Tummy Tuck in Bethesda, MD

Central to the body, the “abs” are also central to how we look. Many people work hard to build muscle tone and mass in the upper body, legs, and even stomach, yet remain unsatisfied with their figures due to persistent fat pockets and excess skin. In these cases, a tummy tuck surgery may be the answer. At Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute, our board-certified plastic surgeon in the Bethesda and Washington, DC area, Dr. Mark E. Richards, performs this procedure (also called “abdominoplasty”) for patients from around the world who can’t eliminate that bulging, saggy appearance with diet and exercise alone. This surgery, either by itself or as part of a regimen including thigh lift, liposuction, or breast enhancement, can help give you the trim, fit body you’ve always wanted. Read below to learn more about the possibilities with a tummy tuck procedure.

Also On This Page:

• What Is a Tummy Tuck?
• Causes of Abdominal Stretchin
• Tummy Tuck Benefits
• Tummy Tuck Candidates
• Tummy Tuck Procedure
• Tummy Tuck Recovery
• Tummy Tuck Scars
• Tummy Tuck Cost
• Complementary Procedures

What Is a Tummy Tuck? 

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to address the layer of excess skin and fat that can accumulate on the abdomen over time. Unlike diet and exercise, which primarily target fat, abdominoplasty also corrects the skin laxity and muscle separation that often develop after pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or simply the natural aging process. During the procedure, Dr. Richards removes excess tissue and repairs the underlying abdominal wall, which may have stretched or separated (a condition known as diastasis recti). The result can be a firmer, flatter abdominal profile that better reflects a patient’s fitness and overall health. 

Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different, Dr. Richards takes a customized approach to each abdominoplasty, tailoring the incision pattern, muscle repair technique, and any additional treatment selections to the individual’s needs. This personalized planning is discussed in detail during the initial consultation, where patients can ask questions and obtain realistic expectations for their outcome. 

What Are the Causes of Abdominal Stretching? 

Contrary to what one often hears, the accumulation of abdominal fat and the loosening of 
stomach skin are not always caused by overeating. In women, pregnancy often leaves the abdomen looking loose and “flabby,” as the expanding womb stretches the stomach’s muscle wall and outer skin. Women who have gone through multiple pregnancies are especially prone to experiencing this phenomenon, and in some cases a tummy tuck may be the only way to restore the figure to its original, youthful form. 

Of course, massive weight loss can also necessitate a tummy tuck in order to remove the so-called “apron” of skin that remains when the underlying fat mass is gone. In fact, the tummy tuck is a popular component of the body lifts performed in plastic surgery after weight loss. Age can also harm the stomach’s appearance, just as it can any other part of the body, robbing the skin of elasticity and resulting in a saggy and unfit appearance. Genetic factors can leave a person more vulnerable to this gradual degradation, as well. 

Those interested in a tummy tuck procedure in the Bethesda and Washington, DC area are  encouraged to contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards. He and his professional staff can help you identify the cause or causes of your condition and design a solution to address it. 

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery can achieve several goals, including: 

• Reduced skin laxity
• A smoother, flatter abdomen
• Firmer abdominal muscles
• A more sculpted waistline
• Improved posture, as tightened abdominal muscles can offer better core support
• Enhanced comfort in clothing and swimwear
• A boost in self-confidence for many patients who have struggled with stubborn abdominal changes 

Depending on your unique treatment plan, other benefits also may be possible. 

Tummy tuck surgery can be performed in more than one way. The best abdominoplasty method for each individual depends on a number of factors, including the volume of fat present, its position, and the condition of the underlying abdominal muscles. In many cases, other procedures may be recommended along with the tummy tuck, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, in order to achieve optimal results. From his years of offering high-quality tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Richards has developed the expertise necessary to recommend the ideal procedure for your individual case. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

If you are bothered by excess skin on your abdomen, tummy tuck surgery may be right for you. You should also be in good general health and have reasonable expectations for the result, which Dr. Richards will go over during your initial consultation. Some other common concerns patients may have that can be addressed with this technique are loose abdominal muscles and pockets of unwanted fat. While many women who have given birth use this treatment to help restore their bodies to their pre-pregnancy shape—often incorporating a tummy tuck procedure into a full mommy makeover—abdominoplasty is also helpful for men and women who have lost significant amounts of weight and found that their skin did not shrink back smoothly. If you’re uncertain about whether abdominoplasty or another method is right for you, Dr. Richards will review your options and guide you towards the one that offers you the optimal outcome.

What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve? 

The specific approach to tummy tuck surgery depends largely on the amount and location of excess skin and fat, as well as the condition of the underlying abdominal muscles. Dr. Richards will evaluate these factors during your consultation and recommend either a complete or partial abdominoplasty, whichever offers the most effective path to your desired outcome. Both techniques are designed to create a firmer, flatter abdomen, but they differ in scope, incision length, and recovery time. 

Complete Tummy Tuck

A complete tummy tuck seeks to rework the entire abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat and strengthening the stomach muscles. In the procedure, our plastic surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area from one hip to the other. The navel will be removed from its surrounding skin via another incision. The stomach skin is then separated from the muscles below and sutures are used to tighten and strengthen them. Any fat deposits to be removed are taken out. Next, a new opening is made for the navel, and the skin is pulled tighter and reattached at the bottom. All told, the complete surgery takes two to five hours. When performed simultaneously with work on the thighs or the flanks, the complete tummy tuck is called an extended tummy tuck.

Partial Tummy Tuck

In some cases, a partial tummy tuck may be preferable to a complete one. It takes less time, produces less scarring, and costs less money. The procedure involves a smaller incision across the lower part of the stomach and leaves the navel in place. The partial tummy tuck becomes feasible when the excess skin and fat are concentrated below the navel. 

Prior to surgery, Dr. Richards will provide detailed pre-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth procedure and optimal healing. Patients are typically advised to avoid certain medications, arrange for a ride home, and have a friend or family member available to assist during the first few days of recovery. Throughout the procedure, patient safety and comfort remain a top priority, with vital signs monitored closely by an experienced surgical team.

For either type of tummy tuck, the patient must plan to deal with the aftereffects. Some bruising and discomfort are normal, and healing may take a month or more. At least some of that time will likely need to be taken off from work as your body recovers from the tummy tuck. Dr. Richards’ office is well equipped and staffed to help you recover in the time immediately following your operation and beyond. 

What Is Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery Like?

You should expect to take about two weeks off from work and your normal schedule to begin the healing process. Patients are also urged to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least four to six weeks, and adjustments may be made to this timeframe by Dr. Richards. Bruising and swelling are normal effects, and should fade with time. We will recommend medication to help reduce discomfort during recovery. Your care, comfort, and results are our top priorities, and we welcome any questions you may have during your treatment or after. 

What Will Tummy Tuck Scars Look Like?

Many patients are understandably interested to know what the healed scars will look like, and Dr. Richards takes great care to place the incision in a location that offers the best result. In most cases, the incision is made low on the abdomen and can typically be covered by underwear, swimsuits, and other types of clothing. While this mark usually heals well, we also offer laser skin resurfacing to further minimize its appearance, if desired. Talk to us if you have any concerns about the outcome and we can help you find a suitable solution.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

Dr. Richards customizes every treatment to suit the individual’s characteristics and expressed goals. At our practice, initial pricing for tummy tuck surgery ranges from $6,900 to $8,900. This number represents the surgeon’s fee, and it does not include fees for anesthesia, operating facilities, or other common expenses. During your first meeting, our medical team will go over the full expected cost of treatment so you can make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle. 

We understand that cost is an important consideration when planning any surgical procedure. To help make treatment more accessible, our practice offers third-party plastic surgery financing options for qualified applicants, allowing many patients to break their investment into manageable monthly payments. Our staff can provide more information about available payment options and help you determine what can work best for your budget during your consultation. 

Complementary Procedures to Tummy Tuck Surgery 

Many patients choose to pair their tummy tuck with additional treatments to achieve more comprehensive results. In fact, a tummy tuck is one of the most popular selections among patients building a customized Mommy Makeover, as it directly addresses the abdominal changes that often accompany pregnancy and childbirth. Common combinations include: 

• Liposuction: Refines the waistline and removes fat from areas surrounding the abdomen, such as the flanks or lower back, for smoother overall contouring.
• Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift: Often performed alongside a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover, restoring volume or position to the breasts after pregnancy or weight loss.
• Thigh Lift: Addresses loose skin on the thighs, often providing a more balanced, proportionate result when combined with abdominal contouring. 

If you are interested in adding one or more treatment options to your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Richards can help determine which combination of procedures best suits your goals during your consultation. 

Contact Us 

For exceptional tummy tuck surgery, contact the Ageless Impressions – Plastic Surgery Institute today. Additionally, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about other procedures you do not see discussed on our website, or visit our video gallery to learn more about Dr. Richards’ approach to tummy tuck.