Childbirth and motherhood are empowering, beautiful experiences that can change who we are as people. But when we don’t recognize our postpartum bodies, it can make it difficult to feel confident in our day-to-day lives.
For all the hard work you put into caring for your family, you deserve to look and feel your best.
At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, we offer mommy makeover procedures to mothers who want to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies, which combine multiple procedures to address the breasts, abdomen, and stubborn pockets of fat. Abdominoplasties are a great option for mothers who want to remove excess fat and skin resulting from pregnancy and childbirth.
If you’re interested in learning more about an abdominoplasty in Jacksonville, request an appointment online or give us a call.
Keep reading to learn more about abdominoplasties and other procedures that can be included in a mommy makeover.
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that improves the shape and appearance of the abdomen. Also known as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty in Jacksonville removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen to create a smoother look.
A tummy tuck also removes stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen that are commonly left after pregnancy.
Aside from postpartum mothers, other good candidates for a tummy tuck include those who have:
- Lost a significant amount of weight
- A weak abdominal wall
- A natural body type with more fat along the waistline
- Bodies that have changed because of aging
It’s important to note that an abdominoplasty in Jacksonville is not a substitute for weight loss. A tummy tuck is a tool to shape the body of your dreams after losing weight.
In order to qualify for a tummy tuck, you must maintain a stable weight for more than 3 months prior to surgery.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
There are a variety of abdominoplasty procedures that can help your body return to its pre-pregnancy shape.
You and your surgeon will discuss which type of tummy tuck will best address your goals and concerns.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is the most commonly performed version of the procedure. It involves an incision made in the lower abdomen from one hip to the other.
This incision allows for reconstruction of the abdominal muscles and to open up a new hole for the belly button. The length of the incision also varies from person to person depending on how much extra skin is present.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck involves a longer incision from the front to back of the abdomen by the love handles.
This modified abdominoplasty is best for individuals with a significant amount of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck involves a minimal incision in the groin region to reconstruct the abdominal muscle layer up to the belly button. This version of abdominoplasty in Jacksonville also involves liposuction in the upper and lower flank areas of the abdomen.
The Abdominoplasty Process
At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, our surgeons have performed over 4,500 combined tummy tucks throughout our careers. We’ve streamlined the abdominoplasty process to help us consistently deliver the best results possible.
Consultation
During your consultation, you’ll meet with one of our expert surgeons to discuss your goals for the procedure and your desired results. This is an opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you have regarding your procedure as well.
Your surgeon will also conduct a physical examination to determine your treatment options. Through this examination, we can visualize your possible results from surgery.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss your medical history with your surgeon. Be sure to alert them of previous medical conditions, medications you’re taking, or other surgeries you’ve undergone in the past.
You may also discuss your weight loss journey if you want to address excess skin from significant weight loss.
Procedure
An abdominoplasty in Jacksonville is an outpatient procedure that will typically last about 2 hours. During the procedure, your surgeon will administer general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
The incision size and amount of excess skin removed during your procedure will depend on the tummy tuck variation. Your surgeon will then create an opening to move your belly button into position.
Before closing your incision site, your surgeon will insert drainage tubes to get rid of excess fluid. After the procedure is complete, your surgeon will close the incision site and cover it with bandages.
Recovery
After your procedure, our team will continue to monitor you and discharge you with a compression garment to help with swelling. This garment will also prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support.
You will be instructed to wear this garment for 6 weeks following your procedure.
We recommend lying down and resting in the days following your procedure, as walking and standing may be difficult. We highly recommend limiting strenuous physical activity until you are cleared by your surgeon.
It’s normal to experience swelling and bruising in the area surrounding your incision in the days following your procedure. You will also be given medication to help with the pain.
Be sure to schedule and attend all follow-up appointments so we can check in on your healing process and support your full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks
Can I get pregnant again after my tummy tuck?
We recommend that you wait until you are done adding to your family to have an abdominoplasty procedure. Getting pregnant after your tummy tuck will likely affect your results.
Waiting to have your tummy tuck until you are done having children will save you money on additional procedures and let you fully enjoy your results.
Will I have a scar?
Yes, you will have a scar on your abdomen following your abdominoplasty in Jacksonville. The size of your scar will depend entirely on the tummy tuck variation you have had.
At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, our surgeons use the smallest incisions possible to minimize scarring. We also place these incisions in discrete areas, so you can cover them with underwear or a swimsuit.
It’s important that you follow the incision care guidelines given to you by your doctor to ensure optimal healing.
How long does a tummy tuck last?
A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure that can last a lifetime if you continue to make healthy choices. These choices include following a nutritious diet and consistently exercising.
It’s important to note that weight fluctuations are a natural part of life. The shape and size of your abdominal area may change as you age. You can discuss additional procedures with your doctor as time passes.
What other procedures are considered a mommy makeover?
Mommy makeovers don’t stop at just tummy tucks! A “mommy makeover” is a name for an entirely customizable list of procedures that address your unique aesthetic needs.
Breast lifts, augmentations, and other body surgeries are examples of procedures that could be included in your mommy makeover.
Breast Lift
A breast lift in Jacksonville lifts the breast tissue and removes excess skin to reshape the breasts. Also known as a mastopexy, a breast lift reduces sagging and raises the position of the nipples.
During pregnancy, the bands of tissue that support the breasts can become stretched out as they get heavier. This framework of tissues is called Cooper’s ligaments, which help the breasts retain their form and structure.
A breast lift can correct the stretched out portions of your breasts and restore them to pre-pregnancy normalcy.
Breast Augmentation
If you’re unsatisfied with the size of your breasts after breastfeeding, an augmentation may be right for you!
A breast augmentation uses implants or fat transfer to increase the size and shape of the breasts. An augmentation by one of our expert surgeons can seamlessly fill out your physique for a fuller, more symmetrical appearance.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a type of surgery that uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of the body. These areas include the stomach, hips, thighs, arms, face, and neck.
If only a small portion of fat needs to be removed, liposuction can be completed at our clinic. If you want to target a larger portion, the procedure may have to take place in a hospital.
Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring. Liposuction is best for individuals who have areas of stubborn body fat but are otherwise at a stable weight.
Book Your Appointment
Hardworking moms, we see you and all the love and care you put into your families. You deserve to feel like the best version of yourself as you enter this next chapter of your life.
Our expert team of abdominoplasty surgeons can boost your confidence through an abdominoplasty in Jacksonville and other mommy makeover procedures. If there’s one thing that we can ensure, it’s that you’ll reach exceptional results while under our care.
Schedule your appointment to learn more about abdominoplasty procedures and get started on your mommy makeover journey.
Interested in other procedures? Visit or website to learn about other facial and body procedures.
