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Tummy Tuck in Charlotte, NC

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Look & Feel Terrific with a Tummy Tuck

At Premier Plastic Surgery Center in Charlotte tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is used to remove excess abdominal skin and tightens deep abdominal muscles. Getting rid of belly fat is a goal that many struggle to achieve, and at Premier Plastic Surgery Center, we understand your frustration! But don't dismay -- with the help of skilled Charlotte plastic surgeon Dr. Victor Ferrari, your dream can become a reality! Tummy tucks can have dramatic results, providing an improvement in contour that leads to better-fitting clothes and significantly improved self-esteem. You may even find that you can get back into a bathing suit when you never thought you would!

​​​​If you are looking for a tummy tuck to transform you and help regain confidence, achieve the body you desire, and help you fit into your clothes better, we urge you to talk to our Charlotte tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Ferrari. Compassionate and caring, and a trusted surgeon in Charlotte, he is dedicated to helping you find results with customized options designed to transform you!

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our Charlotte tummy tuck doctor at Premier Plastic Surgery Center!

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and subcutaneous fat on the abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss. In many cases, the surgery also includes rectus muscle plication to fix diastasis recti, which refers to abdominal muscle separation resulting from pregnancy or long-term obesity. After a tummy tuck, the abdominal contours take on a smooth, toned appearance.

Most patients elect to have a tummy tuck for cosmetic reasons, although abdominal laxity can cause discomfort from chafing, rashes between skin folds, ill-fitting clothes, and in some cases, limited mobility. At Premier Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Ferrari has performed countless tummy tucks over the years to help patients attain the shapely abdominal contours they desire, whether the goal is to look better or feel more comfortable in their skin. As a board-certified Charlotte plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience, he can help you decide if a tummy tuck is the best way to improve your body from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint.

How Can a Tummy Tuck Help Me?


Abdominoplasty helps to improve the contour of the abdomen and to narrow the waist by tightening the abdominal muscles. Women with stretched areas of the stomach caused by previous pregnancies can benefit substantially from abdominoplasty. Other persons whose skin no longer has the same elasticity and are somewhat obese can experience an improvement in their abdominal area. We strive to provide you with one of the best tummy tuck Charlotte has to offer, so contact Dr. Ferrari, our Charlotte plastic surgery expert today

Who Should Get a Tummy Tuck?


Making a decision to undergo any surgical procedure should be made after careful consideration. The first thing to decide is if you are properly motivated to undergo a cosmetic surgery like a tummy tuck.

In other words, are you doing this to feel better about your appearance, or are you trying to satisfy someone else's desires or obtain some ideal image in your mind that might not ever be attainable?

If you feel you are properly motivated psychologically and have realistic expectations, then there are physical issues to consider. The best candidates are healthy, have stable weight, and are non-smokers. It is important to realize that though tummy tuck and liposuction can dramatically improve shape and contours, they are not considered weight-loss techniques.

For those in generally good physical shape but concerned about fat deposits around the abdomen or loose skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, the tummy tuck procedure can reduce or even eliminate a protruding abdomen.

Abdominoplasty will cause a permanent scar which can extend to both sides of your hips, although it will likely be located below the bikini or bathing suit line.

A “modified” abdominoplasty can sometimes be performed when the full procedure is not required, usually resulting in a shorter scar. Also, Dr. Ferrari is one of the few surgeons in the Charlotte area to perform the latest "Hollywood Tummy Tuck" with no drains! (see below for details).

Take a look at our Before & After Gallery on tummy tuck procedures to see how we have helped others achieve their image goals!

What are the different types of Tummy Tuck?

Depending on your aesthetic goals and degree of abdominal skin laxity, there are several tummy tuck options.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The simplest tummy tuck with the least amount of scarring is the mini-tummy tuck. Patients without much skin laxity or who just need their abdominal muscles tightened are good candidates for this procedure. Also, with the mini-tummy tuck, the belly button can be moved down about an inch from the inside without creating an external scar.

Full Tummy Tuck

If the skin has more laxity requiring more skin removal, then the scar must be made longer. The belly-button stalk is also freed up so that it won't end up too low. Once the excess skin is removed, a new “hole” is created, and the belly button is brought out through that hole and stitched into place. Therefore, with the classic or standard tummy tuck, there is a hip-to-hip scar and another scar for the belly button.

Extended Tummy Tuck

When patients lose large amounts of weight (i.e. over 100 pounds), then they are likely good candidates for EXTENDED TUMMY TUCKS (which have a longer hip-to-hip scar), or CIRCUMFERENTIAL TUMMY TUCKS (which are also called lower body lift since the scar goes all the way around the lower body and not only tightens the midsection, it also lifts the outer thighs and buttocks).

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

A final option for patients with excessively loose skin in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions is to combine their tummy tuck with a VERTICAL SKIN REMOVAL procedure. The fleur-de-lis scar looks like an inverted T. While the vertical aspect of the scar is visible in some swimwear and undergarments styles, many post-weight-loss patients find the scar is a small price to pay for a narrower waistline.

What happens during Tummy Tuck surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will check in at the front desk and a nurse will take your vitals. You will change into a surgical gown in a private room. Dr. Ferrari will prepare you for surgery. They will review any last-minute questions you might have. Dr. Ferrari will draw markings on your skin to plan the incision(s). You will undergo general anesthesia so you won’t have any pain during your procedure. Dr. Ferrari will make the necessary incisions, then he will dissect, elevate, and resect the excess skin and fat. Once the procedure is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room before being allowed to go home. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.

Reach Out to Premier Plastic Surgery Center


For state-of-the-art abdominoplasty that gets beautiful results, call our Charlotte plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck at Premier Plastic Surgery Center today at (704)-844-8344.

For your convenience, you can make an appointment for your preferred consultation. Call about tummy tuck cost and visit our tummy tuck before and after gallery to see some fantastic results! Though most of our tummy tuck patients come to us from Weddington, Monroe, Waxhaw, Matthews and Charlotte, Dr. Ferrari has also had many patients that have traveled from many parts of the United States and South America to have him perform their surgeries.

Virtual consultations are also available using myTouchMD.

What is the cost of a Tummy Tuck in Charlotte?


The truth is, it is virtually impossible to obtain an accurate price quote for a tummy tuck without coming in for a personalized consultation.

The extent of skin laxity and abdominal fat can vary greatly among patients. Generally speaking, the more complex the case, the higher the cost. A mini tummy tuck is less costly than a full tummy tuck, while more extensive procedures such as a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty usually command the highest price tag. Some tummy tucks entail liposuction for further sculpting and definition of the abdomen. Adding lipo to the procedure may incur an extra fee. Price is understandably an important consideration as you debate whether to have a tummy tuck. However it is not the only factor you should consider. A highly skilled, board-certified surgeon such as Dr. Ferrari is likely to charge more than a novice surgeon, but they may be able to provide you with more attentive service, a better recovery plan, and a superior cosmetic outcome.

Tummy Tuck Results


Due to the initial swelling and scarring, it can take months to fully appreciate the results of your tummy tuck. Following Dr. Ferrari’s recovery guidelines will give you the best chance for a speedy recovery and faster results. As your swelling goes down and your incisions heal, you’ll see tightened skin and a slimmer midsection each day. By the time you’re through wearing your compression garments, your smooth, trim new waistline will be plain for all to see! Visit the online gallery to see more tummy tuck before and after photos of patients in your area. Your individual results may vary.

tummy tuck Charlotte

Tummy Tuck FAQs


Making a decision to undergo any surgical procedure should be done after careful consideration. The first thing to decide is if you are properly motivated to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure like tummy tuck. In other words, are you doing this to feel better about your appearance or are you trying to satisfy someone else’s desires or obtain some ideal image in your mind that might not ever be attainable?

If you feel you are properly motivated psychologically and have realistic expectations, then there are physical issues to consider. The best tummy tuck candidates are healthy, have stable weight and are non-smokers. It is important to realize that though tummy tuck and liposuction can dramatically improve shape and contours, they are not considered weight-loss techniques.

You will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire that will be reviewed by the doctor. There will also be a discussion of your motivations and desires in terms of final appearance. A physical exam will be performed and careful measurements taken. After the exam, Dr. Ferrari will discuss your options and show your photographs of other patients. The tummy tuck costs will be reviewed with the office manager or patient care coordinator. She will also be able to schedule your procedure and arrange for you to have affordable monthly payments if desired.

Most tummy tucks require one or two drains to be placed at the time of cosmetic surgery. These drains draw off excess fluid for one to three weeks. With the "Hollywood Tummy Tuck," Dr. Ferrari is able to utilize advanced techniques that allow him to perform most tummy tucks without the use of any drains. This leads to increased patient comfort and quicker recovery.

Often, tummy tucks are done in combination with liposuction of various areas such as the abdomen, flanks (or ”muffin top”), back, thighs, or arms to give more harmonious improvement contours.. Combining these procedures improves the overall end result and saves money, and allows for only one recovery period instead of two. Patients are sore for a few days with diminishing discomfort over the following one to three weeks depending on the volume removed and whether or not the tummy tuck involved tightening of the vertical rectus (”six-pack”) muscles. Typically, patients are back to work in two weeks. Please refer to "Frequently Asked Questions about Liposuction" for more details.

If you have certain medical conditions, Dr. Ferrari may ask you to have some blood tests done or obtain a preoperative clearance from your primary-care physician. All products containing nicotine, aspirin and certain medications or herbal supplements that are known to inhibit clotting should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to your abdominoplasty. Dr. Ferrari also can give you information about vitamins that can help aid in healing and minimize scarring.

Two weeks before your tummy tuck surgery, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire that will be reviewed by the doctor. A physical exam will be performed, and careful measurements will be taken. You will meet with one of our nurses to discuss your motivations and desires in terms of the final appearance. The proposed plan, consent forms, medications, pre- and post-op care and follow-ups will also be reviewed. Any questions you have will be answered at that time. Photographs will be taken. After the exam, Dr. Ferrari will discuss your options and show your photographs of other patients. Finally, you will pay the balance of your procedure or set up affordable monthly payments.

If you have certain medical conditions, Dr. Ferrari may ask you to have some blood tests done or obtain a preoperative clearance from your primary-care physician. All products containing nicotine, aspirin and certain medications or herbal supplements that are known to inhibit clotting should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to your abdominoplasty. Dr. Ferrari also can give you information about vitamins that can help aid in healing and minimize scarring.

Most procedures are done in our operating room at Premier Plastic Surgery Center, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) to ensure the highest standards in safety. In rare cases, the procedures are performed in a hospital setting such as Novant's Matthews Medical Center (formerly called Presbyterian Hospital - Matthews).

Though most plastic surgeons employ nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), at Premier Plastic Surgery Center we only use board-certified anesthesiologists (MDs) who specialize in outpatient procedures. These physicians are able to give precise combinations of anesthetics that provide excellent comfort before and during the procedure as well as quick recovery after the procedure. Our anesthetic regimens wear off very quickly, so you won't have that ”hangover” effect that typically occurs with other anesthetics.

In addition to having prescription pain medications (typically narcotics such as Lortab, Nucynta, Demerol or Percocet), patients have the option of having a long-acting local anesthetic (Exparel) injected into the muscles and skin edges at the time of surgery. This will provide significant pain relief for approximately three days. Most patients will still need to take some oral pain medications as well, but only about half as much when compared to those who opted to not have the Exparel injected.

Depending on how many areas are treated, most patients get back to work in two weeks. Though we encourage light activity right away, we recommend patients wait at least three weeks before resuming vigorous exercise and to try to limit your salt intake in order to avoid excessive swelling. Since fat is a fragile organ, it tends to swell after the surgery. About half the swelling is resolved in the first month. The rest of the swelling can take approximately six to eight months to resolve completely.

Yes. Careful measurements will be taken to provide you with an abdominal binder right after surgery. After one to two weeks, you will then transition to a compressive garment that will help minimize your swelling. Ideally, you would wear the binder or garment for at least 12 to 18 hours per day for the first three weeks. We recommend you remove the binder when you are in bed to reduce the pressure on your leg veins. After three weeks, we recommend you wear the garment at least 12 hours per day for the next two months.

Visit the Specials page to check for current promotional discounts on services at Premier Plastic Surgery Center. Flexible, interest-free payment plans are also available.

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