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Tummy Tuck in Charlotte, NC

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Look & Feel Terrific with a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can do what diet, exercise, and weight loss usually cannot: address loose abdominal skin, repair stretched muscles, and reshape the waist after pregnancy or major weight changes. At Premier Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Victor Ferrari performs tummy tuck surgery with a focus on smoother contour, stronger abdominal support, and natural-looking results that fit the rest of your body. For many patients in Charlotte, this procedure is about more than appearance. It is about feeling more comfortable in clothes, moving through the day without excess skin in the way, and finally seeing the midsection match the effort they have already put in.

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?


A tummy tuck improves the shape of the abdomen by removing loose skin, reducing fullness in the lower stomach, and tightening muscles that have separated over time. This is especially helpful after pregnancy, weight loss, or long-standing skin laxity that leaves the midsection looking heavy or feeling unsupported. Dr. Ferrari tailors each procedure to the patient’s anatomy, which may include a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or a more extensive approach when needed.

Benefits of a tummy tuck may include:

  • Removes excess, hanging abdominal skin
  • Tightens stretched or separated abdominal muscles
  • Creates a flatter, firmer midsection
  • Narrows the waist and improves overall body contour
  • Reduces skin fold irritation, rubbing, and chafing
  • Helps clothing fit better through the stomach and waist
  • Improves abdominal shape after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Can be combined with liposuction for more complete sculpting
  • May be performed using Dr. Ferrari’s drainless Hollywood Tummy Tuck approach in appropriate candidates

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 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.

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. Charlotte Tummy Tuck surgeon, 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.

Schedule your Charlotte Tummy Tuck Consultation


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 Tummy Tuck 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 Recovery

Recovery after a tummy tuck is gradual, and the first week usually feels tighter than painful. Most patients can expect swelling, soreness, and a pulling sensation through the abdomen, especially if muscle repair is part of the procedure. You will be up and walking early, but full activity needs to return in stages.

During the early recovery period, Dr. Ferrari will have you wear an abdominal binder and then transition into a compression garment to help control swelling and support healing. Many patients are back to work in about two weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of their job. Vigorous exercise usually needs to wait at least three weeks, and swelling continues to improve over the following months. While you will see a difference early on, final contour takes time as the tissues settle and the abdomen softens.

Tummy Tuck Results


Following a tummy tuck Charlotte patients may experience initial swelling and scarring, and it can take several months to fully see and appreciate their final results. 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.

Charlotte tummy tuck model smiling

Tummy Tuck FAQs


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 for a period after surgery. Dr. Ferrari offers the Hollywood Tummy Tuck, which allows many patients to avoid drains by using advanced closure techniques. That can make recovery more comfortable and simplify early aftercare.

Some patients need skin removal and muscle repair alone. Others also benefit from liposuction in areas like the abdomen, flanks, back, or thighs to create a smoother overall contour. Dr. Ferrari will recommend that combination only if it improves balance and fits your goals.

Most tummy tuck procedures are performed in our AAAASF-accredited operating room at Premier Plastic Surgery Center. In select cases, surgery may be performed in a hospital setting based on the treatment plan or medical needs.

At Premier Plastic Surgery Center, anesthesia is administered by board-certified anesthesiologists who focus on outpatient procedures. This supports safety, comfort, and a smoother recovery right after surgery.

Yes. Patients are fitted with an abdominal binder first and then transition to a compression garment to help manage swelling and support healing. Dr. Ferrari will give you specific instructions based on your procedure.

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.

Pricing depends on the amount of skin laxity, whether liposuction is added, and the complexity of the surgery. A consultation is the best way to get an accurate quote because no two treatment plans are the same.

Yes. Premier Plastic Surgery Center offers financing options, and the team can review monthly payment arrangements during your consultation.

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