and your caregiver at home) which medications to take and when. This way, you don't have to question or wait until you feel the need for pain relief. It is especially important to take your pain medication as directed even if you do not feel uncomfortable when it is time for a dose. Skipping medication doses could result in pain that is difficult to regain control over.

The changes made during an abdominoplasty by Dr. Saltz can be permanent. He trims excess skin and brings separated muscles back together in the center of your abdomen. Your contour will be slimmer and defined. If you maintain a healthy weight and incorporate exercise into your life, you’ll be pleased with your tummy tuck for the rest of your life. You may develop some slight sagging as you age, but it will be nothing like you had before your surgery.

Dr. Saltz asks his patients to be sure they are not going to have any additional children if they are going to have abdominoplasty surgery. This is because a new pregnancy will negate all of the changes made through your tummy tuck. You will be gaining all of that localized weight, which was the cause of your original sagging stomach. Plus, by stressing your incisions, this can distort your scars.If you’re even considering having another child, this is not the time to have a tummy tuck. In the case that you accidentally get pregnant again or gain weight, small revisions may be necessary to get you back to the best result possible.

A tummy tuck is an involved procedure and makes for a prolonged recovery. You need to weigh those factors if considering adding another procedure to your tummy tuck. However, if you are a good candidate, Dr. Saltz may perform mommy makeovers, which is simply a term describing a combination of surgeries that address the effects that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding have on your body.In a mommy makeover, Dr. Saltz performs a breast lift (with or without augmentation), a tummy tuck, and liposuction all in a single surgical session. In combined cases, admission to the hospital for 1-2 nights is mandatory.

tummy tuck before & after cases

tummy tuck before & after cases

 

In Our
Clients' Own
Words

Happy Tummy Tuck Patient

“Very personal interactions with all staff members. I felt heard and all of my questions were answered, some even before I knew they were questions! All staff were very present when they were with me; I didn’t feel rushed. They focused on me and were very attentive. I really appreciated this. Also, my husband accompanied me and I relied on him to make the final decision that this was the right facility for my procedure. He was very impressed!”

 
 
istock 896687894 cropped

In our clients' own words

“Very personal interactions with all staff members. I felt heard and all of my questions were answered, some even before I knew they were questions! All staff were very present when they were with me; I didn’t feel rushed. They focused on me and were very attentive. I really appreciated this. Also, my husband accompanied me and I relied on him to make the final decision that this was the right facility for my procedure. He was very impressed!”

 
istock 896687894 cropped

In our clients' own words

“Very personal interactions with all staff members. I felt heard and all of my questions were answered, some even before I knew they were questions! All staff were very present when they were with me; I didn’t feel rushed. They focused on me and were very attentive. I really appreciated this. Also, my husband accompanied me and I relied on him to make the final decision that this was the right facility for my procedure. He was very impressed!”

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

At Saltz Plastic Surgery, our team understands the importance of feeling good in your own skin. That’s why we are proud to offer the tummy tuck procedure to patients looking to transform their bodies. If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact Dr. Renato Saltz today by clicking here. With office locations in Salt Lake City and Park City, we are proud and ready to serve patients across Utah. Call 801.274.9500 (Salt Lake City) or 435.655.6612 (Park City) to find out if you’re a candidate for our tummy tuck procedure.

If you are interested in receiving a tummy tuck from Saltz Plastic Surgery/Saltz Spa Vitoria, contact us today! Call our Salt Lake City, UT location at (801) 274-9500 or our Park City, UT location at (435) 655-6612.
You can also fill out our Contact Form here.

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Hours
Park City

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Open 2nd Saturday of every month

Salt Lake City

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Open 2nd Saturday of every month

Contact Us Today

Request a
Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Newsletter

Be the first to know about our latest specials and upcoming events. Subscribe to our newsletter by entering your email below.

Hours
Park City

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Salt Lake City

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

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