Woman showing off tummy tuck procedure in white underwear

Tummy Tuck

A sagging midsection and excess skin can make you feel self-conscious. Unfortunately, diet and exercise can’t always fix these problems.

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can get rid of excess fat, loose skin, and stretch marks caused by weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.

Board-certified plastic surgeon John F. Zavell in Toledo, OH, can determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Abdominoplasty is often sought by patients who have recently lost a lot of weight or undergone bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery leads to rapid weight loss, which results in sagging skin and stretch marks.

Other times, patients may seek a tummy tuck if their skin sags due to advanced age, pregnancy, or separation of their abdominal muscles. An abdominoplasty can successfully recontour their midsection to improve their appearance.

To be eligible for tummy tuck surgery, you must:

  • Be in good health
  • Be a nonsmoker
  • Be close to your ideal weight
  • Have realistic expectations

During your consultation at our Toledo, OH, office, Dr. Zavell will review your medical history and goals to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. He will only recommend this plastic surgery procedure if you can safely undergo a tummy tuck and he believes it can help you achieve your goals.

Do I need Liposuction if I have a Tummy Tuck?

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Liposuction is not a necessary part of every tummy tuck. However, having the two surgical procedures performed together can benefit the right patients. For example, having a tummy tuck and getting “love handles” flattened by liposuction can give your waistline beautiful new definition. When you pair the two, they work together to fully contour the midsection. Your surgical treatment plan will be tailored to meet your needs.

Dramatic Tummy Tuck Results See What an Abdominoplasty Can Do for You

Before tummy tuck procedure
Before Abdominoplasty
After tummy tuck procedure
After Abdominoplasty

Mini tummy tuck diagram of where the abdomen skin is cut out and elevated as well as the muscle repair

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Another Option Available in Toledo

A mini abdominoplasty is similar to a full tummy tuck in that it aims to remove loose skin and excess fat. However, a mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower area of the abdomen below the belly button. Though the results of a mini tummy tuck are less dramatic, it's a less invasive procedure that may be a better option for candidates who require only minimal correction of the abdominal area.

Unlike a traditional tummy tuck that can require a long incision that extends from one hip to the other, a mini tummy tuck requires a shorter incision that's about three to five inches long just below the bikini line. The result is a smaller, less noticeable scar on the abdominal skin.

What are the Steps of a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Dr. Zavell works closely with you to plan your procedure so that you achieve dramatic yet natural-looking results.
Dr. Zavell works closely with you to plan your procedure so that you achieve dramatic yet natural-looking results.

Consultation

As with any surgery, there will be an initial consultation before the procedure. During this time, your surgeon will review your cosmetic goals and medical history. He will also discuss the procedure and any additional options such as liposuction or CoolSculpting®.

Anesthesia

Tummy tuck patients are given general anesthesia to make them completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the duration of the cosmetic procedure.

Surgery

Dr. Zavell makes a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel, extending horizontally from one hip to the other. This allows our plastic surgeon to tighten weakened abdominal muscles. He will also trim the excess skin, redrape the remaining skin, and then suture the incision closed. If needed, he can create a new navel.

Recovery

The surgery takes one to five hours. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home to recover after a short resting period in our office.
Dr. John F. Zavell and his plastic surgery office staff

Your comfort is our priority. Our entire team goes out of their way to make sure each visit to our Toledo practice is calm and relaxing.

Ready To Take the First Step?

Contact Dr. John F. Zavell

Plastic surgeon John F. Zavell is board-certified, and he uses top-of-the-line equipment and techniques for his procedures. He has over 25 years of experience performing plastic surgery in the Toledo, OH, area. When you turn to our team, you can expect your surgery to be performed in the utmost safety.

Our team is also devoted to ensuring the comfort of our patients. We know surgery is a major decision, and our compassionate team is here to guide you through the entire process. Our staff will also take measures to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible following the surgery. Contact us today to get the tone silhouette you want.

(740) 628-0185

I am very pleased with my surgeries from Dr Zavell. Had major weight loss and needed my excess skin removed stomach.. upper and lower and back, and upper arms. My before and after pictures are amazing ... Love my improved body. And I was 66 when I had done. An amazing job on an older women! Thank you Dr Zavell and staff .. all were great! Jane

Recovery After an Abdominoplasty

Patients are sometimes hesitant to undergo a tummy tuck because they worry about the recovery. As long as patients follow Dr. Zavell's pre-op and post-op instructions, they can expect a successful recovery. He will instruct you on how to care for your incisions to help them fade as much as possible.

Taking Time Off to Heal

Patients typically need two weeks off work after a tummy tuck, and they can return to regular activities in three to four weeks.

Wearing Your Compression Garment

After a tummy tuck by our plastic surgeon, patients are sent home with a compression garment. This garment serves to support the abdomen and minimize swelling during the healing process.

Walk During the Healing Process

Your abdominal wall will need time to heal, but this doesn't mean lying down for days on end. We encourage walking throughout your recovery in order to aid in healing and avoid blood clots. This can involve just moving around the house at first, and gradually walking longer distances. In a couple of weeks, you can resume light exercise.

How Long Do Results Last?

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The results of your tummy tuck can last for years, if not a lifetime. However, unhealthy lifestyle choices and weight gain will adversely affect the results. It’s essential that you stay fit and avoid weight gain after the surgery to preserve your flatter, smoother abdomen.

Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck
AND MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR RESULTS

Plan Ahead

The results of your tummy tuck can be lost due to weight gain, weight loss, and pregnancy. Before you schedule a tummy tuck, our Ohio practice recommends that you be at a healthy and stable weight that you can maintain. You should also be finished having children.

Adopt an Exercise Routine

Your tummy tuck has removed excess skin and fat and made your muscles more noticeable, but it's up to you to maintain these results. Following a workout regimen can help you burn calories, keep fat to a minimum, and build muscle for a more attractive midsection.

Minimize Scarring

Though your scar will be in an area that can be easily hidden with clothing, there are some simple things you can do to minimize its appearance. We recommend protecting your scar from sunlight and using skin products that minimize scars. In addition, following all of your surgeon's post-operative instructions will speed recovery and can help prevent your scar from becoming more noticeable.

How Much DOES AN ABDOMINOPLASTY COST?

Patients all have different needs and body types. For this reason, the cost of an abdominoplasty may vary. The procedure typically costs $5,000-$12,000 at our Toledo office.

Financing Is Available

Given the out-of-pocket cost of a tummy tuck, our plastic surgery accepts financing. We accept financing through CareCredit®, M-Lend Financial, and Directions Credit Union.

At your appointment, our patient care coordinator will discuss your financing options with you.

5-Star Reviews "Couldn't be happier."

1

Chris Bowers

2021

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I highly recommend Dr. Zavell and his staff. They answered all of my questions thoroughly, made me feel comfortable, and helped me through the pre and post surgery process. I'm very satisfied with my results and plan to have another procedure in a few months.

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1

Mary McMillen

2020

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Dr Zavell and his staff are great. All very professional treating you with respect and kindness from your first appointment and on. He is a skilled professional . I was seen and had work done 2004 and have come back recently. Couldn't be happier.

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Dr. John F. Zavell

John F. Zavell, MD, FACS

Dr. John Zavell is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals since 1993. He is a member of: 

  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons 
  • The American Society of Aesthetic Surgeons
  • The American College of Surgeons

He has mastered advanced techniques and uses the latest technology to provide patients of all ages with the most natural-looking, life-changing results. To schedule a consultation at Dr. Zavell's plastic surgery practice, request an appointment online or call us at (740) 628-0185

Contact Us Today

"The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a very personal one and our mission is to honor that choice by jointly cultivating a treatment plan that will deliver results personally crafted for you." Dr. Zavell

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