Abdominoplasty Surgery Options & Costs – PSCHR

You know what I find fascinating after performing abdominoplasty procedures for over two decades? The moment when someone walks into my office at the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads and says, “I’ve tried everything, but this loose skin just won’t go away.” I get it. I really do. And my colleagues sometimes think I’m too direct when I tell patients that no amount of crunches or planks will tighten skin that’s been stretched beyond its elastic limit. That’s just not how skin works.

Choosing the Right Type of Abdominoplasty for Your Body

Here’s something that might surprise you: abdominoplasty isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. In fact, I offer several different approaches depending on what each person needs. Some patients need a full abdominoplasty with muscle repair, while others might benefit from a mini tuck or an extended procedure. The key is understanding which option will give you the results you’re looking for while keeping risks minimal and recovery manageable.

Understanding Abdominoplasty

Full

Let me break down the main types of abdominoplasty procedures I perform here in Newport News. First, there’s the full abdominoplasty – this is what most people think of when they hear “tummy tuck.” I make an incision from hip to hip, remove excess skin and fat, and repair the abdominal muscles if they’ve separated (called diastasis recti). This separation often happens after pregnancy or significant weight loss, and no amount of exercise will bring those muscles back together.

Mini

Then there’s the mini abdominoplasty, which I recommend for patients who have good muscle tone but excess skin below the belly button. The incision is shorter, recovery is typically faster, and we don’t need to relocate the belly button. I had someone recently who lost 30 pounds through diet and exercise but couldn’t get rid of that small pouch below her navel. A mini tuck was perfect for her situation.

Extended

For patients who’ve lost massive amounts of weight – I’m talking 100 pounds or more – I often recommend an extended abdominoplasty. This procedure continues the incision around the sides to address loose skin on the flanks and lower back. It’s more extensive, but for the right candidate, the results can be life-changing. According to this authoritative resource, proper candidate selection is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. I’ve seen patients who couldn’t wear certain clothes or participate in activities because of excess skin finally feel comfortable in their own bodies.

Circumferential

There’s also the circumferential abdominoplasty, sometimes called a body lift, which goes all the way around the torso. This is typically for patients after bariatric surgery who have loose skin not just in front but all around their midsection. It’s a significant procedure, but the transformation is remarkable.

At our practice, a full abdominoplasty typically ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. This includes my surgical fee, the anesthesia team’s fee, the surgical facility costs, and post-operative garments. A mini abdominoplasty usually runs between $6,000 and $8,000, while extended procedures can go up to $15,000 or more. These aren’t arbitrary numbers – they reflect the complexity of the surgery, the time involved, and the expertise of everyone on the surgical team.

I always tell patients to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Are they including anesthesia? What about the surgical facility? Post-operative care? Compression garments? When you add up all the hidden costs, that “$3,999 special” might end up costing more than a comprehensive package from an experienced surgeon. Plus, and I can’t stress this enough, choosing a surgeon based solely on price is like choosing a parachute based on price – not the best strategy.

When Insurance Might Cover a Portion of Your Procedure

Insurance typically doesn’t cover abdominoplasty because it’s considered cosmetic. However, if you’ve a significant pannus (overhanging skin) after significant weight loss that causes medical issues like rashes or infections, insurance might cover a panniculectomy, which removes the excess skin but doesn’t include muscle tightening or aesthetic contouring of an abdominoplasty. I work with patients to document these medical issues when applicable.

Investment and Value

Why Board Certification Matters More Than You Think

Here’s where I might sound a bit preachy, but after seeing too many botched procedures come through my door for revision, I’ve to say this: please, please choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Not any other Board, of which there are multiple, which is why the term “board-certified” by itself can be misleading. When a surgeon says they are “board-certified,” find out exactly the name of the board that did the certifying. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only board that certifies real, legitimate, and appropriately-trained plastic surgeons. Not a cosmetic surgery board, and not any other board. Dr. Vonu, Dr. Lofgren, Dr. Zwicklbauer, Dr. Blanchard, and I’ve all completed years of specialized training specifically in plastic surgery, and are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

How We Customize Your Surgical Plan During Consultation

When someone comes in for a consultation, I spend a lot of time listening to their goals and examining their anatomy. Every patient’s individual anatomy is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. I look at skin quality, muscle integrity, fat distribution, and overall body proportions. Sometimes I’ve to tell someone they’re not a good candidate for the procedure they want, and my colleagues think I’m too blunt about it. But I’d rather disappoint someone in a consultation than in the operating room.

Safety First: Accredited Facilities and Emergency Preparedness

Ask your surgeon about the surgical facility too. We perform our procedures in accredited surgical centers with trained staff and proper emergency protocols. You want to know that if something unexpected happens – which is rare but possible – everyone knows exactly what to do. I’ve been in situations where quick thinking and proper facilities made all the difference in patient outcomes. Following medical organization guidelines ensures that we maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Real Results, Real Patients: What to Look For in Before & Afters

Don’t be shy about asking to see before and after photos of actual patients. Look for results on bodies similar to yours. If you’re a 45-year-old woman who’s had three children, photos of 25-year-olds who’ve never been pregnant won’t give you realistic expectations. I keep extensive galleries organized by procedure type, age range, and body type so patients can see relevant results.

Getting Started

What Recovery Really Looks Like — And How to Prepare

Recovery from abdominoplasty isn’t a walk in the park – I won’t sugarcoat it. For a full tummy tuck, you’re looking at about two weeks before you can return to desk work, and six to eight weeks before resuming strenuous activities. I tell patients to plan for help at home for at least the first week. You’ll have drains for about a week to prevent fluid accumulation, and you’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks to support healing and reduce swelling.

The first few days are the toughest. You’ll be walking bent over initially to avoid stretching the incision, and getting in and out of bed requires technique. I actually demonstrate this during consultations because patients appreciate knowing what to expect. Pain is manageable with medication, but discomfort from the muscle tightening can last several weeks. One patient told me it felt like doing a thousand sit-ups – except the soreness lasts longer. I typically start my patients on a non-drowsy, non-addictive muscle relaxant medication (such as methocarbamol), to be taken round the clock starting immediately after the surgery. This medication helps with muscle spasm and significantly improves postoperative pain.

Long-Term Results Depend on You: Weight, Scarring & Lifestyle

Long-term results depend largely on maintaining a stable weight. The surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscles, but it doesn’t prevent future weight gain or pregnancy from stretching things out again. I’ve had patients maintain beautiful results for decades with proper diet and exercise. Others have needed revision procedures after significant weight fluctuations. I’m always honest about this during consultations – surgery is just one part of the journey.

Scarring is permanent but typically fades significantly over time. The main scar sits low, usually hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom. I use advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring, but genetics play a role in how well you heal. Some patients develop beautiful, thin scars that are barely noticeable after a year. Others may need scar revision or treatments to optimize appearance.

A Life-Changing Decision, Backed by Experience

After all these years, what I love most about performing abdominoplasty is seeing how it changes people’s lives. It’s not just about looking better in clothes – though that’s certainly nice. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, being able to play with your kids without feeling self-conscious, or simply looking in the mirror and recognizing yourself again. If you’re considering abdominoplasty, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. Come with your questions, your concerns, and your goals. Let’s figure out together if this procedure is right for you, and get started today on your journey toward the results you’ve been seeking.