Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Charlotte
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Take the next step to return to the figure of your youth

Belly fat – we all hate it! Not only does it make us feel unattractive, but it can be some of the most stubborn fat on your body. For many of us, it simply refuses to budge even after hours in the gym and months of careful monitoring in the kitchen. Talk about frustrating.

Luckily, there are cosmetic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck to get rid of that fat. An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is the best procedure when you have excess skin as well as fat. It’s a particularly popular procedure with women who want their pre-pregnancy bodies back.

Get back the body you had before motherhood. Wear the clothes that make you feel truly feminine. Feel good about yourself at the mirror outside your shower. Take the next step to return to the figure of your youth.

Our award-winning surgeons at H/K/B teach abdominoplasty to plastic surgeons from around the world. So, you can be assured they are well-versed in the most advanced – yet medically sound – techniques to ensure the best tummy tuck results and your safety and satisfaction.

Belly fat – we all hate it! Not only does it make us feel unattractive, but it can be some of the most stubborn fat on your body. For many of us, it simply refuses to budge even after hours in the gym and months of careful monitoring in the kitchen. Talk about frustrating.

Luckily, there are cosmetic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck to get rid of that fat. An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is the best procedure when you have excess skin as well as fat. It’s a particularly popular procedure with women who want their pre-pregnancy bodies back.

Get back the body you had before motherhood. Wear the clothes that make you feel truly feminine. Feel good about yourself at the mirror outside your shower. Take the next step to return to the figure of your youth.

Our award-winning surgeons at H/K/B teach abdominoplasty to plastic surgeons from around the world. So, you can be assured they are well-versed in the most advanced – yet medically sound – techniques to ensure the best tummy tuck results and your safety and satisfaction.

Drainless Tummy Tuck
Less pain, less anxiety, and faster recovery!

Drains are typically inserted post-operatively to prevent fluid accumulation that occurs between tissue layers after tummy tuck surgery. Although they have been necessary for quite some time, drains are awkward, messy, and cumbersome for patients to carry around for weeks after their procedure. Now, patients can experience a drain-free recovery thanks to the use of progressive tension sutures.

The cutting edge progressive tension suture technique uses dissolving stitches to close the gap between the muscle and the fascia, decreasing the chance of seroma and other post-operative fluid collection concerns.

Studies have shown that patients who had progressive tension sutures had a reduced risk of postoperative seroma after having an abdominoplasty. As innovators in plastic surgery, we are proud to give our patients a recovery free from anxiety about the aftercare of drains.

At H/K/B, we use a technique that removes the space between the abdominal wall and overlaying fat and skin whenever possible.

No space means no place for fluid to collect, and therefore, no need for drains.

While not all patients are ideal candidates for this technique, recovery is easier for those who can have the surgery safely and effectively without the drains.

Few practices offer a drainless tummy tuck, so if you are interested in this surgery, see us for an examination and consultation to learn if you can benefit from this advancement while removing stubborn fat from the abdomen.

Drains are typically inserted post-operatively to prevent fluid accumulation that occurs between tissue layers after tummy tuck surgery. Although they have been necessary for quite some time, drains are awkward, messy, and cumbersome for patients to carry around for weeks after their procedure. Now, patients can experience a drain-free recovery thanks to the use of progressive tension sutures.

The cutting edge progressive tension suture technique uses dissolving stitches to close the gap between the muscle and the fascia, decreasing the chance of seroma and other post-operative fluid collection concerns.

Studies have shown that patients who had progressive tension sutures had a reduced risk of postoperative seroma after having an abdominoplasty. As innovators in plastic surgery, we are proud to give our patients a recovery free from anxiety about the aftercare of drains.

At H/K/B, we use a technique that removes the space between the abdominal wall and overlaying fat and skin whenever possible.

No space means no place for fluid to collect, and therefore, no need for drains.

While not all patients are ideal candidates for this technique, recovery is easier for those who can have the surgery safely and effectively without the drains.

Few practices offer a drainless tummy tuck, so if you are interested in this surgery, see us for an examination and consultation to learn if you can benefit from this advancement while removing stubborn fat from the abdomen.

What Can I Expect During Tummy Tuck Surgery?

You should avoid blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Tylenol for two weeks before and two weeks after your tummy tuck procedure. Patients over the age of 50 will require an EKG.

During your surgery, excess fat and skin are removed from above the belly button down to the pubic area. The incision typically extends from one hipbone to the other, but it is placed low. Liposuction is performed through the entire abdomen, hips, and pubic area to suction out the excess fatty tissue.

The muscles are repositioned to achieve a flat, tight abdomen with dramatic improvement to the waistline and posture. This process also allows any abdominal muscles that have stretched apart to be brought back together. Stretch marks can sometimes be removed or reduced as well during this procedure, and we can diminish them further through our ICON Laser, which is the only FDA-approved laser procedure for stretch mark removal.

Abdominoplasty is an outpatient surgery performed at our state-of-the-art facility, or for more invasive procedures, you can stay in our fully-accredited overnight facilities under the care of our professional nursing staff – all of whom are certified in advanced cardiac life support. This is not a requirement for a facility’s accreditation and certification, but it ensures the highest level of supervision, evaluation, and care should there ever be an emergency. It means you can relax in the knowledge that you are in good hands.

Note for those with only abdominal fat and no excess skin, abdominal liposuction alone may be sufficient. During your consultation with our doctors, we will advise as to which procedure will bring you the results you’re after.

What Does Tummy Tuck Recovery Entail?

Recovery time from an abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. While some feel well enough to return to work within a week, others require three or more weeks. With your case and the extent of your surgery, we can give you an estimate as to your recovery time.

Expect to be swollen and sore for at least a few days, but your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to make you comfortable during recovery.

Standing up straight will be a problem at first, but you should start walking as soon as possible to avoid blood clotting.

Progressive Tension Suturing patients experience a better quality of life during recovery compared to patients with drains. A clinical study proved that patients who used Progressive Tension Suturing returned to a normal work schedule approximately 3 days sooner than those with drains. Although you might feel eager to resume heavy activity following your tummy tuck with Progressive Tension Suturing, please remember you just had a major surgery and your body will need time to heal. Be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions.

We will monitor your progress after your surgery, and give you detailed post-operative instructions to make your recovery as easy as possible.

The results of are long lasting. It is possible to develop new fat, of course, but you can help maintain your slimmer contour with the preventative measures of healthy eating and regular exercise.

Recovery time from an abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient. While some feel well enough to return to work within a week, others require three or more weeks. With your case and the extent of your surgery, we can give you an estimate as to your recovery time.

Expect to be swollen and sore for at least a few days, but your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to make you comfortable during recovery.

Standing up straight will be a problem at first, but you should start walking as soon as possible to avoid blood clotting.

Progressive Tension Suturing patients experience a better quality of life during recovery compared to patients with drains. A clinical study proved that patients who used Progressive Tension Suturing returned to a normal work schedule approximately 3 days sooner than those with drains. Although you might feel eager to resume heavy activity following your tummy tuck with Progressive Tension Suturing, please remember you just had a major surgery and your body will need time to heal. Be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions.

We will monitor your progress after your surgery, and give you detailed post-operative instructions to make your recovery as easy as possible.

The results of are long lasting. It is possible to develop new fat, of course, but you can help maintain your slimmer contour with the preventative measures of healthy eating and regular exercise.

What Can a Tummy Tuck Do For Me?

A tummy tuck can restore a lean, more youthful contour to your tummy and waistline. You can sit down without that uncomfortable “belly roll,” and your clothes will fit better. Your clothing selection will expand to midriffs and bikinis. You will feel good about your belly again.

If you have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area you can’t seem to lose, an H/K/B plastic surgeon can help. If you’re looking for a tummy tuck, we are renowned for our state-of-the-art facilities, and clinically proven techniques.

What is a Mesh Abdominoplasty?

In rare cases, mesh is inserted during a tummy tuck to reinforce the stomach muscles. This is only indicated on occasion for those with a severe injury or defect in an abdominal muscle, those with significant laxity of the abdominal muscular wall, those who have experienced repeated abdominal muscle separation, or those who need a large hernia repair during their procedure.

Mesh Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck Consultation

Abdominoplasty is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. When you come to one of our H/K/B locations, you will be treated to our professional staff and state-of-the-art facilities. You will be given a thorough physical examination, and meet personally with your H/K/B plastic surgeon.

Your surgeon will discuss your decision for abdominoplasty, your desired outcome, and a reasonable result with your unique body type. They will explain the nuances of a tummy tuck, what to expect leading up to surgery, during surgery, and your recovery afterwards. They will also explain the risks and the rewards, and will answer any questions and address any concerns, including whether you might be a candidate for a drain-free procedure with Progressive Tension Suturing. You will not be rushed and will have sufficient time to be fully informed.

Abdominoplasty is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. When you come to one of our H/K/B locations, you will be treated to our professional staff and state-of-the-art facilities. You will be given a thorough physical examination, and meet personally with your H/K/B plastic surgeon.

Your surgeon will discuss your decision for abdominoplasty, your desired outcome, and a reasonable result with your unique body type. They will explain the nuances of a tummy tuck, what to expect leading up to surgery, during surgery, and your recovery afterwards. They will also explain the risks and the rewards, and will answer any questions and address any concerns, including whether you might be a candidate for a drain-free procedure with Progressive Tension Suturing. You will not be rushed and will have sufficient time to be fully informed.

Picking Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck

An accomplished plastic surgeon is vital for your desired outcome from a tummy tuck procedure. Your surgeon must have the right credentials and qualifications. Board certification, education, and satisfied patients are essential in picking the right candidate.

The support staff is essential as well. They should be friendly, compassionate, professional, and dedicated. It is important you are comfortable with the entire team.

Your research and meeting with the surgeon personally should be done with utmost consideration. Check out the facility where the surgery will be performed as well. This is not a decision to be rushed or done haphazardly. Take you time to gather the necessary information.

Tummy Tuck
Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Surgery should be sought for your personal self-confidence and not for the reasons of another.

You should consider a tummy tuck if:

  • You have no health issues and are physically healthy
  • You have realistic expectation
  • You don’t smoke or are willing to quit
  • You feel uncomfortable with excess skin and stubborn fat in the abdominal area
  • You are frustrated with finding clothes to wear due to stubborn fat and excess skin in the abdominal area.
Abdominoplasty Cost and Financing

The cost of tummy tuck surgery is important to our patients at H/K/B. There is no set price for our customized approach as the cost is as unique as you. Your surgeon will devise a specific approach according to your desired result and unique anatomy. Cost and finance options will be discussed at your initial consultation.

H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.

H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.