Tummy Tuck
St. Louis
Core Beauty
Why Choose Judith Gurley Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for a Tummy Tuck in St. Louis?
Due to aging, childbirth, and other factors, the skin of your abdomen can become loose and you can have stretch marks, bulging in your midsection, or a change in the look of your belly button. A tummy tuck eliminates excess skin and reconnects abdominal muscles that have separated to give you a tighter, more sculpted tummy. Women and men can both benefit from this procedure.
Dr. Gurley's expertise in drainless tummy tuck surgery sets her apart. Her innovative technique minimizes post-operative discomfort while achieving exceptional results. With decades of surgical experience, Dr. Gurley combines technical precision with an artistic eye to create natural-looking contours that complement your body's proportions.
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Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Downtime: 1-2 weeks for light activity, 4-6 weeks for full recovery
- Results: Immediate improvement, with continued refinement as swelling subsides
- Specialty: Drainless technique for enhanced comfort and faster healing
Smooth, Sleek, and Strong
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the abdominal muscles. This surgery restores a smoother, firmer abdomen, particularly after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. Patients can choose from different types of tummy tucks, including the mini tummy tuck, which focuses on the lower abdomen, or a complete tummy tuck, which addresses the entire abdominal area. Dr. Gurley customizes each procedure to meet individual goals, ensuring beautiful, natural results.
Mini Tummy Tuck:
A mini-tuck is great for the generally fit person with a stubborn muffin top that won’t subside. Incisions are so small that this procedure is often referred to as a scarless tummy tuck.
Standard Tummy Tuck:
A standard tummy tuck removes a larger area of skin and tissue as well as muscle tightening when needed. In some cases, liposuction accompanies the procedure. Incisions in the standard tuck may run from hip to hip, just above the pubic area, where any scarring can be hidden beneath underwear or a bathing suit. This surgery may be ideal for the man or woman who has a substantial amount of loose skin, or whose muscles have become excessively lax after pregnancy or weight loss.
Extended Tummy Tuck:
The extended tummy tuck addresses excess skin and tissue across the abdomen, as well as the flanks or back. Some patients choose the extended tuck to lift and tighten the abdominal wall as well as the buttocks.
Tummy Tuck With Monoplasty:
To provide more comprehensive lower body contouring, Dr. Gurley can combine the full or mini tummy tuck procedure with monsplasty, also known as FUPA (fat upper pubic area) reduction. During this procedure, Dr. Gurley addresses excess skin, fat, and sagging in the mons pubis area, creating a smoother, firmer, and more proportionate contour. The result is a seamless, natural-looking transition between the abdomen and pubic area, helping patients feel more confident in fitted clothing, swimwear, and intimate settings.
Leading Care in St. Louis
What does the tummy tuck procedure entail?
A tummy tuck is capable of addressing so many common issues, such as excess skin on the front of the tummy, both above and below the belly button. Dr. Gurley can combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to address any excess hip, back, or waist fullness. This is one of the most life-changing, body-altering procedures we do because this operation provides a 360° result all around the figure—taking off inches and improving waist lines.
This procedure is particularly helpful in restoring the body after pregnancy by restoring the pubic area, repairing separated muscles in the abdomen, and permanently removing stretch marks. On the day of surgery, Dr. Gurley and her team ensure your comfort and safety from start to finish. After administering general anesthesia, Dr. Gurley makes a precise incision along the lower abdomen, strategically placed to minimize visibility. She removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles for a firmer, more sculpted core. With her drainless tummy tuck technique, specialized sutures eliminate the need for post-operative drains, improving comfort and reducing recovery time. The incisions are carefully closed, and a surgical dressing is applied to support optimal healing.
Sculpt Your Silhouette
What conditions does a tummy tuck address?
A tummy tuck addresses several common concerns in the abdominal area, including:
- Loose or sagging skin: Caused by pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations.
- Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti): Resulting in a weakened core and a bulging stomach.
- Excess fat in the abdominal area: That is resistant to diet and exercise.
- Stretch marks: Located on the lower abdomen, which can be removed or reduced during surgery.
By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal wall, a tummy tuck restores a toned and proportionate appearance.
Focused on Your Success
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Many people are good candidates for tummy tuck surgery. This procedure is often sought by women who want to get back the body they had before childbirth. When there is excess skin above and below the belly button and muscle weakness and separation, a tummy tuck may be the best solution for you. Dr. Gurley will help you understand your choices.
What can I expect?
Tummy Tuck Recovery
We support patients through their tummy tuck recovery process, and encourage them to take notice of the small but gradual improvements that occur as each day goes by. Recovery from a tummy tuck varies by individual, but most patients resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Gurley’s drainless technique promotes faster healing and reduces discomfort. You’ll need to wear a compression garment to support your abdomen and minimize swelling. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks, and follow Dr. Gurley’s detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results. Swelling progressively subsides over months, with the most dramatic changes taking place in the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Gurley to monitor your progress and answer any questions.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
A tummy tuck operation can give you renewed confidence in your body and in yourself. Dr. Gurley works individually with each of her patients to determine the type of procedure that works best for them. The results obtained from a tummy tuck can far exceed non-surgical methods of body sculpting. Many patients are encouraged by the results Dr. Gurley is able to achieve from not only tightening skin but tightening muscle as well. It is the sum of these procedures when used in combination that becomes one of the most powerful, permanent maneuvers we have to restore the body to its prior unaltered state. Schedule your consultation to discuss your options with Dr. Gurley and get started on a personalized treatment plan for your transformation.
Tummy Tuck
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for tummy tuck surgery usually falls within the $10,000-$45,000 range. However you will receive an exact cost when you meet with Dr. Gurley.
Click here to begin your consultation process with Dr. Gurley today!
Dr. Gurley will let you know if a tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or liposuction is best for you, given your anatomy and your goals.
Dr. Gurley places the incision low on the abdomen, ensuring it can be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear. Over time, the scar fades significantly.
Stretch marks on the lower abdomen can often be removed or improved during the procedure by removing the affected skin.
Dr. Gurley’s drainless tummy tuck uses specialized sutures to eliminate the need for post-operative drains, improving comfort and recovery time.
No, the tummy tuck procedure is not a substitute for weight loss. It focuses on contouring the abdominal area and removing excess skin and fat and can be an excellent way to celebrate success on your weight loss journey.
Yes, a tummy tuck is ideal for addressing changes caused by pregnancy, but it’s best to wait until you are finished having children.
By tightening the abdominal muscles and improving core strength, a tummy tuck can enhance posture and reduce back strain.
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