Michigan Tummy Tuck | Abdominoplasty | Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery

Tummy Tuck

Michigan Tummy Tuck at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery

If weight changes or pregnancy have permanently altered the shape of your mid-section, come into Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery for a tummy tuck procedure. Also called an abdominoplasty, this treatment is the solution to stubborn love handles, excess skin, and belly bulges. Rediscover a tight, flat tummy with a Michigan abdominoplasty at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery.

Learn more about your options for reshaping the abdominal area in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas by calling our Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery office at (734-436-2186).

Before and After

Tummy Tuck: Insider Tips at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery

As you look at before and after photos of abdominoplasty patients, pay close attention to the belly button. A highly skilled surgeon will hide this incision inside of the belly button, rendering it practically invisible and creating a more natural appearance.

Could you benefit from a “Mommy Makeover”? Many of our tummy tuck patients are post-baby moms. While a tummy tuck restores the middle, a mommy makeover provides total body rejuvenation. Pair your abdominoplasty with complementary procedures like breast surgery and labiaplasty to restore your body after baby.

If you love low-rise jeans or wear bikinis, you’ll want a low incision for your abdominoplasty. Ask your surgeon about incision placement to ensure you’ll still be able to wear your favorite styles with confidence.

Excess fat tends to leave abdominal incisions with a full, raised appearance. Liposuction can smooth out these incisions for a smoother, more attractive result.

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Surgery in Michigan?

Look your best and feel confident with your abdominal appearance again. Our Michigan Abdominoplasty has many benefits including:

Tightening and Repair of the Abdominal Muscles

The paired abdominal rectus muscles are often stretched out or separated after pregnancy, weight changes, and aging, a condition called rectus diastasis. Cosmetic abdominal surgery realigns and sutures these muscles together to strengthen the core and restore a flat tummy.

Reshape the Belly Button

We’ll tighten up and reshape your belly button as needed.

Removes Excess Abdominal Skin

Skin stretches with weight gain and pregnancy but doesn’t always contract after. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the tummy area.

Better Posture and Less Back Pain

Abdominoplasty strengthens the core, improving posture and potentially reducing back pain symptoms.

Tummy tuck surgery benefits both men and women and is one of our most popular procedures here at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery. We tailor each patient’s operative plan based on his or her baseline appearance and unique surgical goals.

Standard Tummy Tuck vs. Power Tuck in Michigan

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that contours and reshapes the abdominal area. We begin with a low horizontal incision that extends across the pubic area and hips. The skin is lifted off the abdominal wall, and then re-draped and tightened, with the extra skin removed.  The underlying rectus muscles are sutured together to strengthen the abdominal wall and make it flat. The belly button is then brought out in a new incision, using specialized techniques to tuck it in and make it look natural.

The Power Tuck – Abdominoplasty + Liposuction

Power Tuck builds upon the results of a traditional tummy tuck by pairing it with flank liposuction. You’ll get all the benefits of a standard abdominoplasty plus:

  • Fat removal + profile slimming
  • Results from 2 surgical procedures in 1 operation and with 1 recovery period
  • Dramatic results

Which option is right for you: a standard tummy tuck or a Power Tuck? We’ll explore both options with you at your consultation and help you decide. We also offer a mini tummy tuck for select patients that have limited skin laxity and muscle loosening located solely below the belly button.

Before
After

Tummy Tuck Patient Reviews

★★★★★ Excellent Experience Dr. Ballard & Team
★★★★★ Excellent Experience Dr. Ballard & Team
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I am currently five weeks from tummy tuck with diastasis repair with Dr. Ballard. My stomach was very distorted by having twins. My experience with their office has been top notch since the beginning. I was contacted for my appointment, had my initial questions answered and I felt very at ease with Nurse Shelley and Dr. Ballard. As a surgeon myself, I was impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. The preop appt was informative and I had everything on hand the day of my surgery to ensure success. The surgery center where my procedure took place was also great/felt safe. Anesthesia was seamless. I was up and walking at home the same day. My pain was soon well controlled and I didn't take any narcotics after the second day, and took OTC meds instead. The appearance of the tummy tuck is BEYOND my expectations. It looks amazing and has since day one. Why didn't I do this sooner? You will be in great hands with this team! wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
★★★★★
★★★★★
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I wanted to share my thoughts in regards to Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery, but specifically Dr. Ballard. I have spent almost 28 years with a tummy I hated after the first of my first child. I’ve hated this part of my body and have always been very insecure about it. It had affected my confidence for far too long. I’ve wanted this surgery for a few decades but always had a reason why I shouldn’t do it. I am almost 46 and finally made the decision to do something for me and boy am I happy I did. I am beyond ecstatic about my results. Dr. Ballard worked her magic with her amazing skills to uncover the stomach I’ve always wanted and hoped for. She is talented and was truly in tune with me and my expectations. I would without a doubt recommend her to anyone and everyone. I want to thank Dr. Ballard for such a wonderful job but also thank her nurse, Shelley who was compassionate and excited for me. I felt welcomed and cared for at each visit. If I were to ever consider any other cosmetic procedures, I would definitely come back every time. Thank you all for everything!
★★★★★ An Amazing Doctor!
★★★★★ An Amazing Doctor!
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She was wonderful. I was never uncomfortable with her or her staff. I only had the procedure 2 weeks ago, but even that day I could already see a difference and it was such a great feeling. I am so glad I found her and will recommend her to everyone looking for a great experience and doctor!
  ★★★★★ I Had an Amazing Experience
★★★★★ I Had an Amazing Experience
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Dr. Ballard is amazing! She is warm and makes you feel completely comfortable . She is informative and straight forward about the procedure and what to expect. My results were more than I had hoped. Her staff is top notch. They have all been kind and compassionate.
  ★★★★★
★★★★★
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I rely a lot on reviews so I would like to give a very honest review from the moment I walked in to Dr. Ballard’s office the staff especially Shelley who was my go to person to set up meetings and answer questions after I spoken to Dr. Ballard was amazing. I had a full tummy tuck done with liposuction. I was very nervous going into the surgery Dr. Ballard covered everything from anesthesia, medications, recovery etc., she was very thorough in explaining everything that I would go through before and after my surgical procedure. I felt extremely comfortable knowing that I would be going to an outpatient surgical center at St. Mary’s to have my surgery done. Not a in office surgical room that some places offer. Dr. Ballard performed my surgery on a Friday and I was able to reach her by phone Saturday and Sunday to discussed by medication. She always called me back within five minutes of getting my message. My results are absolutely amazing I would recommend her to any woman that is thinking about doing any surgical procedure she’s a perfectionist in her field. I’ve had zero issues fantastic results and have recommended her to everyone I know. Thank you Dr. Ballard!
★★★★★
★★★★★
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I had a Tummy Tuck with liposuction about 4 weeks ago. Can honestly say had the best experience. Dr. Ballard was very compassionate and answered all my question, had been doing a lot of research so came prepared to talk about surgery and post op! The staff was very helpful especially her nurse Shelly. Very happy with results and would highly recommend then to anyone.
  ★★★★★
★★★★★
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Dr. Ballard is awesome! I highly recommend Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery. I had a tummy tuck, to which Dr. Ballard took 9 lbs off the front of me! I could not be happier with my results and so happy I went here. They are very professional, yet down to earth, and I will be returning.
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Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Which Procedure is best for me?

Both liposuction and abdominoplasty can reshape the midsection. Which procedure do you need?

Choose liposuction alone if: You have extra fat with tight, elastic skin and limited to no overhanging skin.

Choose a tummy tuck alone if: You have minimal fat with loose skin and stretch marks. Some patients have a protuberant stomach due to muscle separation.

Choose a tummy tuck with flank liposuction if: You want a complete midsection transformation. This procedure, aka a Power Tuck”, is best for patients with loose skin, extra fat, muscle separation, and stubborn love handles that extend to their back.

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Power Tuck in Michigan

Our Power Tuck, an abdominoplasty and liposuction combination, creates the most dramatic transformation and is an excellent fit for most of our patients in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas. Contact our Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery office by calling (734-436-2186) to schedule your consultation. 

YOUR BEAUTY REVEALED

Let our before and after gallery show you the expertise of Michigan’s plastic surgery specialists Dr. Pramit Malhotra and  Dr. Tiffany Ballar. Place your trust in the skilled hands of our board-certified surgeons who understand that the difference is in the details.

Michigan Tummy Tuck FAQs

Is a tummy tuck right for you? Contact Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery to learn more about this abdominal transformation.

If you’ve tried diet and exercise, but still can’t achieve your ideal abdominal contour, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. We regularly perform this procedure on both men and women with excellent results. Ideally, patients are close to their target weight with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. We’ll talk about your candidacy for the procedure in more depth at your consultation.

Our abdominoplasty patients typically require 10-14 days off from work. If you receive a mini tuck, recovery times may be shorter. Expect tenderness, bruising, and swelling. Patients will have activity restrictions for 4 weeks and slowly resume their daily activities as directed by their surgeon.

Scarring is inevitable after a tummy tuck, but skilled plastic surgeons like Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Ballard use techniques to minimize the scar as much as possible. Our incisions are low, just above the pubic bone, and are easily hidden, even when wearing low cut jeans or bikini bottoms. We use advanced suturing techniques to optimize the way the scars heal and often perform liposuction around the incision sites to ensure that excess fat doesn’t create a ridgeline along the incision.

A patient care coordinator at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery will contact you regarding the next steps to prepare you for your consultation

On the day of your surgery, your surgeon will meet you in the preoperative area at the surgery center. There, he or she will do their markings and review the surgical plan. 

 

Dr. Ballard typically places one drain, which comes out from an opening along the incision line. No extra scars are created for the drain. The drain is secured with a suture, and you will need to empty it several times a day. The drain usually stays in until your 1-week follow-up appointment, but sometimes it has to stay in longer to be safe. The drain is easily removed in clinic by cutting the suture and sliding it out.

Dr. Ballard nearly always repairs the rectus muscles in female patients, except if there are no signs of separation, which is rare. Male tummy tuck patients typically do not have any separation and the male physique does not involve creating a small waist.

Repairing the rectus muscles alone does not automatically result in muscle definition and visible abs. However, with exercise and core work, patients can achieve visible muscular definition.

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, but rather a recontouring procedure. Many patients will experience some weight loss due to the volume of the resected tissue that is removed. However, the best outcomes are achieved when patients are near their goal weight prior to surgery. A tummy tuck serves as the final step to the body of their dreams.

Dr. Ballard will remove sutures from the belly button at 1 week following surgery. The other sutures will all dissolve.

  1. Natural, tucked-in belly button that is at the appropriate height
  2. Low, thin scar line that easily hides below undergarments
  3. Repaired rectus muscles that provide a smooth, thin profile

Swelling is the most pronounced during the first month after surgery, but it can last for up to 3 months. Patients can manage swelling by wearing an abdominal binder or compression garment.

Yes, patients can get pregnant following a tummy tuck. However, most of the time we recommend waiting until after patients are done having children to have an abdominoplasty to ensure a long-lasting result. If you do get pregnant after surgery, you may feel added tightness in the abdominal region as your body expands to accommodate the growing baby, and you may have recurrent skin laxity, muscle separation, and stretch marks.

Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Patients will often have numbness scattered throughout their abdomen initially following surgery. This usually improves over the first 3 months, but the scar on central lower abdominal area may always be numb. Patients rarely have a suture that comes to the surface, called a spitting suture. 

Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Ballard often perform tummy tucks in combination with liposuction to other areas, most commonly the love handles, upper back, or thighs. During your consultation, we will discuss all of your areas of concern and develop a safe plan to meet your goals.

Following a tummy tuck, most patients can return to exercise at 4 weeks post-op. Dedicated abdominal exercises can be resumed around 6 weeks.

Strenuous activities and lifting anything over 10 lbs must be avoided for 4 weeks following surgery. These restrictions are in place to ensure your incisions and repaired abdominal muscles have a chance to heal properly.

Gentle, everyday movements and walking will not harm your results. Strenuous exercise and lifting, however, must be avoided for 4 weeks.

Tummy tucks do cause discomfort, mainly due to the muscle repair and liposuction that is performed in conjunction with the surgery. This is managed with prescription pain medication and tends to subside after 3-4 days.

Yes, I use your own belly button. Anatomically, your belly button marks the spot where your umbilical cord was once attached when you were a baby. During a tummy tuck surgery, I cut around your belly button to release it from the surrounding skin. Once I pull the excess skin down and remove it, I make a new hole to bring your belly button back out and suture it in place. I use special suturing techniques to ensure the belly button scar is tucked in and looks more natural.

We spend time during your consultation looking at your anatomy and discussing your goals. We also take multiple photos of your mid-section that we use for pre-operative planning and study these photos prior to your surgery.

A tummy tuck typically takes around 3 hours of operating time. This time increases if liposuction is performed as well.

You should look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to perform your tummy tuck that you feel comfortable with. Your surgeon should perform tummy tucks frequently as part of their practice and have safe, predictable results. You should view before and after photos of his or her work and research their reviews. You should also feel well-cared for and have a positive interaction with their staff from the first inquiry with their office.

Contact our office at (734-913-5100) to schedule your personalized consultation and learn more about the cost of abdominoplasty at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery. 

Schedule A Consultation

Our Michigan plastic surgery specialists understand that the difference is in the details when it comes to achieving your desired results. Visit Dr. Malhotra and Dr. Ballard at Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery, schedule your consultation today.