Abdominoplasty Surgeon Serving Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City & Nearby Central Oklahoma
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) at Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa helps men and women in the Oklahoma City area achieve a firmer, flatter midsection. Also known as abdominoplasty, this body procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles for improved contour and definition.
Whether after pregnancy or significant weight loss, Dr. Jayesh Panchal, a board-certified plastic surgeon, creates natural-looking results that restore confidence and refine your overall silhouette.
Mini vs. Complete vs. Extended Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty can be customized based on the amount and location of excess skin and muscle laxity.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is designed for patients with mild skin looseness and minimal muscle separation below the belly button. It involves a shorter incision and typically does not require repositioning the navel, making it a good option for those close to their ideal weight with limited concerns.
Complete Tummy Tuck
A complete (full) tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen. It removes excess skin and fat from both above and below the belly button and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. The navel is repositioned to maintain a natural appearance after contouring.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is recommended for patients with significant skin laxity, often after major weight loss. In addition to treating the front of the abdomen, it removes excess tissue along the flanks and waist, creating a more comprehensive reshaping of the midsection.
Abdominoplasty Candidates
Tummy tuck surgery may be ideal for women who have had multiple pregnancies that have left them with loose muscles and excess skin. It is often included in the mommy makeover procedure. Abdominoplasty may also be ideal following excessive weight loss from bariatric surgery.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are:
- Nonsmokers who are in good physical and emotional health
- Able to take time to recover before returning to work or family obligations
- Willing to closely follow all pre- and postoperative instructions
You should wait to have an abdominoplasty if you:
- Intend to lose a lot of weight
- Plan to have more children
- Have a BMI that is greater than 30
- Cannot commit to a healthy lifestyle to maintain results
The best way to learn if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery is through a one-on-one consultation at our Edmond or Norman locations. During this consultation, Dr. Panchal will listen to your concerns, carefully assess your frame, and help you decide if tummy tuck surgery is the best fit for your needs.
How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
Preparing for tummy tuck surgery begins with a thorough consultation and medical review. Your surgeon may recommend lab tests and adjustments to certain medications or supplements that may increase your bleeding risk. If you smoke or use nicotine products, you will need to stop well in advance of surgery to support proper healing. Plan for time off work, arrange help at home for the first few days, and prepare a comfortable recovery space with loose clothing and prescribed medications readily available.
How is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Abdominoplasties are performed under general anesthesia, which means you'll be asleep during the surgery. Dr. Panchal performs both mini and complete abdominoplasties in an outpatient surgical center to help protect your safety and ensure your comfort. You will most likely spend one night at the outpatient center following surgery, allowing observation to help guard against unforeseen complications.
A complete abdominoplasty usually takes 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, depending on the extent of liposuction required. A mini-abdominoplasty takes only 1 to 2 hours.
It is not unusual to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction to your love handles, thighs, or abdomen to further enhance your outcome. During your initial consultation, Dr. Panchal can help you determine if additional contouring services will help improve your outcomes.
Tummy Tuck Incisions
Tummy tuck incisions are commonly made from the right to the left hip bone just above your pubic area so that the final scar is very well hidden. An abdominoplasty involves lifting the skin and fat from the underlying fascia of the abdomen up to your ribs. The skin around your navel is released, allowing Dr. Panchal to tighten the muscles (your abs) and contour them by suturing them together. This dramatically changes the contour of the abdomen.
If you have some skin laxity in your flanks or on the outside of your thighs, Dr. Panchal may extend the incision toward the flank. Any excess skin and fat are then trimmed so that there is no excess or wrinkly skin following surgery. A new navel is created for you, and the incision is closed in many layers. You will have two drains at the incision site that will be left for around 3-5 days.
Exparel After Abdominoplasty
You will have some discomfort for the first few days following surgery. At the end of your surgery, Dr. Panchal will inject a long-acting local anesthetic called Exparel. This local analgesia/numbing treatment is administered during the tummy tuck procedure. It is a single-dose medication and will last for up to four days after surgery. Exparel is not a narcotic, so it won't impair you after the procedure.
In some cases, Exparel reduces the need for heavy pain medications, thereby eliminating their side effects. Fewer oral narcotics mean less nausea and less disorientation. However, Dr. Panchal may also prescribe pain medications to help manage any unexpected discomfort during the recovery phase.
One of Dr. Panchal's patients recently had a tummy tuck and was very pleased with the results of Exparel. She has been almost completely pain-free for an entire week after her surgery. You can listen to her testimonial below:
Tummy Tuck Recovery
You will have some swelling and bruising after the surgery. This should subside on its own within two weeks. You will wear a compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to help control swelling. The stitches are under the skin and do not need to be removed. You will have drains at the incision sites that will be removed three to five days post-surgery.
You will need someone to help you get up and walk around the house for the first two days after surgery. It generally takes two to three weeks to get back to normal. You can drive one week to ten days after surgery.
It may take you two to three weeks to feel like yourself again. Younger patients tend to return to normal life slightly faster than older patients. You should be able to walk briskly and swim after three weeks and perform aerobic exercises in six weeks.
How to Maintain Tummy Tuck Results
About three weeks after surgery, as swelling continues to subside, you'll begin to appreciate your new abdominal contour more clearly. Long-term results depend on maintaining a stable weight through regular exercise and balanced nutrition.
A tummy tuck can motivate healthier habits, but consistency is key. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, seeds, and complex carbohydrates supports your outcome. Adults should also aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise plus strength training twice weekly.
Without ongoing attention to fitness and diet, weight gain can gradually compromise your surgical results.
Abdominoplasty Risks
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, fluid buildup (seroma), and temporary numbness in the abdominal area. In rare cases, a blood clot may need to be surgically removed, and some infections may require treatment.
Preventive antibiotics and proper incision care help support healing and minimize scarring. Most small seromas resolve on their own, though occasional drainage may be necessary.
Smoking significantly increases complication risks and should be avoided before and after surgery. Certain medications and supplements that thin the blood may also need to be paused, which your surgeon will review beforehand.
Why Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for a Tummy Tuck in Norman, OK?
Patients choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for Dr. Jayesh Panchal's advanced approach to tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. Using specialized vibrating cannulas, he gently breaks up fat cells, allowing them to be removed through small incisions while helping reduce the risk of surface irregularities. His focus goes beyond simply creating a flat abdomen. He carefully sculpts natural contours, preserving subtle convex and concave transitions that give the midsection a balanced, athletic appearance.
To create a consistent definition from every angle, Dr. Panchal adjusts positioning during surgery to address the front, sides, and back. He may also purify and strategically reinject fat to improve shape and proportion, most commonly in the buttocks. This comprehensive contouring approach produces smooth, natural-looking results that appear harmonious throughout the body.
FAQs
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on several factors, including the type of abdominoplasty (mini, complete, or extended), the amount of correction required, and whether liposuction is combined with the procedure. Surgical facility fees, anesthesia, and postoperative garments also influence total pricing.
Because every patient's anatomy and goals differ, an in-person evaluation is the best way to obtain accurate cost information. During your consultation, your surgeon will outline a customized surgical plan and provide detailed pricing based on your specific needs and desired outcome.
Can a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, but only those located on the lower abdomen within the portion of skin that is surgically removed. If stretch marks are situated above the belly button, they typically remain, although tightening the skin may make them appear slightly smoother.
Abdominoplasty is not primarily a treatment for stretch marks; its main purpose is to remove excess skin and tighten abdominal muscles. However, many patients are pleased to see improvement in the overall appearance of their skin after surgery, as stretched, damaged tissue is removed.
Will a Tummy Tuck Help With Diastasis Recti?
Yes, a tummy tuck can correct diastasis recti, a condition that causes the abdominal muscles to separate, often due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. During abdominoplasty, the surgeon reattaches the separated muscles and sutures them into a firmer position. This repair helps flatten the abdomen, improve core stability, and create a stronger midsection.
While exercise can strengthen abdominal muscles, it cannot fully correct muscle separation in many cases. Surgical repair performed during a tummy tuck offers a more complete and lasting solution for patients with moderate to severe diastasis recti.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Tummy tuck surgery is generally considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. The procedure is typically performed to improve abdominal contour rather than address a medical necessity. However, in rare situations involving chronic skin irritation, infections beneath excess skin, or certain reconstructive needs, partial coverage may be possible.
Insurance policies vary, and documentation of medical concerns is usually required. Patients interested in exploring this option should speak directly with their insurance provider. For most individuals, abdominoplasty is an elective procedure paid out of pocket. Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa offers financing through CareCredit to make the procedure more accessible.
Contact Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery in or around Oklahoma City, contact Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa at 405-340-9949 (Edmond) or 405-310-6767 (Norman). We are happy to answer any questions you may have.