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Tummy Tuck

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Contouring the abdomen and midsection often requires more than just liposuction of excess fat. For women and men who struggle with drooping inelastic skin, a protruding belly, and/or stretched abdominal muscles, Dr. Carrie Houssock can develop a surgical tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) plan that is custom-tailored according to one’s specific needs and goals. The amount and location of excess skin, muscle laxity, and several other factors will determine whether a full, mini, extended, or reverse tummy tuck is the best option for you.

Learn more about the various tummy tuck techniques and other abdominoplasty topics by exploring the sections provided below. If you have any questions, or if you wish to schedule a consultation at our practice, please feel free to contact us today.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, or full abdominoplasty, is a procedure performed to flatten the abdomen in patients who have excess skin and fat above as well as below the belly button. In addition, many candidates for this procedure also require tightening of the muscles of the abdomen. Frequently these muscles are stretched beyond one’s ability to strengthen them following pregnancy.

Length: 3-4 hours
Anesthesia: IV Sedation
Inpatient/Outpatient: Outpatient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Problems with anesthesia, blood clots, excess fat and skin at ends of incisions, unsightly scars
Principle Benefits: Flatter tummy and a trimmer waistline

Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure for individuals who have not only excess fat in the lower abdomen, but also unwanted skin.

Typically, patients who are good candidates for mini tummy tuck have had moderate weight loss with overhanging tummy skin, those women who have had pregnancies with or without a C-section whose skin overhangs a bit, and those whose stomach muscles simply will not tighten enough despite exercise. Mini tummy tuck involves two steps that are performed during the same operation. These steps include removal of lower abdominal skin and liposuction of unwanted fat.

A mini tummy tuck is ideally suited for those whose waistline concern is from below the belly button only. If there is extra abdominal skin and weakness of the abdomen above the belly button, then a full abdominoplasty is needed.

If you would like to learn more about the mini tummy tuck, we invite you to schedule a  consultation with our plastic surgeon.

Length: 3 hours
Anesthesia: IV Sedation
Inpatient/Outpatient: Outpatient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Difficulties with scar healing, infection
Principle Benefits: A tightened and trimmer lower abdomen, new waistline, better fit of clothing

Extended Tummy Tuck

Patients who have an extended amount of additional abdominal skin typically benefit from an extended tummy tuck. The difference between this surgery and the full tummy tuck is essentially the amount of skin tailoring that is required to contour the waistline. The more extensive the amount of skin for contouring, the more “extended” the tailoring seams (i.e. scars) that are needed.

An extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty is an excellent option for those patients who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or a strict regimen of diet and exercise. Such weight loss often leaves the skin looking stretched and loose; this skin can weigh several pounds! An extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty allows for the removal of this skin and tightens the remaining skin and tissue, leaving the body looking more toned and trim than it has in years. In some patients, a full lower body lift is needed if excess skin extends to the sacral and buttock area.

If you would like to learn more about the extended tummy tuck, please contact us today.

Length: 4 – 5 hours
Anesthesia: Epidural and IV sedation
In Patient/Outpatient: Outpatient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Problems with anesthesia, blood clots, excess fat and skin at ends of incisions, unsightly scars
Principle Benefits: Flatter tummy and a trimmer waistline
View our full patient results photo gallery

Reverse Tummy Tuck

Reverse tummy tuck, or reverse abdominoplasty, is a procedure for individuals who have isolated excess fat and/or skin in the upper abdomen.

Typically, patients who are good candidates for a reverse tummy tuck have a moderate amount of excess upper abdominal skin with some fat, but little to no excess below the belly button.  The reverse tummy tuck involves two steps that are performed during the same operation. These steps include removal of upper abdominal skin and liposuction of unwanted fat.

A reverse tummy tuck is ideally suited for those whose waistline concern is from above the belly button only. If there is extra abdominal skin and weakness of the abdomen below the belly button as well, then a full abdominoplasty is needed.

If you would like to learn more about the reverse tummy tuck, we invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Carrie Houssock.


This patient had excess skin and fat in the upper abdomen only. She underwent a reverse abdominoplasty and now has a trimmer, flatter upper waistline. Her scar is well hidden in the crease under both breasts.

Length: 2.5 hours
Anesthesia: IV Sedation
Inpatient/Outpatient: Outpatient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Difficulties with scar healing, infection
Principle Benefits: A tightened and trimmer upper abdomen, new waistline, better fit of clothing
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What Is Recovery from Abdominoplasty Like?

Most patients who undergo abdominoplasty experience moderate to considerable soreness for a few days, but this improves quickly thereafter. Drains are used and remain in place for 7–14 days. Most people take off 2–3 weeks from work to recuperate.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

At our Baltimore-area practice, the average cost of a tummy tuck procedure is $8,000 to $9,000 for a mini-tummy tuck, $10,200 to $11,200 for a standard (full) tummy tuck, $11,500 to $12,500 an extended tummy tuck, and $8,900 to $9,900 for a reverse tummy tuck. These price ranges include all costs associated with the procedure, including:

  • Anesthesiology fees
  • Surgeon’s fees
  • All pre- and post-op appointments
  • Operating room fees
  • Any post-operative garments

While our price ranges are an accurate representation of the average tummy tuck cost, the overall expense of your tummy tuck may fall above or below these figures. The specific details of your surgical plan ultimately determine the cost of your abdominoplasty.

For an accurate tummy tuck quote, it is necessary to schedule a consultation with Dr. Houssock. Following your appointment, you can review a detailed estimate for your personalized surgery, as well as ask any questions you may have. If you decide to move forward with surgery, a knowledgeable member of our office team can discuss topics including the payment process, scheduling, and financing. For qualified applicants, third-party lenders we partner with—including ALPHAEON™ CREDIT, CareCredit®, and Blispay—offer a range of plastic surgery financing options designed to make cosmetic procedures more affordable.

If you are considering a tummy tuck and want to find out if the procedure is right for you, please contact our practice to schedule your consultation.

Additional Tummy Tuck FAQS

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or liposuction?

If you have loose skin in the abdomen or weak abdominal muscles (usually due to pregnancies, excessive weight gain, or weight loss) you will likely need an abdominoplasty.

Can't I have liposuction instead of a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is a preferred technique for isolated pockets of fat on the legs, tummy and hips. Therefore, not all patients are candidates for liposuction. To be effective, there must be little excess skin. However, for many patients, if the lower tummy tissues are excessively stretched, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is indicated. Occasionally, the two techniques can be used together. In the majority of cases, the tummy tuck is performed first and a second stage liposuction is done several months later.

Can I speak to some of your previous patients who had a procedure, such as tummy tuck, and get a reference?

Absolutely, our plastic surgeon would encourage this. In fact, her past patients are her greatest endorsement. Our staff will gladly arrange this for you.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery, please contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics today.