Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to eliminate lax, excess skin from the midsection, as well as repair severely weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Suitable candidates for tummy tuck are typically close to their ideal body weight but have trouble toning their abdomen, no matter how consistently they follow a proper diet and exercise, because pregnancy, major weight loss or the aging process has negatively affected the skin and/or muscles in this area.
If this sounds familiar, you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck. Read on to learn more about the actual tummy tuck procedure, as well as how much tummy tuck with Portland plastic surgery provider Dr. Michael Bohley costs.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Once the board-certified anesthesiologist has administered general anesthesia and the patient is comfortably sedated, Dr. Bohley begins tummy tuck surgery by making a horizontal incision that extends across the lower abdomen from hip bone to hip bone. Although the incision is significant, it is positioned in an area that is hidden by the underwear or bikini line.
Dr. Bohley continues the procedure by repairing the greatly weakened or separated abdominal muscles as necessary. He may use sutures on the stomach muscles to create or restore the appearance of a six pack. The plastic surgeon then eliminates the excess skin from the area. Dr. Bohley may also perform liposuction if there are stubborn pockets of fat in the midsection. He next repositions the remaining skin. Then, he repositions the navel, so it properly aligns with the newly restored abdomen. Dr. Bohley finishes the procedure by closing the incision with stitches.
Certain patients may be suitable candidates for a mini tummy tuck surgery. In this approach, Dr. Bohley makes a smaller incision along the lower abdomen, and he does not need to reposition the navel.
The Cost of Tummy Tuck
As with any plastic surgery procedure, the cost of tummy tuck surgery can vary due to several factors, such as the geographical location where the surgery is performed. Plastic surgeons who live in areas with a high cost of living may have higher plastic surgery fees because their overhead costs are also more than in rural areas.
That being said, tummy tuck surgery typically costs between $8,000 and $10,000. At Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery in Portland, Dr. Bohley offers periodic specials that may reduce this cost. Also, the cost that Dr. Bohley quotes usually includes his surgical fee, the operating facility fee and the fee for a board-certified anesthesiologist. Be cautious of plastic surgeons who quote a substantially lower tummy tuck fee; they may not be board-certified plastic surgeons, or there may be hidden fees that get tacked on to the initially quoted price.
To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bohley to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery by calling (503) 253-3458 today.
