Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a surgical body-contouring procedure that enhances the appearance of your abdomen by removing excess skin, tightening the muscles, and rejuvenating the belly button. This procedure can be especially beneficial for addressing the physical changes that arise after pregnancy or significant weight loss. ⁽¹⁾

At Premier Plastic Surgery in Knoxville, Tennessee, our surgical team helps patients transform their figures with tummy tucks. Our dedicated team takes great pride in helping every individual look and feel their best.

To start working with our plastic surgery team, please schedule a consultation online or call (865) 306-5680.

Before and After Photos

View More Photos

About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal tissue and strengthens the abdominal muscles. There are many different factors that can affect the elasticity of your skin or the tightness of your muscles, including substantial weight gain and pregnancy. While these changes are natural, they can result in the development of several aesthetic and functional concerns, most notably loose or hanging tissue, less core stability, and a bulging tummy. ⁽²⁾ With a personalized tummy tuck, you can achieve a figure you can feel confident about.

Available Tummy Tuck Variations

Our surgical team can perform several variations of the tummy tuck to address several different concerns, ranging from mild to more severe. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, concerns, and medical history to determine which type of tummy tuck is best for you. These variations include the full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, and abdominal etching.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, also known as a standard tummy tuck, addresses concerns in both the upper and lower abdomen. This procedure restores weak or separated muscles and removes hanging skin and fat to address both functional and cosmetic concerns within a single procedure.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of the tummy tuck that targets concerns below the navel. This variation is an ideal solution for more minimal to mild concerns, and it does not address any concerns within the upper abdomen, nor does it offer umbilical rejuvenation. This is a much less common approach, as most patients need to address the belly button.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck features an incision that extends around the hips towards your back. This approach is designed for patients with more extensive concerns, such as those that occur after massive weight loss.

Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching is a specialized technique that can be incorporated into a tummy tuck to enhance the definition and sculpt of your abdominal muscles. During this part of the procedure, your surgeon will use liposuction to strategically remove fat and contour the abdomen, leaving you with a toned, pronounced, and athletic musculature.

Benefits

Tummy tucks are a mainstay in plastic surgery because of the vast range of benefits they provide, including:

Candidates

Suitable candidates for a tummy tuck include patients with separated or weakened abdominal muscles, as well as excess skin or tissue around their abdomen. These concerns commonly arise after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Women interested in this procedure should have completed planning their families, as pregnancy can alter their results. Those who have recently lost a significant amount of weight will need to be at a stable weight before their procedure, as any significant weight increase or decrease can also affect results.

Anyone interested in a tummy tuck should be in good general health and have realistic expectations for their outcomes. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. Our surgical team will evaluate every individual’s physical anatomy and medical history during their consultation to finalize their candidacy for a tummy tuck.

Personal Consultation

During this consultation, our Premier Plastic Surgeon will meet with you individually to determine your candidacy for a tummy tuck. They will ask about your medical history, concerns, and desired appearance. They will also perform a physical examination to assess the condition and quality of your abdominal skin, as well as your overall anatomy.

Your surgeon will use this information to confirm your eligibility and create your surgical plan. They will recommend the most appropriate type of tummy tuck for your concerns, and they may even suggest pairing it with additional procedures to enhance your outcomes. Throughout the consultation, your surgeon will also answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with each aspect of your procedure.

To schedule this procedure and receive your tailored treatment plan, please schedule a consultation online. Alternatively, you can speak with our team members by calling our Knoxville office directly at (865) 306-5680.

Preparation

Once you schedule your tummy tuck procedure, you will receive a set of personalized pre-operative instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the exact details of your surgical plan, but you can expect to:

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, you will enter a private treatment room where we will first cleanse and sanitize your skin. After this, anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.

The exact steps of your procedure will vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, as certain tummy tuck variants are more extensive than others. Your surgeon may excise loose or hanging skin, tighten loose or weakened abdominal muscles, or even reshape and reposition your navel. Your surgeon may also use liposuction techniques to eliminate stubborn fat and further refine abdominal definition.

Recovery

After your procedure, you can expect to experience swelling, tenderness, or bruising around the treated areas. These effects will gradually subside on their own with time, but you can also alleviate discomfort with prescribed medications and plenty of rest. You may need to wear a compression garment as you heal, which will minimize swelling and preserve your new curves.

After approximately one to two weeks of rest, you will be able to return to light activities and desk work. However, you should continue to avoid strenuous, physical, or high-impact activities until you receive clearance.

You will receive detailed post-operative instructions to help you navigate your recovery. These instructions will include guidelines on managing any side effects, caring for your incisions, and returning to certain activities. By following these instructions, you can ensure a quick recovery and optimal outcomes.

Results

You will be able to enjoy the full results of your tummy tuck once your recovery is complete. Your stomach will appear flatter and more toned, and your waistline may look more defined and proportionate. Many patients also experience improvements in their body confidence and self-esteem.

The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing their results for several years. However, fluctuations in weight can affect the long-term effects of your procedure, so we recommend sticking to regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Cost of Tummy Tucks in Knoxville, Tennessee

The cost of your tummy tuck can vary depending on the type you undergo, the severity of your concerns, whether you include any additional procedures, and more. Our Premier Cosmetic Coordinator will provide a cost estimate for your procedure after establishing your unique treatment plan. Premier Plastic Surgery additionally offers financing for those interested.

To learn more about the cost of your tailored tummy tuck procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (865) 306-5680.

FAQ

References

1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
2. Acharya P, Alagarasan AR, Khan M, et al. Shaping the Silhouette: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Body Contouring Techniques for the Torso and Limbs. Cureus. Published online July 25, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88737