Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is designed to improve abdominal contour by removing excess skin, tightening the abdominal wall when appropriate, and creating a smoother, firmer appearance. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can contribute to stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles that may not improve with diet and exercise alone.
Dr. Amra Olafson believes successful body contouring should restore confidence while maintaining natural proportions and balance.
Am I a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you are bothered by:
- Excess abdominal skin
- Stretched abdominal muscles
- Changes following pregnancy
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Difficulty achieving your desired abdominal contour through exercise alone
- Lower abdominal fullness
The best candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are near their goal weight.
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Olafson will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, abdominal wall integrity, and aesthetic goals.
She believes successful outcomes begin with individualized planning and a thorough understanding of each patient’s concerns.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Common goals include:
- Removing excess abdominal skin
- Tightening the abdominal wall when appropriate
- Improving abdominal contour
- Enhancing body proportion
- Creating a flatter, firmer appearance
Depending on your anatomy and goals, a mini abdominoplasty or full abdominoplasty may be recommended. A mini tummy tuck primarily addresses excess skin and contour concerns below the belly button, while a full abdominoplasty allows for more comprehensive contouring of the abdomen and repair of abdominal muscle separation when appropriate.
The specific surgical plan is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Recovery
Following surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort that gradually improve over several weeks.
Most patients return to light activities within two weeks, with continued improvement as healing progresses. Return to full activities except dedicated ab work at six weeks, with full activities including ab work at 3 months.
Why Choose Dr. Olafson?
Dr. Olafson combines meticulous surgical training with a highly personalized approach to patient care.
Her goal is to create natural-looking results that help patients feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Book a Consultation
If you are considering abdominoplasty in St. Petersburg or the Tampa Bay area, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amra Olafson.