How many appointments will I need?

After your initial follow-up appointment, which will take place a few days after your surgery, you should expect follow-up appointments at regular intervals for the first few weeks. Then, the frequency at which you will need to be seen decreases and you will only need to come back a few more times (at three months and six months) after that initial period to make sure you are healing appropriately. Dr. Bhat will always inform you of when you are expected back and when she feels you have achieved your best results.

What are some of the more commonly combined body sculpting procedures?

Tummy tucks are often included with mommy makeovers to address multiple areas of the body. Other more frequently combined cosmetic surgery procedures include: Liposuction Body Lift Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction

Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

Your surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients can expect some pain and/or discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst of it being experienced within the first week. Dr. Bhat will temporarily prescribe some oral pain medications to alleviate discomfort and minimize swelling and advise you on the best techniques for a more comfortable recovery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your initial follow-up appointment, which will take place a few days after your surgery, you should expect follow-up appointments at regular intervals for the first few weeks. Then, the frequency at which you will need to be seen decreases, and you will only need to come back a few more times (at three months and six months) after that initial period to make sure you are healing appropriately. Dr. Bhat will always inform you when you are expected back and when she feels you have achieved your best results.

How Long Until I See My Tummy Tuck Results?

While every patient will have a different recovery experience, most patients can see the final results of their procedure in about two to three months. Remember, this is not a weight loss surgery, but you will lose some weight from the surgery. While you will be able to slowly resume working out around a month and a half post-surgery, we strongly recommend easing back into your former physical activity only after receiving Dr. Bhat’s approval.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Tummy Tuck?

You will be encouraged to begin some very light exercises in the first few weeks post-surgery to help prevent blood clots. You should begin with short leisurely walks. As you continue to regain your strength, you can casually increase your workout routine, but patience is very important, so do not push yourself. Dr. Bhat will go over all of your instructions, including when you can exercise, at your pre-operative appointment.

Can I Combine Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Absolutely! A tummy tuck in Tampa is commonly combined with other plastic surgery procedures to achieve a better overall aesthetic. Dr. Bhat recommends that liposuction be combined with tummy tuck to give you the best possible result. Many patients also utilize procedures like breast augmentation , breast lift, or arm lift to produce stunning results when paired with traditional tummy tuck procedures. A traditional tummy tuck itself is also frequently used in a mommy makeover. If you have a goal or want to hear the best options for combinable surgical procedures, please discuss it with Dr. Bhat during your consultation. She will be happy to make her expert recommendations.

What Are the Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck?

While a safe procedure when performed by a professional plastic surgeon like Dr. Bhat, a tummy tuck can have the following risks involved with the plastic surgery itself: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Fluid accumulation (seroma) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Poor wound healing or unfavorable scarring Possibility of revision surgery Recurrent looseness of skin Skin loss Please contact our clinic immediately if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions.

Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Remove Excess Skin?

Yes. The standard tummy tuck technique and procedure often remove stretch marks, loose skin, and excess fat and even tighten stretched abdominal muscles. However, a tummy tuck won't correct stretch marks on the remaining skin.

Are Tummy Tuck Patients Able to Keep a Stable Weight After Their Procedure?

Once you have undergone a tummy tuck, the excess skin is permanently removed, and your abdominal contour should be very close to your aesthetic goals. While your body will continue to rebuild and adapt to its new structure, you can maintain your appearance with a balanced diet and active, healthy lifestyle.

What Happens If You Experience Weight Gain After a Tummy Tuck?

We strongly encourage our tummy tuck patients to maintain a healthy diet. Most patients have worked hard to lose weight, and tummy tuck surgery can help provide the abdominal contour you've been dreaming of. It will repair stretched abdominal muscles and remove excess or sagging skin in the abdomen. The tummy tuck surgery will also improve the appearance of the belly button. If you gain weight after your tummy tuck and have more loose skin, Dr. Bhat will likely advise you to get on a healthy diet to lose weight. Other body contouring treatments, such as liposuction, may also be possible. If the abdominal skin and muscles separate again, your surgeon may recommend a mini or tummy tuck revision or an extended tummy tuck, depending on the extent of the weight gain and the condition of the abdominal muscles.

What Are Some of the More Commonly Combined Body Sculpting Procedures?

Tummy tucks are often included with mommy makeovers to address multiple areas of the body. Other more frequently combined cosmetic surgery procedures include: Liposuction Body Lift Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction

Do Tummy Tucks Cause Blood Clots?

Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring plastic surgery that is typically very safe. While blood clots are a very rare condition, they are a possible side effect of cosmetic surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Bhat, she'll thoroughly assess your health, current medications, and past surgeries. Together, you'll develop a plan to prioritize safety.

Where Is the Incision for a Tummy Tuck?

The incision for a tummy tuck is often placed on the pubic hairline so that it won't be seen when wearing a bathing suit or any low-cut pants. There is also generally an incision around the belly button.

Will a Tummy Tuck Change the Appearance of My Belly Button?

While not every patient will see a change in their belly button's appearance, it may change, oftentimes for the better. Depending on the degree of change you experience from your surgery, your belly button's position could be raised or lowered for a natural look, the shape can be tightened and refined, and Dr. Bhat can even turn that "outie" into an "innie" if that was a previous concern. Dr. Bhat strives to provide beneficial, more aesthetically appealing changes that, most importantly, retain a natural appearance.

What If I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?

While your tummy tuck surgeon will recommend you wait until you're finished having kids to have a tummy tuck, patients can get pregnant following their surgery.

Will There Be a Tummy Tuck Scar After My Cosmetic Surgery?

Yes. Any surgery that involves an incision will result in a surgical scar. However, Dr. Bhat will instruct you on the best ways to care for your scar post-operatively to maximize healing and minimize the scar’s appearance. Additionally, Dr. Bhat places the scar very low so that it is well-concealed in your favorite pair of underwear or bikini bottoms!

Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Treat Stretch Marks?

Tummy tuck surgery can only do so much when excess skin from the abdomen is removed. Only stretch marks that are located on the excised excess skin can be removed (usually below the belly button).

How Do I Find the Best Tampa Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

Numerous factors can influence your decision when searching for the best tummy tuck in the Tampa Bay area, which is why it is very important to find a plastic surgeon you trust and whose aesthetic goals align well with yours. Choosing a plastic surgeon with specific training in plastic and reconstructive surgery is equally important. During her fellowship year, Dr. Bhat focused exclusively on aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, which has equipped her to expertly deliver natural and beautiful results. It is also helpful to research past patient reviews for the specific procedure or speak with associates who’ve had the surgery themselves. Finally, if you are feeling any hesitations, we encourage you to schedule an in-person visit and meet the surgeon you are researching; you should feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly about your aesthetic goals.

Tummy Tuck In Tampa, FL | Abdominoplasty Cost In Tampa Bay

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

A toned, flat, tight tummy is desirable to many and is a sign of youthfulness and good health. However, this result can be very difficult to achieve through just diet and exercise alone, especially as we get older or after having children. At Ravive Plastic Surgery, many of our Tampa Bay patients find it very difficult to achieve a toned, athletic tummy even after extensive lifestyle changes, as they may have excess/hanging skin or loose abdominal muscles. In these cases, no diet or exercise will fix this. A tummy tuck, however, effectively addresses all of these problems!

As a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Deepa Bhat offers tummy tuck surgery to her Tampa Bay area patients as a comprehensive solution to improve the appearance of their stomachs. To learn more about this surgical procedure, please read below.

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What is Tummy Tuck?

A full tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a surgical cosmetic procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. In a full Tummy Tuck, Dr. Bhat will also reposition your belly button in a more youthful, appropriate position.

The procedure can also restore the weakened abdominal muscles or separated abdominal muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdomen and abdominal contour. Even if a patient is at their normal body weight, excess tissue on their belly can protrude for many reasons, including:

Aging
Heredity
Pregnancy
Prior surgery
Significant fluctuations in weight

We encourage our patients to get their ideal body weight as close to their target weight before undergoing this surgery. It is an outpatient procedure and not a substitution for a weight loss or unwanted fat loss procedure. With a proper diet and exercise, you can also lose significant weight and maintain your weight with longer-lasting results.

It is very important to keep in mind that this is NOT a weight loss procedure but a cosmetic surgery designed ONLY to improve your stomach’s appearance.

Other Tummy Tuck Procedures We Offer

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive version of the full tummy tuck procedure and is ideal for people with less excess skin and fat. For this procedure, Dr. Bhat makes a smaller (shorter) incision along the lower abdomen, removing less fat and skin. The abdominal muscles may or may not be tightened, and the belly button may not be repositioned.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

A reverse tummy tuck is indicated for patients with most of their skin laxity in the upper portion of the abdomen rather than the lower. In this procedure, the incision is made at the top/superior-most part of the belly (right underneath the breasts, at the breast-crease line) instead of along the lower abdomen as in a traditional tummy tuck.

This procedure is far less common than a traditional tummy tuck. If you are a candidate, please contact Ravive Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhat so that she may evaluate you and discuss your surgical options.

Woman in black bikini with back against wall - Tummy Tuck

What are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Our tummy tuck Tampa patients have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits that this surgery can provide:

Flatter abdomen
Improved appearance and can increase self-confidence
Improved control over bodily functions
Increases your tolerance for more intense exercises once your core muscles are repaired
Natural-looking belly button
May improve stress urinary incontinence (after pregnancy, some women find they have an issue with accidental leaks)
Removes excess fat
Tightens loose skin
Stronger and improved core

Who are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck procedure?

In general, you may be a good candidate for a standard tummy tuck if you are:

In good overall physical health
Maintaining a stable, healthy weight
Non-smoker
Persistently bothered by the aesthetic appearance of your abdomen
Realistic in your expectations for the procedure
Unsuccessful losing weight in the abdominal area through traditional means

What’s the First Step?

If you’re interested in treating sagging abdominal skin, weakened or separated muscles, or other body contouring procedures. In that case, your first step is to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Bhat.

Before your appointment, we encourage you to prepare yourself by defining and understanding your surgical goals as best as possible. When you come in, Dr. Bhat will evaluate your body and discuss the best method to achieve your aesthetic goals, as well as discuss any medications you are currently taking, your lifestyle and medical history, and details about any previous surgeries you may have had.

Dr. Bhat will guide you through every step of the procedure. Once she creates your surgical plan, keeping your goals in mind, and you both agree, our Patient Coordinator will help you set up your surgical date.

How Do I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?

Preparing for your tummy tuck is just as important to your results and recovery as the actual procedure. We will provide you with a complete list of instructions that we encourage you to follow, but here is what you can expect:

Avoid certain medications: Some medications, particularly blood thinners, can cause additional trauma during the surgical process. Dr. Bhat will discuss your medical history during your initial consultation, so please be completely open with her about the medications you are currently taking.
Have your prescriptions filled before surgery: Don’t wait until the last minute. The prescriptions provided by Dr. Bhat will help you heal safely and successfully and reduce any post-surgical pain.
Food prep: No one likes deciding what to eat, especially when you don’t feel like cooking. Preparing meals in advance for your initial recovery removes the burden of deciding and makes your recovery less stressful.
Get a ride: Arrange for a responsible, approved adult to provide you with a ride to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours as you heal.
Try to be as close to your target weight as possible: For the most accurate and revealing results, achieving – or getting as close to – your desired BMI (body mass index) will help produce the closest effects that you have in your mind’s eye.
Maintain a good diet and exercise routine: Good habits produce great results. Exercising regularly and focusing on your eating habits prepares your body for the best results, and practicing good diligence to keep you looking your best.
Prepare your entertainment: Load up your streaming service with shows and movies you want to watch, find a good book, and pick up any magazines you enjoy. Your goal is to rest, not be bored.

What to Expect on the Day of a Tummy Tuck Procedure

On the day of your surgery, you will first be administered general anesthesia so you are comfortable and pain-free through your surgery.

Dr. Bhat will begin by making an incision just above the pubic area, which is used to remove the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. If you are also having liposuction performed simultaneously, it will not only sculpt a narrower waist and hips but also improve the overall contour of the abdomen to give you a more lean, sculpted appearance.

The skin is then lifted off the abdominal wall up and the vertical muscles in your abdomen (your “six-pack” muscles) are exposed. If there is a separation between them, Dr. Bhat will stitch these muscles back together to narrow the waistline and provide more strength to your abdominal wall. The excess abdominal skin or flap is then stretched down, any extra skin is removed, and a new opening is made for your belly button, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions are closed, dressings will be applied, and a temporary surgical drain tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Your procedure can last anywhere from two to four hours.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your tummy tuck surgery, we will monitor you in our recovery area. When you are ready to go home, you should have a relative or friend available to give you a ride home. You will be outfitted with a compression garment to wear around your abdomen to reduce swelling. Surgical drains may also be used to assist in fluid drainage.

In the first few days after your abdominoplasty surgery, there will be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treatment area, which is relieved with pain medication. While it will take about six weeks to recover fully from an abdominoplasty procedure, many patients can return to work and resume light activities within 7 – 10 days. Heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for several weeks. Your final tummy tuck results should be visible within a few months after your swelling has gone down.

Our Patient Coordinator will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and drains until they are removed, which usually happens just a few days after surgery.

Woman in black bra on couch - Tummy Tuck

Tips for Recovery

Our post-operative team will provide you with directions to follow that will help you recover more comfortably and safely. Some of these tips will include:

Rest: Now’s the time to relax. You’ve gone through the most challenging part of the body contouring process, so enjoy the peace and quiet. We encourage you to begin walking a little more each day gradually but still avoid more strenuous activities (i.e., jogging, weight lifting, bicycle riding, etc.) for six to eight weeks.
Wear your compression garments: These garments are designed to minimize swelling and add additional protection and support, so you should continue using them at least six weeks after surgery.
Lymphatic Massage: Lymphatic massage can help speed up the healing process and enhance your results sooner. We will provide you with a list of massage therapists specializing in lymphatic massage during your preoperative appointment.
Eat well: Healthy foods that are high in vitamins and minerals can help you heal better. Avoid processed foods and limit your sodium and alcohol intake. Drink plenty of water to help your body heal and get rid of toxins.
Quit smoking: Nicotine can slow wound repair, increase the chance of infection, and make scar tissue more noticeable, which is why you will be encouraged to stop using nicotine products at least a month before surgery and abstain from smoking for four to six weeks after the procedure.
Listen to Dr. Bhat: These instructions were created with your health and safety in mind. By following Dr. Bhat’s directions, you are setting yourself up for the best possible results.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Cost in Tampa, FL?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Tampa can vary from patient to patient. After your consultation with Dr. Bhat, our patient coordinator will provide you with a breakdown of the costs for your surgery. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of Abdominoplasty.

Why Choose Dr. Bhat?

When you require a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Deepa Bhat is the right surgeon for the job! After having extensive training in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Bhat has become highly knowledgeable in performing tummy tucks with precision and artistry. Dr. Bhat is fellowship-trained in aesthetic procedures, meaning she did an additional year of training in exclusively cosmetic procedures after her seven years of training and completion of a plastic surgery residency, making her one of the few aesthetic fellowship-trained plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area!

Furthermore, Ravive Plastic Surgery is committed to delivering personalized care, taking the time to understand each patient’s unique goals and concerns to create a customized treatment plan. By choosing Dr. Bhat, you can trust that you are in the hands of a skilled and caring individual who will prioritize your well-being and provide you with the most natural and beautiful results possible.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you want a tighter, leaner-looking stomach but have not been able to achieve it through diet and exercise alone, a tummy tuck procedure could be right for you. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Bhat, please call Ravive Plastic Surgery directly or use our online consultation form to set up your appointment. Improve your self-confidence and your belly’s appearance with a tummy tuck surgery in Tampa!

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Tummy Tuck FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

After your initial follow-up appointment, which will take place a few days after your surgery, you should expect follow-up appointments at regular intervals for the first few weeks. Then, the frequency at which you will need to be seen decreases and you will only need to come back a few more times (at three months and six months) after that initial period to make sure you are healing appropriately. Dr. Bhat will always inform you of when you are expected back and when she feels you have achieved your best results.
Tummy tucks are often included with mommy makeovers to address multiple areas of the body. Other more frequently combined cosmetic surgery procedures include:
- Liposuction
- Body Lift
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reduction
Your surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients can expect some pain and/or discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst of it being experienced within the first week. Dr. Bhat will temporarily prescribe some oral pain medications to alleviate discomfort and minimize swelling and advise you on the best techniques for a more comfortable recovery.
After your initial follow-up appointment, which will take place a few days after your surgery, you should expect follow-up appointments at regular intervals for the first few weeks. Then, the frequency at which you will need to be seen decreases, and you will only need to come back a few more times (at three months and six months) after that initial period to make sure you are healing appropriately. Dr. Bhat will always inform you when you are expected back and when she feels you have achieved your best results.
While every patient will have a different recovery experience, most patients can see the final results of their procedure in about two to three months. Remember, this is not a weight loss surgery, but you will lose some weight from the surgery. While you will be able to slowly resume working out around a month and a half post-surgery, we strongly recommend easing back into your former physical activity only after receiving Dr. Bhat’s approval.
You will be encouraged to begin some very light exercises in the first few weeks post-surgery to help prevent blood clots. You should begin with short leisurely walks. As you continue to regain your strength, you can casually increase your workout routine, but patience is very important, so do not push yourself. Dr. Bhat will go over all of your instructions, including when you can exercise, at your pre-operative appointment.
Absolutely! A tummy tuck in Tampa is commonly combined with other plastic surgery procedures to achieve a better overall aesthetic. Dr. Bhat recommends that liposuction be combined with tummy tuck to give you the best possible result. Many patients also utilize procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, or arm lift to produce stunning results when paired with traditional tummy tuck procedures. A traditional tummy tuck itself is also frequently used in a mommy makeover. If you have a goal or want to hear the best options for combinable surgical procedures, please discuss it with Dr. Bhat during your consultation. She will be happy to make her expert recommendations.
While a safe procedure when performed by a professional plastic surgeon like Dr. Bhat, a tummy tuck can have the following risks involved with the plastic surgery itself:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Poor wound healing or unfavorable scarring
- Possibility of revision surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin loss
Please contact our clinic immediately if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions.
Once you have undergone a tummy tuck, the excess skin is permanently removed, and your abdominal contour should be very close to your aesthetic goals. While your body will continue to rebuild and adapt to its new structure, you can maintain your appearance with a balanced diet and active, healthy lifestyle.
We strongly encourage our tummy tuck patients to maintain a healthy diet. Most patients have worked hard to lose weight, and tummy tuck surgery can help provide the abdominal contour you've been dreaming of. It will repair stretched abdominal muscles and remove excess or sagging skin in the abdomen. The tummy tuck surgery will also improve the appearance of the belly button. If you gain weight after your tummy tuck and have more loose skin, Dr. Bhat will likely advise you to get on a healthy diet to lose weight. Other body contouring treatments, such as liposuction, may also be possible. If the abdominal skin and muscles separate again, your surgeon may recommend a mini or tummy tuck revision or an extended tummy tuck, depending on the extent of the weight gain and the condition of the abdominal muscles.
Tummy tucks are often included with mommy makeovers to address multiple areas of the body. Other more frequently combined cosmetic surgery procedures include:
- Liposuction
- Body Lift
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reduction
Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring plastic surgery that is typically very safe. While blood clots are a very rare condition, they are a possible side effect of cosmetic surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Bhat, she'll thoroughly assess your health, current medications, and past surgeries. Together, you'll develop a plan to prioritize safety.
While not every patient will see a change in their belly button's appearance, it may change, oftentimes for the better. Depending on the degree of change you experience from your surgery, your belly button's position could be raised or lowered for a natural look, the shape can be tightened and refined, and Dr. Bhat can even turn that "outie" into an "innie" if that was a previous concern. Dr. Bhat strives to provide beneficial, more aesthetically appealing changes that, most importantly, retain a natural appearance.
Yes. Any surgery that involves an incision will result in a surgical scar. However, Dr. Bhat will instruct you on the best ways to care for your scar post-operatively to maximize healing and minimize the scar’s appearance. Additionally, Dr. Bhat places the scar very low so that it is well-concealed in your favorite pair of underwear or bikini bottoms!
Numerous factors can influence your decision when searching for the best tummy tuck in the Tampa Bay area, which is why it is very important to find a plastic surgeon you trust and whose aesthetic goals align well with yours. Choosing a plastic surgeon with specific training in plastic and reconstructive surgery is equally important. During her fellowship year, Dr. Bhat focused exclusively on aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, which has equipped her to expertly deliver natural and beautiful results. It is also helpful to research past patient reviews for the specific procedure or speak with associates who’ve had the surgery themselves. Finally, if you are feeling any hesitations, we encourage you to schedule an in-person visit and meet the surgeon you are researching; you should feel comfortable speaking openly and honestly about your aesthetic goals.

I had my very first Botox and lip filler done by Dr. Deepa Bhat. She is very caring and is the sweetest. She made the process seamless and painless! I had no anxiety over what I’m going to look like after because I knew I was in great hands of an aesthetic plastic surgeon. I LOVE the natural results! I look more youthful and refreshed. I highly recommend her!

- Angela

Dr. Bhat is an amazing surgeon (and person)! I had an extended tummy tuck and lipo 360 and I have never been happier with the way I look. I healed without issue, my scar looks fantastic and most importantly, Dr. Bhat was there for me every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Bhat to anybody looking to gain self confidence through surgery.

- Rachel

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Bhat for lip filler and botox and it was a wonderful experience. She walked in the room with a warm smile and instantly put me at ease. She was very attentive and I felt that she really listened to my goals and desired outcome. She was gentle and meticulous and my lips turned out absolutely beautiful! My botox was placed perfectly as well. She made the experience easy and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone and will be going to see her for my future cosmetic needs!

- Amanda

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