Your Procedure in 3D
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Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
800 St. Vincent's Drive
North Tower Suite 610
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: (205) 933-9308
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Tummy Tuck in Birmingham, AL
Many people who exercise consistently and follow a healthy diet are still frustrated by loose skin, pockets of fat, and a belly bulge. While fitness is important, the effects of pregnancy, weight changes, the aging process, and multiple abdominal surgeries often won’t go away without surgery. Board‐certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein performs abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, in Birmingham to help patients from Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville, AL, and beyond have firmer, flatter contours.
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Birmingham, AL?
Because each surgery is so unique, the price of a tummy tuck varies greatly (learn more in this blog post). You will be provided with a written estimate during your consultation. By choosing a top board‐certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Beckenstein, who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you can be confident that your procedure will be performed with attention to safety and aesthetics. Remember, experience matters.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Our Alabama tummy tuck candidates should be close to their ideal body weight because this procedure is not intended for weight reduction. Women and men with excess fatty tissue, inelastic skin, and abdominal wall weakness are ideal candidates for abdominoplasty. Common reasons for choosing this procedure include:
- Pregnancy: Women who have had children can develop abdominal wall laxity, known as diastasis, when the abdominal wall is stretched by the developing baby. After childbirth, for many women, the abdominal wall remains stretched and does not return to its pre‐pregnancy tightness, even with targeted exercise and dieting.
- Significant weight changes: Men and women who have lost large amounts of weight or have had multiple abdominal surgeries are often left with extra skin and a belly bulge. Excess fat can accentuate this lower abdominal fullness.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
When you visit Dr. Beckenstein for your consultation, he will perform a physical exam, talk with you about your concerns, and educate you about your options. He will then develop a surgical plan to fit your needs and aesthetic goals. Dr. Beckenstein informs all his patients during their consultations that a tummy tuck is one of his favorite procedures to perform because, as his patients have said, “the improvements are so dramatic.” An abdominoplasty can significantly transform both your look and your life.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
Dr. Beckenstein utilizes several techniques for tummy tuck surgery that address the different levels of abdominal laxity. He will personalize one of the following techniques for you based on your individual situation (see illustration):
- Mini‐tummy tuck is suited to address a small amount of excess skin and muscle laxity that is located below the belly button (umbilicus). It results in a short scar that is similar to a C‐section scar.
- Traditional tummy tuck is indicated for excess skin and fat, as well as abdominal wall laxity that extends above the belly button. The main incision is longer than with a mini tummy tuck. This technique requires relocation of the belly button.
- Extended tummy tuck can be performed if the outer thighs have excess fat and skin laxity. With this technique, Dr. Beckenstein extends the incision of the traditional tummy tuck around to the sides, resulting in more comprehensive recontouring.
- Circumferential body lift, also called a belt lipectomy, addresses the entire circumference of the lower torso to recontour the abdomen, outer thighs, and gluteal (buttock) regions. It is an extensive procedure that leaves a scar all around the belt area. Sometimes this is performed in stages, as two separate surgeries, for patients after massive weight loss.
Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
Board‐certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein performs abdominoplasty for both men and women at select hospitals in and around the Birmingham area. In most cases, he performs the procedure as outpatient surgery using general anesthesia.
The incision placement and length depend on the amount of loose skin you have and whether your abdominal muscles need to be repaired. In addition to the main incision, which Dr. Beckenstein places low enough to be covered by underwear and swimsuits, he may create a second incision around your belly button. He lifts the abdominal skin, draws separated abdominal muscles together and stitches them together, then smoothes the skin down, and trims away the excess. He may create a hole for the belly button as well. Finally, he stitches the incisions closed and covers them with surgical tape.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Patients are often concerned about the recovery period after tummy tuck surgery. With proper care, recovery is typically straightforward, and many patients find the healing process smoother than anticipated. While every patient’s experience varies somewhat, the following offers general recovery guidance.
- Drains: Depending on the extent of your procedure, you’ll likely have surgical drains in place for up to 1 or 2 weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. They are necessary to prevent fluid accumulation (seroma). You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your drains after surgery.
- Sleeping: For the first week or two after surgery, sleep in a slightly reclined position, with pillows supporting both the upper body and knees. This position reduces swelling, minimizes tension on the surgical site, and enhances overall comfort. Some patients choose to sleep in a recliner instead, as it makes getting up easier.
- Pain Management: You will have prescription pain medication to help keep you comfortable. Most people find they are comfortable enough to switch to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days to a week.
- Swelling: Swelling is expected after tummy tuck surgery and will take about 6 weeks to resolve enough for you to see your results.
- Activity: You won’t be able to walk fully upright for a few days, but it is important to take short walks around the house to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. After about 2 weeks, you may resume low-impact exercise, such as walking or using a stationary bicycle. It may take up to 6 weeks before you can engage in vigorous exercise.
- Lifting: Do not reach for items or lift anything weighing more than a couple of pounds. Patients can typically resume lifting items weighing more than 5 pounds after about 6 weeks. Postpone lifting heavy weights until your surgeon clears you.
- Stitches: If your sutures are made of non-dissolvable thread, they will be removed about 2 weeks after surgery, depending on your rate of healing.
- Work: Most people can return to nonstrenuous work after about 2 weeks of recuperation.
It is important that you give yourself enough time to heal and regain your strength—your health and good results are worth it. Read more helpful recovery tips in this blog post.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Tummy tuck surgery primarily removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens or repairs the underlying muscles. In contrast, liposuction focuses exclusively on reducing excess fat in the target area, which can be the neck, chest, upper arms, back, waist, flanks, hips, abdomen, or thighs. The table below offers additional comparisons:
|
Feature |
Tummy Tuck Surgery |
Liposuction |
|
Primary Purpose |
Removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. |
Removes excess fat. |
|
Incisions |
Requires an incision from hip to hip and a second incision around the navel. |
Requires small incisions (usually less than a half-inch wide). |
|
Anesthesia |
General anesthetic. |
Local or general anesthetic, depending on the extent of the procedure. |
|
Compression Garment |
Usually advised for about 2 weeks. |
Usually required for a few weeks. |
|
Recovery Time |
2 weeks off work; several additional weeks before resuming exercise. |
A few days to 1 week off work; resume regular activities within 2 to 4 weeks. |
|
Results |
Significant swelling will obscure results for about 6 weeks after surgery. May take several more weeks for all swelling to resolve so the final results are visible. |
Visible within about 6 weeks. |
Patients often combine liposuction and tummy tuck procedures to sculpt the midsection comprehensively. Review our related blog post to learn more about the differences between tummy tuck surgery and liposuction.
Combining Procedures
Abdominoplasty can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction surgery. Pregnancy can affect many areas of the body, including the breasts, which is why many women choose to have breast enhancement surgery in addition to a tummy tuck and liposuction. Dr. Beckenstein is experienced in performing these combination procedures, often referred to as mommy makeovers.
Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein
Dr. Beckenstein is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose extensive experience in breast enhancement, body contouring procedures, and reconstructive plastic surgery sets him apart.
Meet Dr. BeckensteinFrequently Asked Questions
Is liposuction a good tummy tuck alternative?
If you have a reasonable amount of excess fatty tissue and good skin tone, you might be a good candidate for abdominal liposuction. If you possess excess fatty tissue, skin with stretch marks (poor elasticity), and abdominal wall laxity, a tummy tuck may be the best option for you.
Abdominal liposuction is indicated for those with just an excess of fatty tissue. Good skin elasticity and abdominal wall integrity are necessary in order to achieve an appealing result with liposuction alone.
Is tummy tuck surgery safe?
When performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, tummy tuck is considered a safe procedure. Dr. Beckenstein takes several precautions to protect your health and safety throughout your procedure. However, like any surgery, some risks are involved in tummy tuck surgery, including infection, bleeding, and seroma.
Can a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?
Most women experience a reduction in abdominal stretch marks after tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck removes a significant span of skin, and if that skin contains stretch marks, it removes them, too. You may have stretch marks that lie outside of the tummy tuck treatment area, and those will not go away.
Do I really need to wear a compression garment after tummy tuck surgery?
Compression garments can aid early recovery, helping to minimize swelling and keeping the skin adherent to the abdominal wall. Some patients also find that wearing a binder improves their comfort after surgery. Dr. Beckenstein usually recommends his patients wear a binder for the first couple of weeks after surgery.
Is abdominoplasty painful?
Most patients experience moderate to significant pain and discomfort after tummy tuck surgery, particularly during the first few days post-op. Dr. Beckenstein usually prescribes pain medication for the initial recovery period to help control and minimize this discomfort. Most people report that early discomfort is well worth their dramatic results in the long run.
Is it safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
In most cases, it is perfectly safe to become pregnant after having a tummy tuck. However, if you plan to have a baby in the near future, Dr. Beckenstein recommends postponing the surgery until afterward. It is likely pregnancy will stretch out your abdominal muscles and skin, undoing the improvements from your surgery. By waiting until your family is complete, you will make the most of your financial investment and recovery time.
If you would like to meet with Dr. Beckenstein in Birmingham and find out if a tummy tuck can give you the improvements you want, please request your comprehensive consultation online or feel free to speak with an office associate at (205) 933-9308.
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