If you have stretched skin and excess fat around the midsection that does not respond to diet or exercise, an abdominoplasty can give you a toned, leaner midsection. Dr. Kobienia can also tighten the abdominal skin and muscles for a tighter, fitter appearance.

Advantages of a tummy tuck at our Minneapolis area practice include:

Increase Your Self-Confidence. One of the most important benefits of cosmetic surgery is the increased self-confidence patients can experience. A tummy tuck provides a toned, slim abdomen that diet and exercise alone cannot always achieve. Patients can feel confident about their bodies, wear the clothes they want, and feel good about showing off their midsection in swimwear.

Relieve Back Pain. Some women experience abdominal muscle separation after childbirth. The lower back attempts to compensate for weakened stomach muscles, resulting in back pain. The procedure can tighten the abdominal muscles and provide relief.

Improve Overall Health. Patients can experience an array of health benefits as a result of tightening their abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can improve posture, treat urinary incontinence, and provide relief from ventral hernias. Meanwhile, studies suggest that abdominoplasty patients are more prone to maintain long-term weight loss after the operation.

Please contact us online or call 612-930-1111 to schedule a FREE cosmetic consultation to discuss your plastic surgery options. Dr. Kobienia in Minneapolis, MN, can give you an enhanced, toned look through body contouring surgery. 

Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

To begin an abdominoplasty procedure, Dr. Kobienia will mark your abdomen where the incision will be placed. This incision runs low between the hips and can be hidden by almost all underwear and swimwear. If you are having liposuction as part of your tummy tuck, and many patients do, the small incisions for the liposuction device will be marked at this time as well.

You will be placed under general anesthesia so you can sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. Through the tummy tuck incision, Dr. Kobienia is able to access the abdominal muscles and tighten areas of the muscles that are separated or loose. Through this incision he is also able to remove excess subcutaneous fat and trim the skin so that it is tightened to your slimmer shape.

In almost all cases, the belly button will need to be repositioned following skin excision. Dr. Kobienia uses his training and experience to place the belly button in a spot where it will look very natural after healing is complete.

Before closing the tummy tuck incision, Dr. Kobienia injects a long-acting pain medication to increase comfort after surgery. He then closes and bandages the incision.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Your recovery begins with a brief stay in our surgery suite to ensure you are back to normal after surgery and the effects of anesthesia have worn off. We will schedule a follow up appointment to check on the progress of your healing.

One of the most challenging parts of a tummy tuck recovery is the need to stay slightly bent for the first week, so that you are not putting too much strain on your incisions. You may find that sleeping in a recliner or propped up with many pillows in bed is best. You won’t be able to drive yourself that first week, but you should feel mobile enough to drive during the second week of recovery.

Exercise can be gradually added back in as your recovery advances. Light activities can be added in around 10 to 14 days after surgery, but more strenuous activity and exercise will need to wait between 4 to 8 weeks.

Dr. Kobienia Explains Tummy Tucks

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

When you choose to have a tummy tuck, you are making an investment in yourself! With a tummy tuck, the overall costs include many different aspects of the procedure that can include the surgery, the hospital and operating costs, anesthesia, per-surgical tests, and post-surgical medications. All of these costs can vary based on a number of different factors, such as the experience of the surgeon and your geographical location.

How do I find the best tummy tuck surgeon near me?

When looking for the best tummy tuck surgeon in your area, you want to find a surgeon that performs tummy tucks on a regular basis and can provide you with before and after photos that can give you a clear picture of what you can expect. In addition, you want to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with. You want a surgeon that is willing to listen to you and answer your questions.

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?

A good candidate for a tummy tuck will be at or near their ideal body weight and in good overall health. If you are working on losing more weight, you may want to hold off on your tummy tuck as additional weight loss can contribute to additional skin that the tummy tuck can address, giving you the results you are looking for. In addition, while pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, ideal candidates will already have their family and not plan on having more children.

Will a tummy tuck address stretch marks?

This all depends on where your stretch marks are located. If you have stretch marks in the lower part of your abdomen, there is a good chance that this skin may be removed, leaving you stretch mark-free.

Can I still have children after a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck does not affect your ability to become pregnant and have children. However, you must keep in mind that pregnancy will likely change your abdominal area, changing your tummy tuck results. If you plan to have children, you may want to postpone your tummy tuck until after your family is complete.

Are my results from a tummy tuck permanent?

How long your tummy tuck results last depend on you and your lifestyle. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise routine will help you maintain your weight and your tummy tuck results. However, fluctuations to your weight can again stretch out your abdominal skin, undoing your tummy tuck results.

How can I prepare for my tummy tuck?

Before your tummy tuck procedure, it is a good idea to plan your recovery ahead of time so you have everything you need to be able to rest and recover. Some tips include:

• Set up a recovery area where you will have easy access to everything you will need during recovery.
• Plan a shopping trip so you have your fridge stocked and everything else you may need for recovery. You may want to consider making some meals ahead of time so you are able to just reheat and eat.
• Ask family and friends if they will be available for support during your recovery period. This is especially important if you have small children at home as you will not be able to care for them alone during your recovery.
• Pick up your post-operative prescriptions ahead of time so you have them available for your recovery.