Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck in Philadelphia, PA with Dr. Scott Chapin

Stubborn fat and loose, sagging skin in your abdomen can be frustrating. Weight loss, pregnancy, or even genetics are factors that can cause weakened abdominal muscles and skin laxity to thwart your efforts to shrink your belly. A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that can help resolve your concerns and help you achieve a flatter, firmer, tighter midsection that renews your body’s proportions.  

With a personalized body-contouring strategy, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott D. Chapin aims to help you restore balance to your body and achieve your aesthetic goals, making him your choice as the best tummy tuck surgeon in Doylestown, PA. Contact Chapin Aesthetics to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chapin at (267) 880-0810 or complete our online form today! We are located in Doylestown PA and are dedicated to serving plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery patients throughout the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia areas.

Before and After tummy tuck female patient results
Real Patient Result

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is an innovative procedure designed to remove excess fat and skin in the abdominal region and tighten abdominal muscles. By restoring the appearance of the abdomen, abdominoplasty yields beautiful results for healthy women and men who are unable to lose stubborn belly fat or saggy abdominal skin.

Real Patient Result

As a body contouring procedure, tummy tucks are not intended as a weight loss substitute. Often, tummy tucks are an ideal solution for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight but uncomfortable with the appearance of their abdomen. 

Following a Philadelphia tummy tuck, patients experience:

Types of Tummy Tucks

Along with a traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Chapin also offers a mini tummy tuck. While many patients require the full corrective results of traditional abdominoplasty, some patients do not require comprehensive surgical correction, making them candidates for a mini tummy tuck.

The mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, treats the lower portion of the abdomen beneath the belly button and offers an ideal option for those who have smaller deposits of fat and less excess skin. The mini tummy tuck requires smaller incisions, leaves a smaller scar, and involves a shorter recovery time than its traditional counterpart.

During your consultation, Dr. Chapin will explain the procedures in detail, perform a physical examination of your abdomen, and learn about your concerns and goals to determine the best approach for your tummy tuck needs.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Your Philadelphia tummy tuck can:

Real Patient Result

Comprehensive Care
Superior Results

Dr. Scott D. Chapin is a highly specialized, board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in breast and aesthetic surgery. His extensive experience and expertise in the aesthetics industry deliver superior results that help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. 

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who are generally healthy, including eating a healthy diet and following a consistent exercise regimen. However, these candidates may still be uncomfortable with stubborn belly fat, saggy or hanging skin on the abdomen, or have separated abdominal muscles. 

A tummy tuck surgery is not intended as a weight loss procedure but rather improves body contours and definition after losing weight through lifestyle changes. Dr. Chapin recommends that you are close to your ideal, stable weight with a BMI of 30 or less.

Generally, Dr. Chapin suggests ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery should:

Tummy tucks are not ideal solutions for all patients. During your consultation, Dr. Chapin will help you determine other options may be considered, including liposuction, body lift, or non-surgical options.

Patients who are not good candidates are those who:

View Real Patient Results

Our extensive range of services guide our patients to an improved quality of life with an enhanced self-image.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

Dr. Chapin customizes each tummy tuck procedure to achieve optimal results for each patient, so each tummy tuck will be unique. However, here are some common steps to expect.

Your first step is to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified, and well-regarded plastic surgeon rather than the most conveniently located surgeon. You may want to schedule consultations with a few surgeons to ensure you find the best match for you. 

During your consultations, ask to see abdominoplasty before-and-after photos so you can get an idea of the results your surgeon achieves.

During your consultation, you may be advised to get medical evaluations, blood work, or other lab tests to assess your overall health. At this time, you may be instructed to take certain medications or adjust current medications.

If you currently smoke, vape, or use any nicotine products, you should quit. It is strongly recommended that patients stop smoking 4 weeks before and until recovery is complete as it can cause post-operative complications, delay recovery, and impact results.

For two weeks prior to tummy tuck surgery, refrain from taking blood thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements that may cause additional bleeding.

Don’t crash diet or change your diet significantly prior to surgery. However, eat healthy and balanced meals prior to your tummy tuck as proper nutrition supports healing.

Prepare your home for your recovery by purchasing the supplies you’ll need and filling prescriptions for pain medication. Consider cooking and freezing meals for easy preparation. Arrange a clean and comfortable space to rest as you heal. Also, plan for a friend or family member to drive you home following your tummy tuck surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Overview

Dr. Chapin performs all tummy tuck procedures in a Bucks County or Montgomery County AAAASF-certified cosmetic surgery facility.

The day of your tummy tuck, you should arrive approximately an hour before your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Chapin and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Chapin and his team will review the surgery details and answer any final questions you have. You will be administered either intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia as determined during your consultation with Dr. Chapin.

If Dr. Chapin has suggested liposuction in conjunction with your tummy tuck to remove unwanted fat and achieve optimal results, he will perform this procedure first.

Then, Dr. Chapin will make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, which will be easily concealed beneath the underwear or bikini line. Through this incision, he will repair weakened, separated abdominal muscles, then suture the restored muscles into place. 

Finally, Dr. Chapin will remove excess skin, re-drape the remaining skin, and reposition the navel before closing the incision with sutures or surgical adhesive.

Tummy Tuck Recovery and Healing

As a tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. In some cases, Dr. Chapin may recommend you stay the night at a hospital to monitor your progress.

Immediately following your tummy tuck, the incision sites will be dressed, and a compression garment will be placed around your midsection to minimize swelling and provide support as you heal. You will need to wear your compression garment at least 3 weeks for a full tummy tuck and at least 2 to 3 weeks for a mini tummy tuck.

For several days following your procedure, your abdominal area will feel tender, uncomfortable, or numb. The treated area may also be red, swollen, or bruised. Depending on your procedure, Dr. Chapin may place a tiny tube(s) under the skin to drain excess fluid. Drainage tubes are temporary and will be removed approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery. 

Prior to your tummy tuck, Dr. Chapin will provide thorough instructions on caring for the incision sites and treated area. Incision care is important as it aids with overall healing and minimizes scarring. You will also receive a prescription for pain medication to reduce discomfort during recovery. 

Typically, patients take 2 weeks off from work following an abdominoplasty. During this time, it’s important to get plenty of rest. For at least 4 weeks, you should avoid strenuous exercises, but Dr. Chapin recommends short, light walks to promote blood circulation and healing. Dr. Chapin will monitor your progress and let you know when to resume all daily activities, including exercise.

Choosing Dr. Scott D. Chapin For Your Tummy Tuck

With over 27 years of plastic surgery experience, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott D. Chapin blends medical science, artistry, and humanity in every procedure he performs. With a national reputation and commitment to excellence in all he does, Dr. Chapin proves time and again that he is one of the best tummy tuck surgeons in Doylestown and beyond. 

At Chapin Aesthetics, Dr. Chapin and his staff are in the business of making people feel better about themselves. With a comforting environment that puts patients at ease and excellent results that speak for themselves, Dr. Chapin and his staff ensure comfort, safety, efficiency, and superior results in all aspects of your cosmetic surgery journey.

Your youthful, trim waistline is waiting for you at Chapin Aesthetics. Tummy tucks restore the appearance of your lean, flat stomach for a great boost to your confidence and your self-image! Learn more about the best tummy tuck in Doylestown, PA by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Scott Chapin by calling (267) 880-0810 or completing our online form today.

FAQ

Tummy Tuck Philadelphia, PA

Always do your research prior to coming in for a cosmetic consultation. You will want to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon whom you can trust and connect with. It is helpful to browse the surgeon’s website and look at before and after photos. Identify your area(s) of concern and make note of topics you wish to address with the doctor.  The more comprehensive you are, the better Dr. Chapin can suggest a surgical plan customized to meet your goals. Typically, we ask patients to be at a BMI of 30 prior to surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. We encourage questions ahead of your one-to-one consultation day so you are able to plan financially and logistically.

This can vary from patient to patient depending on the timeline desired for surgery, finances, PTO/work schedules, family obligations, etc. It is encouraged to come for a consultation within 2-4 months prior to when you would like to undergo surgery.

You will need to plan a ride to and from the surgery center on your surgery day. You should expect to be at the surgery center for 5-6 hours. It is helpful to wear loose, comfortable clothing the morning of your procedure. Once home from the center, you will rest. A caregiver should stay with you for the first 24 hours post operation.

Yes, you will have two abdominal drains following surgery. These typically stay in place for 7-14 days post operatively.

Most patients seeking a tummy tuck have a stretched/loose abdominal wall following pregnancies or weight gain/loss. The abdominal wall almost always needs to be repaired in order to achieve a flat and toned abdominal contour. Although rare, there are few patients that can achieve a desired contour without the abdominal wall repair.

A tummy tuck alone will not give you “abs.” However, you will have a better contour as the abdominal wall is repaired to bring abdominal muscle together and the sagging skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. You may have visible abs if you maintain a low body fat and engage in core strengthening workouts.

Although excess fat and skin will be removed, a tummy tuck is not considered to be a weight loss surgery. It is best to get within a close range of your goal weight prior to surgery.

There will mostly be dissolving sutures and surgical glue protecting your incisions. However, you will have one suture and two drains that need to be removed after surgery.

There are many factors that contribute to a great tummy tuck result. Some include the overall contour to the abdomen, the appearance of the belly button, and the quality of the scars.  

Yes! Many patients desire full body sculpting at the same time. An abdominoplasty with liposuction 360° is a tummy tuck with liposuction to the stomach and back. 

Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck. You are equally as able to carry a healthy, full-term baby as someone who had not had a tummy tuck. Pregnancy, however, can affect or alter your final aesthetic result. 

It is important to trust and have confidence in the surgeon you choose. We encourage patients to go on a few consultations to ensure that you obtain the information needed to make an informed decision.

Yes, you will still have your own belly button. Your belly button will appear more youthful following the procedure as the skin around it is tighter. 

An incision is made around your own belly button so that your belly button stalk remains. The abdominal skin is then lifted and pulled downward. A new opening in the skin is made and the belly button stalk is brought through. The edges are then sutured in place. 

Each week you will be encouraged to increase your activity as tolerated. You will be cleared for full activity for four weeks following your tummy tuck procedure.

If possible, it is ideal to have a caregiver helping you care for yourself and your children for one week post operation. You can begin to pick up your baby or toddler after this time.

A tummy tuck surgery will take approximately 2.5-3 hours. 

Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck. You are equally as able to carry a healthy, full-term baby as someone who had not had a tummy tuck. Pregnancy, however, will likely affect or alter your final aesthetic result. 

You will be moving around the day following your surgery. We will encourage you to engage in light activity such as walking or riding a stationary bike within the first two weeks. Typically, at four weeks post op, you will be cleared to resume full activity. 

The level of pain differs from patient to patient. The worst discomfort and tightness is experienced within the first week. However, Dr. Chapin offers a medication called Exparel, which is administered into the abdominal muscles and provides relief for the first 72 hours. With this, most patients tolerate a tummy tuck very well!

It is highly unlikely that you will hurt yourself if you perform basic tasks and movements. We will educate you on the importance of proper positioning and appropriate activities the first week following your tummy tuck in order to prevent any injuries.

Although serious complications following a tummy tuck are rare, they can happen. Most common complications include bleeding, infection, wound healing issues and seromas. 

You will immediately notice significant improvement to your abdominal contour following surgery. Post operative swelling will be minimized with the use of an abdominal binder and typically resolves within the first few weeks.