Tummy Tuck

Every tummy tuck Dr. Brownlee performs is meticulously planned and tailored to achieve the individual results you desire. Because the extent of contouring—ranging from skin and fat removal, muscle repair, and potential inclusion of additional treatments like liposuction—varies for each patient, so does the investment required. 

Dr. Brownlee values clear communication and will provide a comprehensive breakdown of costs during your consultation. She and our team will make sure that you understand the financial aspects of your custom-designed tummy tuck and that there are no hidden fees.

Dr. Brownlee requires a BMI of 30 or lower for tummy tuck procedures to ensure the highest level of safety and optimize your recovery. This guideline helps achieve the stunning, natural-looking results for which Dr. Brownlee is renowned. At Bombshelled Aesthetics, we’ll help you meet this standard with a customized plan focused on healthy living. During your personal consultation, Dr. Brownlee will discuss your goals and the best ways to achieve them, supporting you every step of the way.

There are a few key steps to ensure you get the most out of your visit. First, gather your complete medical history and a list of medications you’re currently taking, as these may impact Dr. Brownlee’s surgical plan. Write down your aesthetic goals and any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. It’s also helpful to bring photos that illustrate your desired outcomes. Remember, this consultation is your first meeting with Dr. Brownlee. She encourages you to be open and honest about your medical history and what you hope to achieve so that she can customize a plan that beautifully reflects your individuality.

Preparing for your tummy tuck is essential for a smooth surgery and stress-free recovery. Start with a thorough consultation with Dr. Brownlee to discuss your goals and health history. Provide a list of all medications and supplements; some may need to be adjusted. You will need to have a pre-op medical clearance from your primary care provider, an EKG, and pre-op labs. If you smoke, you must quit at least 6 weeks before and after surgery to optimize healing. Prepare a comfortable recovery space, and ensure you have a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first several days. By following these steps and adhering to Dr. Brownlee’s thorough instructions, you’ll navigate your tummy tuck journey with ease and swiftly move towards your beautiful results.

When you arrive at the surgery center, you’ll be escorted to the pre-op area. Dr. Brownlee will meet with you to review the procedure details, answer last-minute questions, and mark the surgical areas. You’ll also meet your anesthesia provider and go over your anesthesia plan. A tummy tuck typically lasts 3 to 6 hours, depending on your surgery’s complexity and if it includes enhancements such as liposuction. After the procedure, you’ll recover under close monitoring by our team, focusing on your comfort and pain management. We’ll review your detailed post-op instructions before you leave, including how to care for your incisions, medications, signs of potential complications, and follow-up appointment information. Dr. Brownlee will be with you throughout the entire process to ensure you have a safe and rewarding experience.

Drains are often used after a tummy tuck to prevent fluid buildup, reduce swelling, and minimize complications while enhancing your results. Our team will provide you with detailed drain care instructions, including tips for staying comfortable and discreetly hiding them under your clothing. Typically, the drains remain in place for 10 to 14 days, depending on your healing process. Dr. Brownlee will monitor your recovery and advise on the optimal time for their removal, which is a quick, painless process performed during a follow-up visit. While the idea of drains may seem daunting, they are a temporary and essential part of achieving your best results. Dr. Brownlee and our team want you to feel confident in managing your drain care so that you can navigate this brief phase of your recovery with ease and grace.

Muscle repair is a key component of tummy tuck procedures performed by Dr. Brownlee, as it helps to tighten and flatten the abdomen. However, each patient’s situation is unique and may necessitate a different approach. Dr. Brownlee may recommend against muscle repair in certain individuals, such as those planning future pregnancies, of certain age groups, and with certain medical conditions. During your consultation, Dr. Brownlee will evaluate your specific needs to determine the best approach for you, ensuring a treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals and overall well-being.

The visibility of your abs post-tummy tuck largely depends on your starting level of body fat and muscle tone. Factors like genetics, diet, and exercise also significantly influence your results. Dr. Brownlee will thoroughly explain what outcomes you can expect and offer personalized advice on nutrition and exercise to optimize your post-surgery muscle definition. Our goal is to sculpt your contours and empower you with the tools you need to maintain and enhance your results.

A tummy tuck is a body contouring operation rather than a weight loss surgery. It’s ideal for those at or near their target weight who have loose skin, excess fat, or muscle separation that don’t improve with diet and exercise. While you might lose a small amount of weight from the removal of skin and fat, the main benefit is a refined silhouette and enhanced contours.

No, suture removal is not required after your tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Brownlee uses all internal dissolvable sutures, which naturally dissolve over time. This approach maximizes your comfort and minimizes your scarring. It’s one of the many ways Dr. Brownlee prioritizes your peace of mind while ensuring you get the best possible results.

An exceptional tummy tuck should showcase these 3 key elements:

• Natural Appearance: The abdomen should have a smooth, natural-looking contour and belly button that complement your overall body shape.
• Minimal Scarring: Incisions should be discreet and strategically placed so that they can easily be concealed by clothing.
• Improved Physical Function: The procedure should enhance core stability and posture, contributing to better overall body function.

Dr. Brownlee achieves these elements through a combination of her surgical expertise, artistic touch, and personalized approach, providing you with beautiful and lasting results.

Abdominal swelling is a normal and expected part of your body’s healing process. It will take several weeks to months for the swelling to significantly subside, but this period is crucial for your body to adapt to its new contours. As the swelling decreases, you’ll start to see your beautiful new shape emerge. Dr. Brownlee and our team will provide guidance and support throughout your recovery to ensure you stay comfortable and confident in your progress. This includes wearing a compression garment with lipo foam as directed, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and gradually increasing your activity level. Remember, patience during this time will lead to the stunning results you deserve.

Recovery after a tummy tuck varies, but here’s the general timeline you can expect:

• Day of Surgery: You’re encouraged to be up and walking around to promote circulation and jumpstart your recovery.
• 2 to 3 Weeks: Most patients return to non-strenuous work and normal daily activities.
• 3 Weeks: You may start light cardio and leg workouts, as long as they don’t strain your abdomen.
• 6 Weeks: You can resume full activity, including more strenuous exercises and lifting.
• Full Recovery and Final Results: Noticeable improvements appear within a few months, but complete recovery – including resolution of swelling and scars fading – can take up to a year. 

Recovery from a tummy tuck is a gradual process, and each phase brings you closer to your final results. With patience, consistent self-care, and adherence to Dr. Brownlee’s instructions, you’ll navigate this journey seamlessly and reach your desired transformation in no time.

While a tummy tuck is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks. The most common complications after a tummy tuck include fluid buildup (seroma), infection, temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation, scarring, and delayed healing. Dr. Brownlee uses meticulous techniques to minimize these risks and prioritize your safety. She and our team will be with you every step of the way, providing detailed care instructions and ensuring a smooth recovery process. If any concerns arise, you can feel confident knowing you have expert support at Bombshelled Aesthetics.

While combining procedures with a tummy tuck is possible, Dr. Brownlee prioritizes your safety and well-being. The ability to undergo multiple procedures varies based on your health, specific treatments, and recovery capacity. Dr. Brownlee will evaluate your situation to create a tailored plan, sometimes recommending staged procedures for optimal results and recovery. If combining procedures is appropriate, she will customize a surgical plan that aligns with your goals while ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.

Your recovery starts right after surgery, with gentle walking encouraged the same day to boost circulation. During the first 3 weeks, you will gradually return to your normal routine without overexerting yourself, avoiding activities that significantly raise your heart rate or blood pressure. At 3 weeks, you can start light cardio that doesn’t strain your abdomen. Full activity, including strenuous exercises, is typically resumed at 6 weeks post-surgery. We know that healing varies from person to person, so Dr. Brownlee and our team are here to provide you with personalized guidance based on your individual recovery.

After a tummy tuck, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for the first 6 weeks to reduce the risks of complications and protect your recovery. You’ll need help with childcare during this period, as lifting a toddler typically exceeds this limit. At the 6-week mark, you can gradually start lifting heavier weights, including your child, based on your comfort and healing progress.

While you won’t be able to pick up your toddler during this time, it’s a great opportunity to engage with your little one in other ways. Dr. Brownlee suggests activities like reading stories, playing seated games, and cuddling on the couch to bond without lifting. Dr. Brownlee and our team prioritize both you and your child’s safety and are here to help you find creative ways to stay connected.

Feeling tightness in your abdomen after a tummy tuck is normal as your tissues adapt to their new positions. Gentle movement is important and generally safe, promoting circulation and speeding up recovery. However, avoid strenuous activities that could strain your abdomen during early recovery. Dr. Brownlee will provide detailed instructions on how to move and what activities to avoid. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and help you reintegrate into your daily routines safely.

Yes, you can become pregnant after a tummy tuck. However, pregnancy can affect your surgical results, as the abdominal skin and muscles will stretch again. It’s usually recommended to wait until you are done having children before undergoing a tummy tuck to maintain the best results. If you do become pregnant after the procedure, Dr. Brownlee will provide guidance and support throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period. After you’ve completed your family, a revision procedure can be considered to address any changes and refine your abdominal contours if desired.

Some discomfort after a tummy tuck is normal, but we aim to make your recovery as manageable as possible. Dr. Brownlee uses a multi-modal pain management approach, which involves long-acting local anesthetic and a combination of narcotic and non-narcotic pain relievers. This strategy targets various pain pathways in your body—including nerve pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation—while reducing your need for narcotics. Dr. Brownlee will also provide detailed post-op instructions for maximizing comfort, with tips on positioning and how to use your compression garment to your advantage. We know that pain-free surgery isn’t possible, but our customized plan minimizes your discomfort so you can focus on your amazing results ahead.

Dr. Brownlee understands that the appearance of your belly button is a crucial aspect of the overall aesthetic outcome of your tummy tuck. She meticulously reconstructs or repositions it to create a belly button that seamlessly blends with your newly contoured abdomen. At Bombshelled Aesthetics, we know that every detail, including your belly button, contributes to your final result. With Dr. Brownlee’s expertise, you can be confident that you will achieve a beautifully balanced and natural look.

Planning a tummy tuck typically takes at least 6 weeks to ensure everything is in place for a safe and successful surgery. This period allows for necessary medical clearances, pre-op testing, and any medication adjustments that may be required. It also gives you time to arrange for time off work and assistance at home during your recovery. You’ll meet with Dr. Brownlee for a pre-op appointment several weeks before surgery to finalize your plan and review all pre- and post-op instructions. At Bombshelled Aesthetics, we believe that thorough preparation is key to maximizing both your safety and your stunning results.

A tummy tuck usually takes between 3 to 6 hours, depending on your individual needs and whether additional procedures like liposuction are performed. Dr. Brownlee is meticulous and takes the time necessary to achieve your goals, ensuring that every minute in surgery is focused on delivering a beautiful, natural-looking outcome.

Selecting your tummy tuck surgeon is a big decision. Here are some tips to help guide you:

• Board Certification: Make sure your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Specialized Experience: Look for a surgeon who completed an Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship.
• Portfolio: Review your surgeon’s before and after photos.
• Patient Reviews: Read testimonials to gauge care quality and patient satisfaction.
• Facility Accreditation: Confirm that your surgery will be conducted in an accredited facility.
• Post-Op Support: Ensure that there is robust follow-up care.
• Rapport and Trust: Find a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and understood.

Choosing the right surgeon is a decision that impacts every aspect of your journey. With Dr. Brownlee, you can feel confident that you have a partner who understands your aesthetic goals, prioritizes your safety, and will be by your side every step of the way.