Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Nashville & Franklin, TN

Name: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Brand: Higdon Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (261 reviews)

Reclaim confidence and a toned midsection with our tummy tuck procedure, designed to sculpt and tighten your abdomen for a firmer, more contoured silhouette.

Dr. Higdon with patient as they both point to her stomach

*Real Patient

Sculpt the Stomach of Your Dreams

Are stubborn belly bulges or loose abdominal skin causing discomfort and affecting self-confidence? At Higdon Plastic Surgery, located in the Nashville metropolitan area in Franklin, TN, we understand the emotional impact of these insecurities, complicating fun moments in your life like a day at the beach or a night out on the town. Our expert team, led by renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Kye Higdon, specializes in abdominoplasty in the Nashville & Franklin, TN area, offering personalized solutions to address excess fat and skin, restoring your physique and sense of vitality so you can step out into the world with confidence.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

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Dr. Higdon pointing at patient's stomach

*Real Patient

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten and contour the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin while tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, resulting in stretched abdominal muscles and skin laxity that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone. By sculpting the midsection, a tummy tuck can enhance body proportions, improve abdominal tone, and restore a more youthful and firm appearance to the abdomen.

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, offers transformative benefits for those seeking a firmer, more sculpted abdomen. Explore the benefits of this procedure below:

Improved Abdominal Contours

By removing excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck helps create a smoother and flatter abdominal profile, enhancing body contours and silhouette.

Tightened Abdominal Muscles

This procedure tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), resulting in a firmer and more toned midsection.

Expanded Wardrobe Options

With a slimmer and more toned abdomen, patients can enjoy a wider range of clothing options, including form-fitting outfits and styles they may have previously felt self-conscious wearing.

Enhanced Self-Confidence

With a rejuvenated appearance, patients often experience a boost in self-esteem and body image, allowing them to feel more comfortable and confident in their skin.

Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Right for Me?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is ideal for those struggling with excess abdominal skin, stubborn fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common candidates for this procedure include women who have undergone multiple pregnancies, individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, or those with genetic predispositions to store fat in the abdominal region.

Symptoms such as sagging skin, stretch marks, or a protruding abdomen can impact self-confidence and hinder clothing choices. If you're considering a tummy tuck in the Nashville & Franklin, TN area, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery. This initial appointment is essential to assess your anatomy, goals, and concerns, allowing Dr. Higdon to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and needs.

What to Expect The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure

During a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with Dr. Higdon, anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery; this is typically done under general anesthesia. Dr. Higdon then makes an incision along the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic area, extending horizontally from hip to hip. Excess skin is removed through this incision, and the underlying abdominal muscles are often tightened to create a firmer abdominal wall. Liposuction may also be performed to remove stubborn fat deposits for a more sculpted appearance. The remaining skin is then re-draped over the abdomen and sutured into place, creating a smoother, flatter contour. The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the extent of correction needed, but it typically ranges from two to four hours. The power of abdominoplasty lies in its ability to address excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, providing comprehensive rejuvenation to the abdominal area and achieving a more toned, youthful appearance.

Types of Tummy Tucks We Offer

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive variation of the full abdominoplasty, designed for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and muscle looseness below the belly button. It focuses on the lower abdomen, offering a flatter, firmer look with a shorter scar and faster recovery. As part of Dr. Higdon’s comprehensive tummy tuck offerings, the mini tuck is ideal for individuals who don’t require a full abdominal correction.

Dr. Higdon will evaluate your anatomy and goals to determine if a mini tummy tuck is the most effective approach. When appropriate, this option delivers noticeable results with less downtime and surgical intensity.

Benefits of a mini tummy tuck include:

Targets excess skin and fat below the navel
Requires a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck
Shorter recovery time and less postoperative discomfort
Ideal for patients with isolated lower abdominal concerns

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is a transformative option for individuals with significant skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal directions, often the result of major weight loss. As a more advanced variation of the traditional tummy tuck, this technique is one of Dr. Higdon’s specialties in body contouring, allowing for dramatic reshaping and improved midsection definition.

During your consultation, Dr. Higdon will assess your abdominal skin, muscle tone, and surgical goals to determine if a fleur-de-lis approach is best suited to your needs. This technique offers powerful aesthetic outcomes, particularly for patients seeking comprehensive correction after bariatric surgery or major weight changes.

Advantages of this advanced abdominoplasty include:

Removes skin in two planes for dramatic reshaping
Reconstructs abdominal muscles for core strength
Ideal for post-weight loss transformation
Designed for patients with excess skin after bariatric surgery

What Is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Following a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), you will experience some downtime as you recover. Initially, there will be swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical site, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and wearing a compression garment to support the healing tissues. Dr. Higdon uses advanced prescribing methods that he helped develop, with a multi-modal analgesia approach that minimizes the need for narcotic prescriptions for his patients after surgery. We advise patients to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial weeks of recovery to prevent complications and promote proper healing.

Most individuals can return to light activities within a few weeks, but full recovery may take several months. During this time, follow-up appointments with Dr. Higdon are essential to monitor progress and address concerns. Over time, as swelling subsides and incisions heal, patients will notice a flatter, more contoured abdomen, enhancing their overall body shape and boosting their confidence. Our team is here to support you from your initial consultation through healing, so please don't hesitate to contact Higdon Plastic Surgery with any questions that arise during your recovery.

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery for Your Tummy Tuck in Nashville?

Whether you're struggling with excess skin and fat following weight loss or pregnancy, or you desire a firmer, more toned midsection, our team at Higdon Plastic Surgery is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with precision and care. Dr. Higdon's extensive experience in cosmetic surgery, including many years of world-class aesthetic care for his patients and our commitment to personalized care, ensures you receive tailored treatment designed to deliver exceptional results that leave you more confident than before. From the initial consultation to follow-up appointments, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction every step of the way. Say goodbye to insecurities and hello to a renewed sense of confidence in your body. Take the first step towards realizing the sculpted stomach of your dreams – schedule a consultation with Higdon Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, and extend services to patients from Brentwood and Cool Springs.

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Tummy Tuck FAQs

Can a tummy tuck repair diastasis recti after pregnancy?

Yes. One of the primary benefits of a tummy tuck is the repair of diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. Dr. Higdon carefully tightens and restores the abdominal muscles during abdominoplasty, helping improve core strength, abdominal contour, and stability that cannot be achieved with exercise alone.

How is a tummy tuck different from liposuction?

While liposuction removes excess fat, it does not address loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and may include liposuction for enhanced contouring. Patients with skin laxity or muscle separation typically achieve better, more comprehensive results with abdominoplasty.

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can significantly reduce or eliminate stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, particularly those beneath the belly button, since this skin is often removed during surgery. Stretch marks outside the treatment area may remain but often appear smoother after skin tightening.

How long should I wait after pregnancy to get a tummy tuck?

Most patients are advised to wait at least 6–12 months after childbirth before undergoing a tummy tuck. This allows the body to heal fully, hormones to stabilize, and weight to normalize. Dr. Higdon will assess your readiness during your consultation in Nashville or Franklin.

Can men benefit from a tummy tuck?

Yes. Men who experience excess abdominal skin or weakened muscles due to weight loss or aging can benefit from abdominoplasty. Dr. Higdon tailors each tummy tuck to preserve a natural, masculine contour while improving firmness and definition.

Where will my tummy tuck scar be located?

The incision is typically placed low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area, and is designed to be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. Dr. Higdon uses meticulous surgical techniques and provides scar care guidance to promote optimal healing and fading over time.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible, but it may compromise your results by stretching the skin and muscles again. For best long-term outcomes, patients are encouraged to undergo abdominoplasty after completing their family. Dr. Higdon can discuss your future plans during your consultation.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially when paired with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While natural aging continues, the improvements in muscle tone and skin tightness achieved through abdominoplasty are considered durable and sustainable for many years.