Top Body Contouring Surgeon Located in National Harbor, MD
Achieving tight abs and a flat stomach can be very challenging. Often, you may put in all the hard work associated with eating well and doing countless hours of sit-ups only to find that your efforts aren’t delivering the results you desire. Many of the reasons for this may be out of your control. In these situations, a tummy tuck may be able to help you put the finishing touches on your workout routine.
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure performed to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat in the region to help you achieve a toned, fit stomach appearance. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, many of our tummy tuck patients find their procedure to be life-changing, providing the self-confidence that comes along with looking and feeling your very best.
You can find out whether a tummy tuck is the right procedure to achieve your goals and receive individualized treatment recommendations by speaking with Dr. Michael Chiaramonte in person. Please call  301-567-6767 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington DC and throughout Northern Virginia.
- Reasons You May Need a Tummy Tuck
- Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
- Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy or Weight Loss
- Preparing for Abdominoplasty
- Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
- Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck Cost
- Contact Our Maryland Plastic Surgeon
Reasons You May Need A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
As we age, our metabolism slows down, making it harder to burn off fat in certain areas of the body. It’s normal for our midsections to get a little bigger and for skin to lose elasticity. Often, there are limitations to the extent that diet and exercise can address these changes. For example, your workout routine can build muscle in the abdominal region, but it can’t address loose skin in the area.
There are many natural factors that play a role in the development of midsection protrusions. While you may stay active and watch what you eat, certain circumstances can still cause unsightly fat and loose skin to develop. These include:
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch and separate to allow room for your baby to grow. Often, women find it hard to regain the tightness in their midsection after childbirth, especially after multiple pregnancies.
Weight Loss
If you lose a significant amount of weight, you may be left with loose, sagging skin and stretched abdominal muscles where the weight was lost. This can cause an aesthetically unpleasing result for those who worked so hard to get to a healthy weight.
Genetics
The shape and tone of your body is highly determined by your genetics. Some people may live a healthy life and exercise regularly but still may be left with stubborn pockets of fat in certain areas of the body, especially the midsection.
Aging
As mentioned above, our skin loses its natural elasticity, and our muscles steadily weaken as we age. This process can often have a significant impact on the abdominal region, turning a tight, sculpted stomach into a flabby midsection.
At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and we offer a variety of procedures to help you reach your body goals. We provide a combined treatment of abdominoplasty and liposuction, called the Bella Body Lift, for individuals with a surplus of fat.
Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck can help you achieve a flatter stomach that creates a more balanced, proportionate figure. Some of the benefits you’ll experience after your tummy tuck procedure include:
- More toned, fit appearance in the abdominal region
- Elimination of loose, hanging skin commonly occurring after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Tighter abdominal muscles
- Improvement in the appearance of stretch marks
You may also experience a boost in self-confidence that comes along with looking and feeling great. In addition, if you’re undergoing a tummy tuck after significant weight loss, you may find that you are more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your results.
Am I A Candidate For A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
In general, tummy tuck candidates:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure
- Have excess skin or fat in the stomach region
- Have loose or stretched abdominal muscles that would benefit from tightening
- Are near their ideal body weight and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle
While future pregnancy plans won’t rule you out as a tummy tuck candidate, Dr. Chiaramonte typically recommends that you wait to undergo the procedure until you are done having children. Future pregnancies can stretch your abdominal muscles and have a negative impact on the results of your procedure. In order to avoid this situation, you are better off delaying your tummy tuck until your family plans are complete.
During your consultation, Dr. Chiaramonte will listen to your goals and concerns and then conduct a thorough, professional examination to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, we are committed to your safety and well-being. This has always been our philosophy of cosmetic surgery.
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy Or Weight Loss
A tummy tuck is a popular procedure for women looking to address body changes that occur during pregnancy. It’s common for abdominal muscles to stretch when you are pregnant, making it difficult to regain a flat stomach after the child is born. Dr. Chiaramonte can perform a tummy tuck to tighten these muscles and address stretch marks caused by pregnancy, helping you enjoy a firmer abdominal appearance. For this reason, a tummy tuck is commonly included as part of a mommy makeover.
You may also benefit from a tummy tuck if you’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight. Often, massive weight loss can leave you with loose, hanging skin in the stomach region. A tummy tuck can help you put the finishing touches on your weight loss efforts so that you look and feel your best.
Preparing For Abdominoplasty
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, it’s important to consider how your lifestyle and physical condition will affect the success of your procedure. Things to consider include:
Your General Health
Tummy tucks are a significant surgical procedure, and it’s important to be in good overall health before surgery to avoid complications. If you experience any health issues, it’s crucial that you disclose these to Dr. Chiaramonte during your consultation.
Smoking
If you are a smoker, Dr. Chiaramonte recommends quitting several weeks prior to your tummy tuck procedure and throughout the recovery process, as the chemicals in cigarettes increase the likelihood of complications.
Medication Usage
Some prescriptions and supplements should be avoided in the weeks leading up to your surgery, so you will need to make adjustments as required.
These simple considerations can have a significant impact on the success of your tummy tuck surgery.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
Your tummy tuck will be performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation. The procedure will usually take 2-5 hours from start to finish, depending on the amount of work required. If you’re getting a mini tummy tuck, you may only be in our office for an hour or two.
Dr. Chiaramonte will create a straight incision from your hip bone to the opposite hip bone, just above the groin area. Next, he gently lifts up the skin of the belly to expose the stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles are tightened and excess fat is removed in order to proportionally sculpt your midsection. Dr. Chiaramonte will also remove any loose, hanging skin before the incision is closed.
Full Tummy Tuck Vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
There are two different tummy tuck techniques:
- Full tummy tuck
- Mini tummy tuck
A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal region. It involves a longer incision than the mini tummy tuck, and it generally delivers more dramatic results.
If you have minimal excess fat and skin to remove, then a mini tummy tuck may be an excellent option for you. This technique focuses on the area beneath the belly button and produces a smaller scar. However, the results are not as comprehensive as what can be achieved with a full tummy tuck.
In general, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck if you:
- Don’t have loose abdominal muscles, which require tightening
- Only have minimal skin sagging
- Have a smaller amount of excess fat located predominantly below the belly button
- Do not require treatment of the entire abdominal region
Dr. Chiaramonte will recommend the right tummy tuck option to address your unique needs and goals after evaluating you during a confidential consultation at our office.
Recovery After A Tummy Tuck
The length of your recovery after a tummy tuck procedure will vary based on your body’s innate ability to heal and the type of technique used with your procedure. In general, the more extensive your procedure, the longer your recovery will be.
Even with appropriate preparation, your recovery is still a crucial period for obtaining ideal results. Following our instructions will not only facilitate a safer, faster healing process but will also help reduce scarring to give you optimal results in the long term.
As your recovery progresses, Dr. Chiaramonte will schedule a follow-up appointment where he can ensure your incisions are healing appropriately and update your regimen accordingly.
General Recovery Guidelines
Due to the lingering effects of the anesthesia, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You should also have someone stay in the house with you for the rest of the day in case you require assistance.
You’ll need to wear a support garment during the initial phase of your recovery. Dr. Chiaramonte will let you know when you can stop wearing this garment.
You should resume light activity, such as walking, as soon as you feel up to it.
This will improve blood flow and facilitate the healing process. You will be able to gradually increase your activity level over the first few weeks of recovery, and you should be able to resume work in about two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and rigorous exercise for about six weeks.
You will begin to notice preliminary results as bruising and swelling subside, but it may take a few months before your final tummy tuck results are visible. You’ll need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle to ensure your results last for a long time.
Tummy Tuck Cost
The average cost of a tummy tuck at Bella Cosmetic Surgery is between $8,000 and $9,000, depending on the specifics of your procedure. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, we’re committed to making sure your desired procedure can fit into your budget. In order to achieve this goal, we offer a variety of financing options, including no-interest and low-interest plans.
Our staff will review these financing options with you in detail during your consultation, and we can help you fill out all necessary paperwork.
Why Choose Dr. Chiaramonte for Your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Michael Chiaramonte is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing advanced cosmetic procedures. He completed his fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, where he developed a strong foundation in surgical technique and aesthetic detail. As the Medical Director of Bella Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Chiaramonte is known for delivering natural-looking results that reflect each patient’s individual goals.
Patients throughout the Alexandria and greater Washington, DC area trust Dr. Chiaramonte for his precision and commitment to safety. Every tummy tuck he performs is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and lifestyle, whether that means addressing muscle separation, removing excess skin, or combining procedures for more comprehensive contouring. With a reputation built on decades of successful outcomes, Dr. Chiaramonte continues to be a leading choice for abdominoplasty in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Maintain My Results?
A tummy tuck can deliver long-lasting results when paired with a healthy lifestyle. Once excess skin and fat are removed and abdominal muscles are tightened, those changes are generally permanent, especially if you maintain a stable weight. Many patients enjoy their results for years without needing any additional procedures.
To preserve your outcome, it’s important to follow a balanced diet and stay active. Weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can stretch the skin and muscles again, which may compromise your results.
Can I Combine My Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with additional procedures for more comprehensive results. Liposuction is a common pairing, helping sculpt areas like the hips or flanks that may not be fully addressed with a tummy tuck alone. For women, breast surgery is often added as part of a full mommy makeover.
Combining surgeries can reduce total recovery time and enhance overall body balance. During your consultation, Dr. Chiaramonte will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle so you can achieve a more complete transformation.
What Should I Expect in Terms of Scarring?
Scars are a normal part of healing after abdominoplasty, and Dr. Chiaramonte places the incision low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area, so it can be easily hidden beneath clothing. While everyone heals differently, most patients see their scar fade significantly over time with proper care.
Your recovery plan may include scar-reducing treatments like silicone sheets or topical products. If you’ve had concerns about scarring in the past, be sure to mention it during your consultation so Dr. Chiaramonte can adjust your care accordingly and set realistic expectations.
How Much Time Should I Take Off Work After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients take about two weeks off work following a tummy tuck. If your job is primarily sedentary, you may feel ready to return sooner, but it’s essential to listen to your body and follow Dr. Chiaramonte’s recovery guidelines.
For those with physically demanding jobs, especially ones that involve lifting or extended time on your feet, a longer recovery period may be necessary—often closer to three to four weeks. During your consultation, Dr. Chiaramonte will provide a personalized recommendation based on your job duties and the extent of your surgery.
Can a Tummy Tuck Fix Diastasis Recti?
Yes, a tummy tuck can repair diastasis recti, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles often caused by pregnancy or significant weight changes. During surgery, Dr. Chiaramonte will bring the separated muscles back together with internal sutures to restore core strength and create a more stable abdominal wall.
Repairing diastasis recti not only improves the appearance of the midsection but may also reduce symptoms like lower back pain, poor posture, or abdominal bulging.
Schedule A Consultation For A Tummy Tuck Procedure
Please contact Bella Cosmetic Surgery using the form on this page or call  301-567-6767 today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia.