Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Baltimore, Maryland
A tummy tuck isn’t just about looking better—it’s about feeling comfortable in your skin again. For many people, especially after pregnancy or major weight loss, loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles can affect more than appearance; they can impact posture, movement, and confidence.
At her Columbia, Maryland, practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sarah Mess performs abdominoplasty to help patients restore strength to their core and achieve a smoother, more supported midsection. Every procedure is tailored to your body and goals, combining advanced surgical technique with an eye for balance and natural results
- What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
- A Step-by-Step Guide to the Abdominoplasty Procedure
- Types of Tummy Tucks in Maryland
- Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
- How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Maryland?
- Does Insurance Cover an Abdomioplasty?
- What Is the Recovery Time for an Abdomioplasty?
- Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgeries and Abdominoplasties
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can do more than reshape your waistline—it can help you feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy, major weight loss, or simply want to feel more comfortable in your skin, the benefits of abdominoplasty go beyond the surface:
- Remove Sagging Abdominal Skin: Surgery can remove stretched or hanging skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, especially after weight loss or pregnancy.
- Tighten Loosened Abdominal Muscles: Weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal wall are repaired during surgery, helping to flatten the stomach and improve core strength.
- Restore Your Pre-Pregnancy Body: Many women choose a tummy tuck to address lasting physical changes after childbirth, like skin laxity or diastasis recti.
- Remove Stretch Marks: If you have stretch marks in the lower abdomen, they may be removed along with the excess skin.
- Increase Comfort: Getting rid of extra skin and improving muscle tone can make everyday movements—like bending, walking, or wearing fitted clothes—easier and more natural.
A tummy tuck is about more than how you look—it’s about how you feel in your body. We can help you feel your best.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Abdominoplasty Procedure
Understanding what happens during a tummy tuck can help you feel more confident and prepared. While every procedure is personalized, here’s a general overview of what to expect from start to finish:
- Consultation and Planning: Your experience begins with a personal consultation where Dr. Mess reviews your medical history, listens to your goals, and creates a customized surgical plan.
- Anesthesia and Incisions: Our team will place you under general anesthesia on surgery day. A low horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area, with a second incision around the navel if more extensive correction is needed.
- Muscle Repair and Skin Removal: Dr. Mess tightens separated abdominal muscles and removes excess skin for a firmer, more contoured appearance. The belly button may be repositioned to maintain a natural look.
- Recovery and Aftercare: You’ll recover under close monitoring and go home the same day. Dr. Mess will provide thorough aftercare instructions to guide you through a smooth recovery.
The tummy tuck process is as much about trust and communication as it is about surgical skill—and with us, you’ll have both.
In December 2013, Dr. Mess performed liposuction on my thighs as well as a tummy tuck, which was done in conjunction with my hernia repair. I have to say that she did an amazing job! I am extremely happy with the results... I think that Dr. Mess is definitely one of the best cosmetic surgeons around. I am more than pleased with the results of my recent surgery, and I would enthusiastically recommend her to my friends and family.
Sherri - GoogleTypes of Tummy Tucks in Maryland
Not every tummy tuck is one-size-fits-all. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the approach that offers the most benefit with the most natural-looking results. Here are the methods we may recommend:
- Full Tummy Tuck: This is the most common tummy tuck procedure, designed to address excess skin and muscle laxity in both the upper and lower abdomen. It is often recommended for patients who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Less invasive than a full tummy tuck, this procedure is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity and muscle separation below the belly button. It involves a smaller incision and a shorter recovery period. This is the least common tummy tuck, as many people are ineligible for this procedure.
- Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: This technique is used for patients with a significant amount of excess skin, often following massive weight loss. It involves both vertical and horizontal incisions to remove excess skin and tighten the midsection.
Choosing the best procedure for you is a collaborative process. Our team will take the time to understand your goals and recommend the best path to a stronger, more contoured shape.
Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Plastic Surgeries
If you hope to make broader changes to your body shape, a tummy tuck can often be combined with other procedures in one session. Dr. Mess may recommend pairing one of these treatments to help you reach your goals more efficiently:
- Mommy Makeover: A popular combination that often includes a tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction to restore pre-pregnancy contours.
- Breast Augmentation: Pairing a tummy tuck with breast implants or a breast lift can address volume loss or sagging, especially after pregnancy or major weight loss.
- Liposuction: Liposuction is frequently combined with a tummy tuck to remove stubborn fat deposits and create smoother transitions around the waist, hips, or flanks.
- Body Contouring: For patients who’ve lost a significant amount of weight, combining procedures can address excess skin and reshape multiple areas of the body.
By strategically combining surgeries, we can help you achieve natural-looking body contouring results while minimizing overall recovery.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
Patient aged 45-54
Photos taken 6 weeks post tummy tuck.
See the dramatic difference our team can make.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Maryland?
A tummy tuck in Maryland usually costs between $13,000 and $16,000, which aligns with the national average of $8,000 to $18,000. Your exact price will depend on the complexity of your procedure, whether you’re combining it with other surgeries, and the experience level of your surgeon. At our practice in Columbia, Maryland, you’ll receive a customized surgical plan with transparent pricing and helpful guidance on financing options to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Does Insurance Cover an Abdomioplasty?
Abdominoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Insurance providers classify tummy tucks as elective surgeries, which means patients are responsible for the full cost. We offer financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is best suited for individuals near their goal weight but with loose abdominal skin, stretched or separated muscles, or persistent fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. It’s especially popular among women after childbirth and patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in overall good health
- Maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle
- Don’t smoke, or are committed to quitting before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome and recovery process
If you’re planning to become pregnant or are still actively losing a large amount of weight, it may be best to postpone surgery. Timing is essential for lasting results. Consult our team to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.
What Is the Recovery Time for an Abdomioplasty?
The recovery process varies slightly for each patient, but most people can expect to follow a general timeline:
- First Few Days: Expect swelling, bruising, and tightening in the abdomen. Dr. Mess will provide compression garments and detailed care instructions to support healing. You’ll need assistance with daily tasks for the first few days.
- 1 to 2 Weeks: Most patients take 10 to 14 days off work, depending on the nature of their job. You should avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous activity during this time.
- 4 to 6 Weeks: Light physical activity can usually resume around week four, but vigorous exercise and core workouts should wait until you get full clearance from Dr. Mess.
- 3 to 6 Months and Beyond: Swelling continues to subside, and your results will gradually refine. Final results are typically visible after several months, and incision lines will continue to fade.
While recovery requires patience and care, most patients find the long-term benefits worth the downtime.
Sarah Mess, MD: Your Premier Abdominoplasty Surgeon in Maryland
When it comes to tummy tuck surgery, experience, precision, and trust matter. Dr. Sarah Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Columbia, Baltimore, and the greater Maryland area, known for delivering natural-looking, transformative results. With years of specialized training and a patient-first approach, we offer individualized care that will make you feel like more than just another patient.
Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment today and start your path toward a stronger, more confident you.
FAQs About Tummy Tuck Surgeries and Abdominoplasties
Do Men Get Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes! Dr. Mess has helped many male patients get the toned, sculpted body they want with abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck can help men who cannot get the results they want from diet and exercise, as well as men who have loose abdominal skin from weight loss.
What Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Look Like?
Dr. Sarah Mess is experienced in strategic incision placement, and she will place your tummy tuck incision as low as possible so that it can be hidden by underwear and swimsuits. Your genetics, skin type, and aftercare will also affect how much your scar fades.
What Are the Complications of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
All surgical procedures carry some risk of complications or side effects. Possible risks of abdominoplasty include bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Mess upholds high safety standards to optimize your surgical outcome.
How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
Results are typically long-lasting, especially if patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, weight fluctuations and pregnancy can affect results.
Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?
Patients may experience discomfort during recovery, but pain is manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients report that discomfort decreases significantly after the first week.
Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
Yes, pregnancy is possible after a tummy tuck, but pregnancy can impact the results. Women planning future pregnancies should consider postponing the procedure.
How Soon Can I Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
Light walking is encouraged within a few days of surgery, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations.
Is a Tummy Tuck Permanent?
Tummy tuck results are generally permanent if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. However, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can impact the long-term results.
What Is the Difference Between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction removes excess fat from specific body areas but does not address loose skin or muscle separation. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, providing a more toned and contoured appearance.
Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated
