Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa
Many people feel self-conscious about excess abdominal skin and stretch marks after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform abdominoplasty—also known as a tummy tuck—in Kalispell to create a smoother, more contoured abdomen for patients from Whitefish, Great Falls, Missoula, and throughout Montana and the Northwest.
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A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. It’s commonly chosen by people who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or natural aging, all of which can lead to stretched skin, a weakened abdominal wall, and a belly that feels out of sync with the rest of the body.
There are several types of tummy tuck procedures. A mini tummy tuck (or mini abdominoplasty) focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button and is ideal for patients with minimal extra skin or laxity.
In contrast, an extended tummy tuck addresses a larger area, including the flanks or upper thighs, and may be recommended for patients after massive weight loss. For those with more extensive concerns, a belt lipectomy or circumferential abdominoplasty may offer more comprehensive body contouring. A tummy tuck is an effective way to restore both form and function to the abdominal region. It can significantly improve posture, core strength, and body confidence.
Our surgeons perform a drainless tummy tuck, which eliminates the discomfort and hassle of surgical drains.
During a traditional tummy tuck, you’re left with drains to prevent fluid buildup (seroma) at the surgical site. The collection bulbs must be emptied and monitored for about a week after surgery. Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka use a progressive tension suturing technique, eliminating the space where fluid would accumulate. In addition to increasing patient comfort and convenience, the no-drain tummy tuck has fewer complications.
While both are cosmetic body contouring procedures, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction provide different benefits.
If a pocket of belly fat is the only concern, liposuction may be a good choice. Lax skin, protruding ab muscles, and a stretched belly button require surgical correction with a tummy tuck. Many patients benefit from a combination of the two procedures.
Many of the patients we see at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa choose to combine tummy tuck surgery with other body contouring and breast enhancement procedures. This is especially true for women who have had children and want to regain their pre-pregnancy bodies with a mommy makeover. This combination of procedures typically includes liposuction and a breast lift and/or breast augmentation. We discuss why combining procedures is a good idea in this blog post.
We offer flexible financing options to help you make your body contouring dreams a reality. Please visit our Financing page to explore your options.
“This was my first surgery, let alone first cosmetic surgery. Dr. Hromadka and the staff at Mountain West were incredible. From the first consultation I was impressed with his bedside manner, and his ability to make what I expected to be an unpleasant experience comfortable and easy. I had surgery after significant weight loss and couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. If you are looking for a great surgeon, and a great surgery experience, call Dr. Hromadka, you won’t regret it.”
- 5-Star RealSelf review
Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed with either general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Spring or Dr. Hromadka begins the procedure by making a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. They are meticulous when making the incision to ensure it’s low enough to be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear. The surgeon also makes an incision around the belly button during a full tummy tuck procedure to release the abdominal skin.
In some cases, the surgeon repairs and tightens abdominal muscles separated during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti). Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to create attractive contours. The surgeon then pulls the skin down, removes the excess, and repositions the belly button so that it looks natural.
At Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, many tummy tuck procedures can be performed under IV sedation instead of general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual needs.
This approach allows patients to remain comfortable and relaxed without requiring a breathing tube or full unconsciousness. IV sedation often results in a smoother recovery, reduced nausea, and less grogginess following surgery. For the right candidates, it can be a safe and effective alternative that minimizes some of the common side effects associated with general anesthesia while still achieving excellent contouring results.
“Dr. Spring was amazing. I had always been active and physically fit but birthing children and losing weight left a lot of skin. I had the typical butt in the front look. Dr. Spring took off all of that skin and sculpted my hips with lipo. She has an excellent eye for detail. The scar line is amazingly placed on my body.”
- 5-Star RealSelf review
The tummy tuck procedure is designed to correct physical changes that can't be improved through exercise alone. Patients often seek this cosmetic surgery for concerns like loose skin, excess fat and skin, and separated abdominal muscles, common after pregnancy, massive weight loss, or aging.
Tummy tuck surgery can:
For patients who have experienced significant weight loss, or those with hanging skin extending to the upper thighs or hips, an extended abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy may be more appropriate.
A tummy tuck provides both cosmetic and functional improvements for people struggling with a stretched, weakened abdominal region. The benefits are noticeable and often deeply rewarding.
By tightening the connective tissue and restoring the abdominal wall, this procedure can reduce back pain, enhance stability, and improve posture, especially for women after pregnancy.
Removing excess skin helps prevent chafing, rashes, and hygiene issues that can develop in skin folds. Patients also feel more at ease in clothing, without the discomfort of overhanging excessive skin.
Whether you're bouncing back from pregnancy or celebrating a health milestone like weight loss, a tummy tuck helps your outward appearance match your efforts and determination.
The results of a typical tummy tuck are long-lasting, especially when paired with a healthy diet and consistent lifestyle. As long as you avoid weight gain, results can last for many years.
You may be a strong candidate for a tummy tuck if you are in good overall health, at a stable weight, and struggling with extra skin, loose abdominal muscles, or localized fatty tissue that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise.
You might not be a candidate if you:
Patients who have had previous surgeries in the abdominal area should discuss this with their surgeon, as it may affect the incision site or increase the risk of wound healing issues. As with any major surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations and a willingness to follow all aftercare instructions.
Recovery after a tummy tuck is a gradual process that varies from person to person. However, understanding a general timeline can help you prepare for what to expect during your recovery period. Here’s a typical tummy tuck recovery timeline:
Remember that this timeline is general, and your individual recovery may vary. Always follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative instructions for the best results and quickest recovery.
Patients who undergo a tummy tuck procedure typically see their new shape develop gradually over 3 to 6 months. The initial swelling improves within a few weeks, while the remaining skin continues to smooth and settle. You can expect a flatter abdomen with tighter abdominal muscles, enhancing both your appearance and core strength.
The tummy tuck scar is placed low enough to hide under the bikini line or pubic hair. These results are long-lasting, especially with healthy eating habits and exercise Whether you're looking for a refined midsection or recovering from massive weight loss, your final results will reflect both your surgical plan and your commitment to the healing process.
Are you ready to discover how a tummy tuck at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa can create a flatter abdomen and slimmer waist? Discuss your options with one of our two board-certified plastic surgeons by requesting a consultation using the online form. Or you can call our office at (406) 609-0210 to schedule an appointment.
The combination of surgical skill and decades of experience sets Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka apart from other plastic surgeons not just in Kalispell, but throughout Montana and the Northwest. Assisted by Kristy Ehrmantraut, PA-C, their surgical physician assistant, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka are known for their down-to-earth personalities and for spending the time to truly understand their patients’ goals.
Diastasis recti is a fairly common condition that occurs when the abdominal muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) get stretched during pregnancy and separate. This separation can result in a “belly bulge” for months or years after having a baby. The bulge often persists even if you consistently work out and watch what you eat. Physical therapy can sometimes improve the condition, but many women choose to have the muscles repaired during a tummy tuck.
During a traditional or complete tummy tuck, the bellybutton is brought through the abdominal skin after the excess is removed. The bellybutton actually stays in the same place, but the skin is pulled down and tightened.
While tightening abdominal skin and muscles can improve body contours, the surgeon can enhance the curves of the waist even more with liposuction.
Yes. A complete tummy tuck involves abdominal muscle tightening and repair, along with the removal of lax skin.
Whenever possible, our plastic surgeons remove an existing C-section scar while making the tummy tuck incision. The resulting scar is often better looking and more strategically placed than the one created during delivery.
Many tummy tuck patients lose 2 to 3 dress or pant sizes once the excess abdominal skin, diastasis recti, and swelling are gone.
If your concerns are limited to the area below the bellybutton, our surgeons may recommend a mini tummy tuck. This modified procedure involves making a shorter incision and doesn’t require the surgeon to create a new opening for the bellybutton. The recovery time is also shorter.
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