Tummy Tuck Surgery in Wilmington, NC

Shape and strengthen your core with a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs abdominal muscle separation for a stronger, tighter core. At Amelia, waistline liposuction is often included for a better shape and natural result.
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Tummy Tuck Surgery in Wilmington, NC

Remove excess skin and repair abdominal muscle separation for a stronger, tighter core.
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Amelia Wilmington Specializes in Tummy Tucks.

For residents of Wilmington, North Carolina, desiring a more streamlined, toned, and defined abdominal area, the modern tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, provides an exceptionally effective surgical solution. 

This transformative procedure is ideally suited for individuals who contend with lax skin, persistent fat deposits, and weakened core muscles—issues frequently resulting from events such as pregnancy, substantial weight changes, or the natural course of aging.

In contrast to conventional surgical methods that primarily focused on the simple removal of excess skin, a modern tummy tuck at Amelia Wilmington, North Carolina, embraces a comprehensive strategy for body sculpting, often employing innovative surgical techniques designed to avoid the need for post-operative drains. 

This all-encompassing approach includes not only the precise excision of loose, sagging skin and visible stretch marks but also the critical repair of underlying abdominal muscles that may have separated, a condition clinically termed diastasis recti. 

This internal muscle reconstruction functions as an "inner corset," significantly enhancing core stability, promoting improved posture, and delivering a noticeably more sculpted and taut aesthetic.

At Amelia Wilmington, North Carolina, plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Azzolini elevates the tummy tuck experience by integrating cutting-edge techniques and valuable patient-focused benefits, which are frequently incorporated into the procedure's overall cost. 

Dr. Anthony Azzolini thoughtfully utilizes Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic administered directly to the surgical site during the operation. This innovative pain management strategy provides sustained pain relief for several days following the procedure, substantially lessening post-operative discomfort during the crucial initial recovery period and minimizing dependence on traditional narcotic pain medications. 

This facilitates a smoother, more comfortable recuperation, empowering our patients to regain mobility and resume light daily activities more promptly.

Waistline liposuction is often included as an integral part of the modern tummy tuck package at Amelia Wilmington, North Carolina, contributing to a more comprehensive contouring outcome. 

This strategic liposuction allows Dr. Anthony Azzolini to meticulously sculpt the flanks and hips, artfully refining the entire waistline and creating a harmonious, balanced silhouette that beautifully complements the newly flattened abdomen. 

This integrated approach ensures a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing result, addressing areas beyond just the central abdominal region.

Opting for a tummy tuck in Wilmington, NC, at Amelia signifies a commitment to a personalized surgical journey that prioritizes both outstanding aesthetic transformations and comprehensive patient well-being. 

Dr. Anthony Azzolini and his dedicated team deeply understand the profound significance of this personal decision. The paramount objective for the team at Amelia Wilmington, North Carolina, is to empower you to reclaim confidence and comfort in your physique, enabling you to embrace a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you are concerned by one or more of the following:

  • Excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that doesn't respond to diet and exercise.
  • Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), often resulting from pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
  • Sagging abdominal skin after pregnancy or major weight loss.
  • You are at a relatively stable weight and in good overall health.
  • You have realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can achieve

What do tummy tuck scars look like?

do tummy tuck scars go away?

Tummy Tuck Scars

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.

Do tummy tuck scars go away?

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.

Tummy Tuck Types

Full Tummy Tuck

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

  • Targets loose skin on the upper and lower abdomen
  • Often includes waistline liposuction for added shape
  • Strengthens core with muscle repair
  • Often includes Exparel® to support pain management

Mini Tummy Tuck

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

  • Targets loose skin below the navel, but does not address belly button shape
  • Often includes waistline liposuction for added shape and contour
  • Can include muscle repair to correct abdominal muscle separation
  • Often includes Exparel® to support pain management

Extended Tummy Tuck

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

  • Addresses loose skin in both the upper and lower abdomen
  • Has a longer incision typically extended beyond the hip bones
  • Often includes muscle repair and waistline liposuction
  • Often includes Exparel® to support pain management

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

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

  • Addresses loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen, plus the sides of the body
  • Trades a longer horizontal incision and additional vertical incision for the most skin removal
  • Often includes muscle repair to improve core strength and waistline lipo for better shape
  • Often includes Exparel® to support pain management

What is a diastasis recti? - muscle separation - muscle repair with tummy tuck

What is a diastasis recti?

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.

What is a drainless tummy tuck?

What is a drainless tummy tuck?

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.

What is Exparel®? - tummy tuck recovery - tummy tuck pain management

What is Exparel®?

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.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

  • Includes Waistline Liposuction: A tummy tuck at Amelia often includes waistline liposuction, allowing for better contouring and a more natural result that enhances your overall silhouette.
  • Comprehensive Pricing: The cost of your tummy tuck includes all pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative appointments, anesthesia, surgeon fees, and operating room fees, ensuring no hidden costs during your journey.
  • Addresses Excess Skin and Fat: Tummy tuck surgery effectively removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, helping to create a flatter and more toned appearance.
  • Strengthens Abdominal Muscles: Amelia’s tummy tucks include muscle repair. This addition repairs and tightens weakened abdominal muscles, providing a firmer foundation for your core and improving posture.
  • Boosts Confidence: Many patients experience increased self-esteem and a more positive body image after achieving a flatter stomach, allowing for greater confidence in their appearance.
  • Enhances Proportion and Symmetry: A tummy tuck can create a more balanced figure by improving the contour of the abdomen and waist, enhancing overall body proportions.
  • Individualized Support: Each patient is assigned a dedicated Patient Care Coordinator who will guide you through every step of the process, providing personalized care and support.
  • Experienced Surgical Team: Amelia’s skilled plastic surgeons specialize in body contouring procedures and will work closely with you to develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

Tummy Tuck Results and Recovery Timeline

  • 1-2 Weeks
    Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. You’ll likely be asked to wear compression garments to reduce swelling for about 6 weeks.
  • 6 Weeks
    Many patients are cleared to stop wearing compression garments and resume normal exercise.
  • 6 Months
    Much, but not all of the swelling has resolved for most, and often when your “after photos” are taken.
  • 12 Months
    Though you'll see improvements along the way, most patients achieve their long-term results around 12 months post-op.

Before Treatment

After Treatment

Plastic Surgeon in Wilmington, North Carolina

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Wilmington, North Carolina?

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Wilmington, North Carolina?
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Dr. Anthony Azzolini
$12,900

Types of Tummy Tucks:

  • Full: $12,900
  • Extended: $14,500
  • Fleur-de-Lis: $15,500

Our Pricing includes:

  • All pre-op, surgical, and post-op appointments
  • Anesthesia, surgeon, and operating room fees
  • Individualized pre- and post-op support from our clinical team
  • A dedicated Patient Care Coordinator to guide you throughout your entire journey
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