Tummy Tuck

At Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery, we understand that sometimes no matter what you try, your stomach does not look the way you want it to. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Fady Sinno performs abdominoplasty, often called a tummy tuck, to help people from Baltimore and Columbia, MD, attain or regain a flat, attractive abdominal area.

Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After Liposuction Case 54 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8

This is a 39 year-old woman who presented with abdominal lipodsytrophy with a lower panniculus.  Dr. Sinno performed a standard abdominoplasty with abdominal and flank liposuction. Read More
Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 1 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8

This is a 38 year old female who had stubborn fat deposits of the thighs. Dr. Sinno performed liposuction of the thighs in combination with her tummy tuck procedure.
Before & After Liposuction Case 55 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8

This is a 38 year-old female who underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost approximately 130 pounds.  She presented with abdominal skin laxity, redundancy and lipodystrophy and desired contouring.  Dr. Sinno performed a standard abdominoplasty with abdominal and flank liposuction and liposuction of the inner thighs. Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Who is the best candidate for a tummy tuck?

Dr. Fady Sinno performs tummy tuck surgery to reduce or flatten a protruding abdomen when weight loss or exercise is not effective. People who have had multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss, or other conditions that have stretched out abdominal muscles and skin can benefit from a tummy tuck. The procedure is most effective for healthy individuals who have stabilized at their desired weight.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: What’s Right for You?

Choosing between a tummy tuck and liposuction depends on your specific needs and goals. Here’s a comparison to help you understand which procedure might be best for you:

Tummy Tuck

  • Ideal For: Patients with a protruding midsection due to muscle laxity and excess skin
  • Procedure: Involves tightening abdominal muscles and removing excess skin
  • Best For: Post-pregnancy or after significant weight loss
  • Results: A flatter, firmer abdominal area with improved muscle tone

Liposuction

  • Ideal For: Patients who want to remove isolated areas of fat
  • Procedure: Targets and removes fat deposits using a suction technique
  • Best For: Those with good muscle and skin tone who do not need skin tightening
  • Results: Refined body contours

In summary, if you need to address muscle laxity and excess skin, a tummy tuck is the way to go. However, if you’re primarily looking to eliminate stubborn fat pockets and have good skin and muscle tone, liposuction might be the better choice.

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Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 22 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Tummy Tuck Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland
Before & After Liposuction Case 55 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Tummy Tuck Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland
Before & After Tummy Tuck Case 43 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Tummy Tuck Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After Liposuction Case 33 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland
Before & After Liposuction Case 36 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland
Before & After Liposuction Case 37 View #1 View in Ellicott City, MD
Liposuction Before and After by Dr. Fady Sinno in Baltimore, Maryland

How do I know if I need a mini or full tummy tuck?

Dr. Sinno performs the following variations of the tummy tuck procedure, which depend on the extent of correction needed:

  • Full tummy tuck surgery renews the look of the abdomen from under the ribcage down to the pubic area. This version requires an incision that runs from hip to hip and another that circles the belly button. Dr. Sinno removes loose, stretched skin and rejoins separated abdominal muscles if necessary. The abdominal skin is pulled down and the belly button is repositioned.
  • Mini tummy tuck surgery provides improvement from the belly button down to the pubic area. Dr. Sinno removes loose skin and tightens abdominal muscles in this limited area. This variation requires a shorter incision than the standard tummy tuck.

What is another surgery that would complement a tummy tuck?

Known for his top-notch body contouring and breast enhancement expertise, Dr. Sinno often performs other plastic surgery procedures to enhance the results of a tummy tuck. Popular options for our Baltimore and Columbia-area patients include:

A tummy tuck is performed as part of most mommy makeover procedures to help women renew their bodies after pregnancy and breastfeeding. During your consultation, Dr. Sinno will take the time to answer your questions and create a customized plan that will work best for you and your body.

How is the tummy tuck procedure done?

Dr. Sinno performs tummy tuck surgery either as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight stay in a hospital. You will receive general anesthesia during the surgery so you will sleep through the procedure and feel no discomfort. He first makes an incision across the abdomen above the pubic bone. He then removes excess skin, fat, and tissue and tightens abdominal muscles if they are stretched or separated (a condition called diastasis recti). Dr. Sinno often also performs liposuction of the abdomen, hips, and flanks at the same time, if necessary. He closes the incision with absorbable stitches.

Testimonials

  • “I am incredibly happy with the results of my mammoplasty! The results have far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Sinno was very knowledgeable, professional, and transparent with me about the procedure. Dr. Sinno and his staff are incredible and are always a pleasure to work with! They provide excellent personalized care and I was very impressed with the surgery center.”

    – Patient Review on Vitals

  • “Dr. Sinno, is caring, intuitive, and extremely skilled. He is more interested in producing an artistic, natural, and beautiful result than in simply making money. I consider him to be one of the most ethical and professional plastic surgeons in the region. I highly, highly recommend.”

    – TriciaLeanne

  • “I have been going to Dr Sinno for more than 15 yrs, I had 3 surgeries, He has the best bedside manner & his professionalism is beyond anyone I met! I Love my results. He is truly an artist. I can’t say enough about him, I HIGHLY recommend him.”

    – Rbsbeauty

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How long is recovery from tummy tuck surgery?

Knowing what to expect during recovery can help you prepare for your procedure and enhance your peace of mind. Each part of the recovery timeline is marked by specific developments and goals. From the initial post-surgery phase to the months that follow, these are the milestones you can expect to experience:

Immediately After Surgery 

  • Awaken in the recovery room with dressings and a compression garment.
  • Discomfort is managed with pain medication. Dr. Sinno administers a long-acting local anesthetic during surgery for post-surgical pain management and can also place a pain pump device at that time, if requested.

Week 1

  • Limited mobility and need for assistance with daily activities.
  • Inability to stand completely upright due to muscle tightening and repair.
  • Gentle walking to encourage circulation.
  • Drainage tubes in place to remove excess fluid.
  • Wearing a compression garment for support and swelling reduction.
  • Swelling and bruising, which gradually improve throughout the recovery period.

Week 2

  • Return to light daily activities, still avoiding strenuous exercise.
  • Removal of drainage tubes and sutures by your surgeon if not completed during week 1.
  • Wearing a compression garment for support and swelling reduction.
  • Decreased reliance on pain medication.

Weeks 3 to 4

  • Noticeable reduction in swelling and discomfort.
  • Gradual return to more regular activities, still avoiding heavy lifting.
  • Continue wearing compression garment for support and swelling reduction.

Month 2

  • Return to most normal activities, including exercise, with your surgeon’s approval.
  • Gradual fading of scars, which will improve over several months.
  • Final shape begins to become more apparent as swelling subsides.

Month 3 and Beyond

  • Full recovery from surgery, with most restrictions lifted.
  • Continued improvement in scar appearance.
  • Regular follow-up with your surgeon to monitor progress.
  • Full results typically visible 6 to 9 months after your procedure.

After your tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Sinno, your abdomen will be wrapped in an elastic compression garment that you will need to wear for the first several weeks. The gentle pressure will give you stability and minimize initial swelling. Most patients also return home with 1 or 2 drains to empty fluid from the surgical area. Dr. Sinno will remove them several days after surgery.

Most patients are sore to some degree for 10 to 20 days after their tummy tuck. Dr. Sinno uses several tools for pain management, including long-acting local anesthetic administered at the time of surgery and the placement of pain-pump devices that continue to deliver the local anesthetic for several days. Any initial numbness in the treated area can persist for several months.

You will not be able to stand completely upright for at least the first week, and possibly longer. However, it’s important that you start moving and walking within 1 to 2 days after surgery to reduce the possibility of blood clots.

Dr. Fady Sinno

Meet Dr. Fady Sinno

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fady Sinno provides individual attention and personal care to each of his patients. His warm, personal approach and exceptional results make him a top choice for Baltimore, MD, area men and women who want to look and feel their best.

Meet Dr. Sinno
Dr. Fady Sinno Dr. Fady Sinno

More Tummy Tuck FAQ


Do you get scars from a tummy tuck?

Although a scar cannot be avoided with any surgery, including a tummy tuck, Dr. Sinno strives to minimize the incision and place it where the scar can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear.

Can a tummy tuck help me lose weight?

No, a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery. However, it can be a highly beneficial procedure for those who have already lost weight by dieting, exercising and/or having bariatric surgery. If losing a large amount of weight has led to excess skin and fat in your midsection, a tummy tuck may be the procedure for you.

Why can’t I flatten my abdominal muscles with exercise?

If your abdominal muscles have become weakened or separated, exercise cannot close the gap (called a diastasis recti). Dr. Sinno can repair the separation with internal sutures. This closes the gap and brings the muscles back to their natural position. After you recover, you can exercise to rebuild core strength for further abdominal flattening. Suturing your abdominal muscles can also take several inches off your waistline.

Can I have a tummy tuck between pregnancies?

A pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery could reverse all of the corrections made during the procedure. To maximize and prolong your results, wait to have a tummy tuck until after you have had your last child.

Are tummy tuck results permanent?

A tummy tuck will give you a much flatter, smoother abdomen overall. The results are permanent unless the abdomen is stretched again by massive weight gain or another pregnancy.

How painful is abdominoplasty surgery?

Most of the pain after abdominoplasty surgery originates from repairing and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. Dr. Sinno administers long-acting local anesthetics into the abdominal wall muscles at the time of surgery, so patients are very comfortable when they wake up from general anesthesia. In addition, Dr. Sinno strongly recommends the installation of the ON-Q® pain pump device at the time of surgery so pain is effectively and automatically controlled for 4 ½ to 5 days using local anesthetics only. This device provides safe pain control directly to the surgical site while minimizing the use of narcotic pain killers and avoiding their common side effects.

How can I prepare for my tummy tuck?

Avoid smoking for several weeks prior to your procedure. You should also avoid aspirin and any other blood-thinning medication before your tummy tuck. Make plans to have someone help you around the house after surgery, especially if you have small children. Dr. Sinno will provide detailed post-op instructions at your consultation.

Next Steps

Are you ready to find out more about tummy tuck surgery near Baltimore or Columbia, MD? Request your consultation online with Dr. Fady Sinno or call us at  (410) 884-4200 in Ellicott City. His office is conveniently located near Westminster, Annapolis, and Frederick.

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