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Tummy Tuck in Philadelphia

Introduction To Tummy Tuck

A flat, smooth stomach!

At our boutique practice in Philadelphia, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a popular plastic surgery procedure for both men and women. The stomach can begin to lose tone and shape over time, often the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or normal aging. People who have undergone Gastric Bypass, dropping close to 100 pounds or more, are also prone to large amounts of excess, sagging tissue around their waistline. Unfortunately, diet and exercise alone cannot successfully restore a smooth, flat stomach.

Your surgery will be performed by Dr. Ronald Lohner at a state-of-the-art facility. Our Philadelphia tummy tuck patients find that the surgery greatly not only their physical wellbeing but also their mentality. Below, we’ve included more information about the surgery. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Let’s start with the basics

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to regain a tight, smooth abdomen. Those who choose this procedure alone can expect excellent results. When paired with complementary procedures, such as liposuction, a breast lift, or a mommy makeover, the abdominoplasty can provide exceptional, life-changing benefits.

Dr. Ronald A. Lohner M.D., F.A.C.S rated Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors 2008-2021

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

As one of the most established surgeons in the area, Dr. Lohner has performed thousands of body surgeries in his career. We’ve included some of the great advantages to getting a Tummy Tuck in Philadelphia with Dr. Lohner.

  • Improve self-confidence in the way you look and photograph 
  • Remove stubborn fat and unwanted skin
  • Remove a “muffin-top”
  • Tighten your abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy 

Who is the Best Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidate for an abdominoplasty can be either a man or woman who is unhappy with their appearance due to excess skin and fat on their abdomen that doesn’t disappear with diet and exercise. The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty will be in generally good health and have reasonable expectations for the procedure. This procedure can be particularly beneficial for women after pregnancy, or anyone who has undergone weight loss surgery.

What’s the First Step?

A potential patient considering this procedure should start the process by researching the procedure. Valuable resources can be found online, as well as at Dr. Lohner’s office. Once the patient understands the abdominoplasty procedure, the next step is to call and schedule a consultation appointment.

The initial consultation appointment with Dr. Lohner is a chance for both patient and surgeon to develop a trusting relationship. He will take time to review the medical history and current medications, as well as perform a brief physical examination. Dr. Lohner will listen to the patient’s aesthetic goals and desires. After explaining all of the rejuvenating procedures available, it will be decided if this procedure is right for the individual patient. If so, a unique surgical plan will be created.
If you choose to get a tummy tuck in Philadelphia with Dr. Lohner, you’ll be in great care, as he is not only one of the most established plastic surgeons in the area, but is also board-certified and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgoens.

How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

At the consultation appointment, Dr. Lohner will provide detailed post-operative instructions. Carefully read through these and contact our office with any questions that arise. To ensure a smooth recovery, keep the following points in mind:

Arrange

Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.

Family & friends

Have a friend or family member stop by daily to assist with light chores and children.

Meal plan

Plan on liquid, soft, and easy-to-prepare meals.

Decide!

Decide what to tell friends and coworkers about your surgery.

Organize

Organize your follow-up appointments on your calendar.

Prescriptions

Pick up prescriptions before the day of surgery.

Supplies

Have supplies like reading materials, extra pillows, and ice packs on hand.

Emergency Contact

Consolidate all insurance information and emergency contacts in an easily accessible place.

Time off

Take the recommended time off work to allow your body to properly heal.

Relax

Use this time to catch up on a good Netflix show

What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty will take between two and three hours to complete, under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, although overnight stays in the hospital can be arranged as well.

To begin the procedure, Dr. Lohner will make a lower transverse incision, located just above the pubic area, running between the hipbones. From this incision, excess skin and fat are removed. Liposuction, if included in the procedure, will be used at this point; further sculpting the abdomen. The muscles are then tightened to achieve the desired correction. Finally, the remaining tissues will be sutured for appropriate healing.

The mini tuck is a variation of the full procedure. A smaller incision, a bit smaller than a C-Section, is placed above the pubic bone. Excess skin and fat are then removed, and the muscle is tightened below the belly button. The mini-abdominoplasty is best for patients seeking the majority of the correction below the belly button. Exactly which procedure is used will depend on the specific patient’s needs and desires.

What Are The Potential Risks of a Tummy Tuck?

This procedure has been performed by plastic surgeons for decades. With modern techniques, the procedure is safer and more efficient than ever before. As it is an invasive procedure, there is always a small risk for complications. If these occur, they may include excess bleeding, infection, scarring, and seroma formation (fluid collection). By choosing a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon, like Dr. Lohner, patients can guarantee themselves satisfying results with the lowest potential for complications.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Catch up on a NETFLIX show!

Any patient undergoing an abdominoplasty should expect the recovery to take between one and two weeks. Pain Pumps are utilized in patients undergoing muscle tightening. These are removed three days post-operation. Initially, bruising and swelling may be present; these will normally resolve over the first two to three weeks. Moderate pain is normal, but Dr. Lohner will prescribe appropriate medications to keep patients resting comfortably at home. Normally pain medication is used in conjunction with a muscle relaxant, especially if the tightening of the abdominal muscles is performed.

Drain tubes will be placed to alleviate the accumulation of fluid. After 7-10 days, patients will return to Lohner Plastic Surgery to have these removed. Part of the recovery process involves wearing a special compression garment for several weeks to keep swelling down and promote appropriate healing.

Patients will generally feel well enough to return to work in 7-10 days after surgery. However, most patients may experience midday tiredness for the first week or two. Vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be postponed for four to six weeks. As the swelling resolves, over the following six to eight weeks, the full benefits of the abdominoplasty will become apparent.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Philadelphia?


The cost of a tummy tuck in Philadelphia depends on the extent of correction. At your initial consultation, Dr. Lohner will go over the procedures and the costs involved.

Schedule Your Consultation


Our Philadelphia tummy tuck patients find that the surgery greatly benefits their lives and provides more self-confidence. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact us today. We look forward to joining you on your journey of discovering the best version of yourself!

FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

When can I exercise after my surgery?

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Patients should wait until four to six weeks have passed after their procedure before embarking on strenuous exercise.

When can I return to work after the procedure?

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Patients generally feel well enough to return to work in 7-10 days when muscles are tightened. Muscle tightening, however, does not always need to be undertaken.

What are the risks of the surgery?

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Complications of abdominoplasty surgery are rare, but when they occur can include infection, excessive bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, seroma formation, and numbness in the treatment area.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

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Many of our abdominoplasty patients combine the surgery with a breast augmentation or breast lift. This is often called a Mommy Makeover. During your consultation, Dr. Lohner can give you more information about the procedure.