For those in St. Louis, MO, seeking a solution to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more sculpted midsection, the modern tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, offers a highly refined surgical approach that often eliminates the need for post-operative drains.
This transformative procedure is specifically designed for individuals grappling with excess skin, stubborn fatty deposits, and weakened abdominal muscles—common concerns stemming from factors like pregnancy, significant weight reduction, or the natural progression of aging.
Setting itself apart from conventional methods that primarily focused on mere skin removal, the modern tummy tuck at Amelia St. Louis, MO, emphasizes a comprehensive strategy for body reshaping.
This entails not only the removal of excess skin, redundant skin, and stretch marks but also the crucial tightening of underlying abdominal muscles, often separated due to a condition known as diastasis recti.
This internal muscle repair acts as an "internal corset," effectively restoring core strength, improving postural alignment, and a significantly more defined and toned appearance.
At Amelia St. Louis, MO, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rafi Fredman and plastic surgeon Dr. Alan Tom elevate the tummy tuck experience through the integration of advanced techniques and valuable patient benefits frequently included in the procedure's cost.
Dr. Rafi Fredman and Dr. Alan Tom strategically utilize Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic administered directly to the surgical site during the operation. This innovative pain management solution provides sustained pain relief for several days following the procedure, substantially reducing post-operative discomfort during the critical initial recovery phase and minimizing the reliance on traditional narcotic pain medications.
This contributes to a smoother, more comfortable healing process, empowering our patients to regain mobility and resume light activities more quickly.
Furthermore, waistline liposuction is often incorporated into the modern tummy tuck package at Amelia St. Louis, MO, enhancing the overall contouring outcome. This targeted liposuction allows Dr. Rafi Fredman and Dr. Alan Tom to artfully sculpt the flanks and hips, refining the entire waistline and creating a harmonious, balanced silhouette that beautifully complements the newly flattened abdomen.
This combined approach ensures a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing result, addressing concerns beyond just the abdominal area.
Choosing a tummy tuck in St. Louis, MO, at Amelia signifies a commitment to a personalized journey that prioritizes both exceptional aesthetic results and comprehensive patient well-being. Dr. Rafi Fredman and Dr. Alan Tom and their dedicated team understand the profound impact this decision can have.
The goal for the team at Amelia St. Louis, MO, is to empower you to rediscover confidence and comfort in your physique, enabling you to embrace a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.


Amelia specializes in 4 types of tummy tuck scars: standard (full), mini, extended, and fleur-di-lis. The type of tummy tuck scar that is right for you depends on the amount of skin removal needed to achieve your goals.
Abdominoplasty scars typically take around 12 months post-op to heal and when cared for properly can continue to fade for years to come. Consistent scar care and SPF are so important after your surgery, especially in the first year. Your surgeon and clinical team will be there to guide you on a protocol to help ensure your scars fade and heal their best.

The full tummy tuck addresses loose skin above and below the navel, reshapes the belly button, and repairs abdominal muscle separation.

A mini tummy tuck addresses skin laxity below the navel but does not address loose skin above the belly button.

An extended tummy tuck is a lot like a full tummy tuck with a slightly longer incision for more skin removal.

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is most commonly used for significant skin removal in major weight loss patients.

Diastasis recti is the separation and stretching of the abdominal muscles that result in a loss of core strength and control. Pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain, and even aging cause the muscles to separate and stretch.
Once the muscles are separated, the only way to truly correct the separation is by surgically bringing the muscles together. Exercise and pelvic work can certainly help bring them closer together, but in many cases, cannot completely correct diastasis recti.
Muscle repair is often included with a tummy tuck and acts as an internal corset to strengthen the core, relieve lower back pain, and provide additional shape to the torso.

The surgical techniques used in a modern tummy tuck often eliminate the need for post-operative drains in most cases. In many cases, eliminating post-op drains allows for a shower just two days after surgery and reduces tension on the incision for better healing.
Keep in mind that factors like your anatomy and sometimes details of your procedure, like the amount of liposuction done, play a role in whether or not you’ll have a drain.

Exparel® is a long-lasting injectable medication given during your procedure to help make the first few days post-op more comfortable. Exparel® is often included at no additional cost because we believe supporting you in a faster, more active recovery is the right thing to do.
