Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty in Charlotte, NC

• Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles.
• Dr. Vincent Voci in Charlotte offers mini-abdominoplasty for minimal skin removal and endoscopic abdominoplasty for muscle repair or minimal skin removal.
• Ideal candidates are in good health and near their desired body weight.
• Personalized approach ensures optimal results and patient satisfaction.

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening weakened abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter stomach. Dr. Vincent Voci, a skilled plastic surgeon in Charlotte, offers tailored approaches to abdominoplasty, including mini-abdominoplasty and endoscopic abdominoplasty.

• Mini-Abdominoplasty: Ideal for patients requiring minimal skin removal, this procedure targets specific areas with a relatively small incision.
• Endoscopic Abdominoplasty: Used to repair damaged stomach muscles or when minimal skin removal is necessary, this technique involves a less invasive approach utilizing an endoscope.

Dr. Voci typically recommends abdominoplasty for patients who are in good overall health and are close to their desired body weight. By customizing the procedure to each patient's unique needs, Dr. Voci ensures optimal results and patient satisfaction.

A traditional (full) tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who have a moderate amount of excess skin in their midsection. It is commonly performed on women post-pregnancy. During this surgery, the incision extends from hipbone to hipbone, which grants the surgeon access to a greater portion of the internal structures. Liposuction is used to remove fat and the abdominal muscles are pulled and tightly secured. The belly button is usually repositioned for natural placement. 

Individuals who are in relatively good shape but desire a flatter tummy may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck (known as a “Brazilian tummy tuck”). These patients have loose abdominal fascia, but the muscles aren’t stretched to the point where a full tummy tuck is necessary. During surgery, a smaller incision is made along the lower abdomen, liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and the remaining skin is pulled tight. The belly button is not affected by this surgery. 

The extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients who require major skin tightening and body contouring following a major weight loss. The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, as well as another one around the navel. Liposuction is used and the excess skin is trimmed away and tightened. The belly button is repositioned during this surgery.

The price for abdominoplasty will vary depending on the technique used, the patient’s condition and aesthetic goals, as well as other factors relating to the surgical case. However, on average, most patients can expect to pay between $7,000-$12,500 for their tummy tuck procedure.

Patients who have loose skin in the lower abdomen may be better candidates for a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck. If a patient is battling unwanted belly fat, but otherwise has good skin tone, liposuction (which removes fat only) may be all that is needed.

Abdominoplasty can be combined with another cosmetic procedure, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift or liposuction that targets another area of the body. This is sometimes referred to as a  “Mommy Makeover” and is considered a common practice, especially where pregnancy, weight gain and breast-feeding are concerned.

Unfortunately, scarring is a part of this procedure. However, every effort is made to minimize scarring, and the incisions are generally placed in locations easily concealed by undergarments. For women who have had a previous C-section, the original C-section scar will be replaced with the tummy tuck incision. Most patients feel the physical results of this surgery far outweigh any scarring left behind.

For optimal results, it is recommended that patients wait to have abdominoplasty until after all pregnancies have been completed. This is to ensure the stretching and weight gain that occurs with pregnancy does not compromise the results of the surgery.