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.


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.
