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Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (or ‘Tummy Tuck’) is one of the most common procedures done after childbirth, however, it is not just restricted to women. We have male and female patients who have undergone abdominoplasty for medically-necessary or cosmetic purposes, with great results across the board.

Tummy Tuck

CONDITIONS IMPROVED

Unwanted skin, unwanted fat, hernia repair, abdominal weakness

BENEFITS

A flatter midsection with improved abdominal strength.

THE DETAILS

A tummy tuck involves contouring the abdomen.  Since there are three main layers of the abdomen—skin, fat and muscle—some or all of them must be addressed at the time of the surgery.

The skin is the easy layer. It’s what we see and often what we identify in the mirror as being the problem. This is typically true after massive weight loss but in the most common scenario, represents only part of the problem. You certainly would not want to remove all the excess skin without thinning the flank/hip region and making that a pleasing and ‘pinched’ curvature. For this reason, liposuction in some form, is almost always part of the tummy tuck procedure.

It is not just your skin that gets ‘stretched out’ by pregnancy. The muscular layers of the abdominal wall can be spread apart and rendered partially inactive from both pregnancy and prior surgery. In abdominoplasty, this gets repaired as well (think of a corset but the laces turned to the front).

Needless to say, not all people need all layers repaired. That’s what makes the difference between full abdominoplasty, limited or mini abdominoplasty and simply liposuction. Tummy Tucks are a safe method of changing the contour of one’s trunk and abdomen with long lasting and dramatic results. This is often done as an outpatient surgery with moderate recovery times.

This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to render medical advice.

For more information please visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

 

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Patient Reviews

“The Center for Plastic Surgery & Skin Care is staffed with talented and supportive doctors and staff. I have used them for a major cosmetic surgery and skin care and the results have always met or exceeded my expectations. Dr. Thomas has infinite patience and outcomes that are better than some surgeons in Aspen and Beverly Hills! I highly recommend this practice to anyone who is looking for high technical and aesthetic standards and great people skills!”

– Laurie

“I was referred to The Center for Plastic Surgery & Skin Care and met with Dr. Jeffries and his wonderful staff. They instantly made me feel comfortable by listening and answering all of my questions. Dr. Jeffries walked me through all of my options and helped me decide what the best option was for my situation. Any reservations I had disappeared before I even left the office. He truly has your best interest at heart! I knew that the surgery would change my life, but I didn’t realize how much. I went from a size 14 pant to a size 8! My self-confidence has really gone through the roof. I can actually look at myself in the mirror and like the person looking back at me. This alone has made it all worth it. Dr. Jeffries has helped change my life and I would recommend him to anyone!”

– Lori

“I automatically felt comfortable with Dr. Thomas because he listened to me. He never tried to talk me in or out of a procedure but simply gave me his professional advice. I always leave there knowing that everyone there has really listened to me and understood my goals. As a nurse, I had lots of questions before my procedures and he was so patient in answering all of them. The aftercare I received was phenomenal and even though I don’t need to have my procedures again I would do it all over again because the experience was so great. Dr. Thomas and everyone there is really committed to making every experience you have at The Center positive.”

– Pam

“My abdominoplasty with Dr. Jeffries and his staff was a very comfortable experience and the benefits of this surgery have far exceeded my expectations. I can now feel my stomach muscle when exercising to ensure that I am doing my ab work properly. Also, I think this procedure has helped to keep my bladder in position. I no longer have the trouble of continence when coughing, sneezing or jumping. My physical appearance, of course, is the ultimate satisfaction. I would recommend Dr. Jeffries and The Center hands down to other women.”

– Kelly

“I chose The Center for Plastic Surgery & Skin Care because I knew of Dr. Thomas and his reputation for being the best in Northern Michigan. When I met Dr. Jeffries, I was very impressed with his ability to explain everything in a way I was comfortable with; he answered all my questions and was very meticulous. I felt confident that he was a ‘state-of-the-art’ surgeon, and I couldn’t be happier with my results. I was also very impressed with the way the office is run; even though they don’t participate with my insurance company, they worked very hard to navigate through the paperwork and to obtain cooperation. Everyone was so well informed, knowledgeable and helpful; they really put my mind at ease.”

– Jill

“My family had a previous experience at The Center when my son had surgery for his keloid scars so we already knew that we loved the staff there. I knew that I didn’t want to have my procedure done by anyone but Dr. Thomas because I had such a high level of trust for him—not just in his skills as a surgeon but also for the process of healing that comes after surgery. I felt that Dr. Thomas did a very good job of understanding my situation and goals. He treated me like an individual and I never felt like he was rushing to get to another patient. He was realistic about my results and I always felt like he wanted to do the best thing for me. Everyone at The Center is great. I was extra nervous going in but they all made me feel like they were just glad to help. They were supportive and understanding and I can’t say enough about how friendly and personable they were. They’ve got just the right blend of professionalism and personal attention. I wouldn’t have considered having my surgery done anywhere else.”

– Laura

“Dr. Jeffries Is the best Plastic Surgeon in Michigan! He did my Tummy Tuck and Breast lift. He went above and beyond my expectations. My tummy is absolutely perfect. Also my chronic back pain that I have suffered with for years is now gone! He is a very kind and compassionate person. The procedure was very affordable and the staff are great.”

– Anonymous RealSelf review