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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most transformative procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery — capable of restoring a smoother, flatter, and more sculpted abdomen after pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or significant body changes.

At Modern Contour Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jared Garlick approaches tummy tuck surgery differently than the traditional “skin removal” procedure many patients envision. His modern philosophy focuses not only on removing excess skin, but on restoring shape, proportion, waistline definition, and natural anatomical aesthetics to the entire torso through advanced contouring techniques without the use of drains.

Tummy Tuck at a Glance

  • Procedure: Outpatient
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Length of Surgery: 1 – 5 hours
  • Recovery: 2 – 3 weeks

Dr. Garlick’s Signature Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics can all stretch the abdominal muscles, create loose skin, and alter the waistline in ways that diet and exercise alone cannot correct. Even extremely fit patients often struggle with excess skin, muscle separation (diastasis recti), stubborn fat deposits, and loss of abdominal definition despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Garlick’s signature modern tummy tuck approach combines:

  • Advanced drainless tummy tuck technique
  • Anatomically precise abdominal muscle repair
  • Circumferential HD body contouring with VASER liposuction (“lipo 360”)
  • Natural appearing three-dimensional waistline sculpting 
  • Low scar placement so scar remains hidden
  • Specialized “bikini ready” natural belly button restoration

Rather than simply flattening the abdomen, Dr. Garlick focuses on creating elegant, athletic, feminine contours that look natural both in and out of clothing.

One of the defining aspects of his approach is meticulous attention to the belly button — an area often overlooked in traditional tummy tuck surgery by many surgeons. Because the belly button is visible in swimwear and fitted clothing, Dr. Garlick believes it should appear natural, refined, and anatomically untouched. His specialized bikini-ready belly button reconstruction techniques are designed to avoid the overly round, artificial, or obvious appearance commonly associated with tummy tucks. This aspect alone is why many patients specifically seek Dr. Garlick out for their abdominoplasty surgery.

In addition, Dr. Garlick strategically places tummy tuck incisions as low as possible so scars remain concealed beneath your underwear or bikini lines whenever anatomy safely allows. Each patient is different and they have different styles and ideals, so this is discussed and tailored for each individual patient.

Dr. Garlick has always gone out of his way to advance his knowledge and surgical techniques in body contouring to offer his patients the best options for refined outcomes. His advanced fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and significant training in South America, working alongside some of the most world-renowned body contouring surgeons, helped Dr. Garlick develop his own modern body contouring techniques and comprehensive approach focused on creating smooth transitions, natural definition, and balanced hourglass contours — not simply tighter skin.

For many patients, a tummy tuck becomes more than just a cosmetic procedure. It can restore confidence, improve comfort in clothing, strengthen the abdominal core, and help patients finally feel like their body reflects how healthy and active they truly are.

The Modern Tummy Tuck Difference

Many traditional tummy tucks focus primarily on removing loose skin from the front of the abdomen. Dr. Garlick’s modern approach treats the torso as an entire aesthetic unit.

By combining tummy tuck surgery with circumferential contouring techniques with VASER liposuction 360, the waistline, back, and abdomen contours are refined together to create smoother transitions and a more balanced natural silhouette.

Dr. Garlick’s philosophy centers around five key principles:

  1. A Natural-Looking Belly Button

    The belly button is one of the most important details of a beautiful tummy tuck result. Dr. Garlick utilizes refined techniques to create a natural, elegant belly button that does not appear surgically altered and is bikini-ready the day you are cleared to resume normal activity after surgery.

  2. Low, Concealed Scars

    Careful incision planning allows scars to remain hidden beneath most underwear and swimwear styles whenever possible.

  3. 360-Degree Waistline Sculpting

    Rather than treating only the front of the abdomen, surrounding areas including the waist, flanks, and back are sculpted to create more complete body contour improvement restoring the entire shape of the torso.

  4. Smooth, Athletic Definition

    Using advanced contouring techniques, Dr. Garlick focuses on creating natural-looking abdominal definition and feminine contour lines — avoiding an overly tight or artificial appearance.

  5. Anatomically Correct Diastasis recti Repair

    Careful repair of the rectus abdominal muscles to restore their natural shape and contour. Dr. Garlick believes in natural repair and alignment in place of an overly altered appearance. Repair of the stretched abdominal muscles is a key part of the tummy tuck procedure. Many surgeons will over correct the diastasis repair because they can, or to “snatch” a patient’s waistline more. In doing so they have overly plicated the rectus “six-pack” muscles, leaving the patient with no functional benefit and creating a visible deformity that appears as very long, narrow abdominal rectus muscles.

What Can I Improve with a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can be ideal for patients who want to correct sagging skin or lax tissue in the abdomen after losing weight, having children, or experiencing the effects of aging. In general, this procedure can:

  • Smooth, tighten, and firm the abdomen
  • Repair stretched or weakened underlying muscles
  • Get rid of excess, sagging skin
  • Reduce stubborn fat on the midsection and back
  • Contour the abdominal profile

While a tummy tuck does not help you lose weight, many patients find they’re more active and confident after their procedure. Many tummy tuck patients also experience adjunctive health benefits after their abdominoplasty, which may include improved posture, reduced incontinence, and less back pain depending on the nature of your concerns. During a consultation, Dr. Garlick can provide you with a good understanding of the types of results you can expect from tummy tuck surgery.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

Abdominoplasty is often considered for cosmetic and functional reasons. While some patients are interested in the procedure to gain a smoother, more sculpted look in the belly area, others want to improve chafing and inflammation from excess abdominal skin. In general, you may benefit from a tummy tuck if you’re:

  • Healthy, with no uncontrolled medical conditions or diseases that may interfere with healing
  • A non-smoker, or willing to quit smoking
  • Positive about the outlook of surgery
  • Want to achieve long-term results

The best candidates for surgery are usually at or near a healthy weight (under 28 BMI) and have realistic expectations for what a tummy tuck can achieve. It’s also advised to wait until you have no future plans for pregnancy before undergoing abdominoplasty, as having children after surgery can negatively affect tummy tuck results.

How is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?

Drain-Free Tummy Tuck

Dr. Garlick has always performed advanced drainless tummy tuck surgery using progressive tension suturing techniques designed to eliminate the need for external surgical drains in most patients.

Traditional tummy tucks done by other surgeons, will commonly use drains to remove fluid buildup after surgery. With a drainless approach, specialized internal sutures are used to quilt the underside of the skin flap and the potential space where fluid could otherwise accumulate. 

Benefits of a drainless tummy tuck may include:

  • Improved overall comfort during recovery
  • No external drain management
  • Easier mobility and showering after surgery
  • Reduced irritation from drain sites
  • More even tension distribution across the abdomen
  • Potentially improved scar healing
  • Faster return to normal daily activities

While the drainless technique requires additional operative time and surgical precision, Dr. Garlick believes the improved patient experience and refined outcomes make it worthwhile.

“Instantly after meeting Dr. Garlick, I felt comfortable and confident in my procedure. He is so amazing with taking the time to go over all the options and helping you find what will work for your body. He has the best staff, everyone makes you feel important and they are always so kind. I love my results and am happy with the entire experience!”

Heather C.

Belly Button Revision

A natural belly button can make the difference between a beautiful tummy tuck result and one that appears obviously surgical. Unfortunately, many patients researching tummy tuck surgery notice belly buttons that appear overly round, stretched, unnatural, or “operated on.” Dr. Garlick places exceptional emphasis on avoiding these issues.
His approach to umbilical restoration focuses on:

  • Natural depth and contour
  • Elegant shape
  • Concealed scar placement
  • Anatomically feminine proportions
  • Smooth transitions into surrounding skin

The goal is for the belly button to appear refined and natural and bikini-ready from day one — not like a surgically created feature.

Lipo 360

Many patients have excess fat deposits not only in the abdomen, but also throughout the waistline, flanks, lower back, and bra line. Dr. Garlick commonly combines tummy tuck surgery with VASER liposuction 360 to create more complete torso contouring and enhance overall proportions.
By treating the body circumferentially, patients can achieve:

  • A more defined waistline
  • Improved hourglass contour
  • Smoother transitions between treated areas
  • Better abdominal definition
  • Enhanced overall balance and proportion

This modern three-dimensional approach is one of the key differences between a traditional tummy tuck and Dr. Garlick’s advanced contouring philosophy.

QuantumRF is a technology that is commonly added in Dr. Garlick’s modern tummy tuck approach. This uses the Quantum radiofrequency technology to help deliver tightening of the skin and soft tissue in the areas where liposuction has been performed.

Mini Tummy Tuck

If you only have mild skin sagging in the abdomen, Dr. Garlick also offers an abbreviated version of abdominoplasty called a “mini tummy tuck.” A mini tummy tuck still provides skin tightening benefits, but focuses on the area below the navel. Excess skin and fat are removed to slim the waistline and smooth the abdominal profile; however, unlike a full tummy tuck procedure, the underlying muscles usually aren’t tightened. As a result, a mini tummy tuck offers the benefits of a reduced recovery period when compared to traditional abdominoplasty. The scar is not always smaller in a mini tummy tuck. This is a common misconception that people have because of the word “mini.” The scar is always kept as small as possible to remove the excess skin, but sometimes there is enough excess skin below the belly button that the scar size is the same.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After a Tummy Tuck?

It may take several months to fully realize the outcome of abdominoplasty, although you should notice a vast improvement in as little as one to two weeks. Swelling after surgery is to be expected and can come and go for up to 6-9 months depending on each patient. Dr. Garlick will instruct you to begin lymphatic massage therapy as soon as the following day after tummy tuck surgery to help decrease swelling and improve contour and comfort in the recovery period. Numbness below the belly button and feelings of soreness are normal following surgery — these reactions are usually well-managed with over-the-counter medications and should subside naturally as your body heals in due time.

Heavy lifting, core strengthening, and exercise are prohibited until Dr. Garlick instructs otherwise, which is usually not until 6-8 weeks after surgery. Patients generally return to work one to two weeks after their procedure depending on the nature of their job. Dr. Garlick will provide you with comprehensive recovery instructions and monitor your healing process in post-operative follow-up appointments.

Aftercare with ZO® Skin Health

Part of why Utah patients choose Dr. Garlick is his effective aftercare protocol, which tends to maximize and accentuate the quality of your final tummy tuck results. The key to further smoothing the tone and texture of your skin after abdominoplasty is using the scientifically-proven products in the ZO® Skin Health line. ZO® Skin Health formulations can powerfully improve the appearance of stretch marks and loose skin after tummy tuck surgery, particularly by combining the Body Emulsion + Wrinkle and Texture Repair serums. With twice-daily application of both the Body Emulsion + Wrinkle and Texture Repair solutions (combined) followed by the ZO® Hydrating Cream, patients at our practice have been able to achieve truly remarkable results in regaining a smoother, tauter skin texture. If you’re wondering how you can get rid of stretch marks following a tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with Dr. Garlick for a personalized treatment regimen tailored to your needs and procedure.

Recovery Tips After a Tummy Tuck

Recovering from abdominoplasty is a gradual process that requires patience, rest, and adherence to Dr. Garlick’s instructions to ensure optimal results. One of the most important aspects of recovery is following post-operative guidelines carefully, which typically include:

  • Wearing compression garments as instructed to minimize swelling, support the abdominal muscles, and help the skin conform to the newly sculpted midsection
  • Resting in a slightly bent position, often with pillows underneath the knees, during the first few days to reduce tension on the incision site and enhance comfort
  • Keeping the incision clean and dry, as well as monitoring for any signs of infection, to support a smooth healing process
  • Enlisting help with childcare and household responsibilities in advance to allow you to rest peacefully during the initial healing period
  • Maintaining good nutrition and hydration is paramount during recovery
  • Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake

Finally, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments allows Dr. Garlick to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly. By following these recovery tips and giving the body adequate time to heal, patients can help ensure a safe recovery and achieve the most natural, long-lasting results from their tummy tuck.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

Abdominoplasty is known for achieving lasting results that endure for at least 10 to 15 years, if not for a lifetime. The excess tissue removed during the procedure doesn’t come back, and your body contours should remain consistent as long as your weight is stable. That said, no cosmetic procedure will stop the natural aging process. Pregnancy, weight gain, and aging can all cause additional skin laxity on the abdomen, so we encourage patients to maximize their tummy tuck results by:

  • Living an active and healthy lifestyle to preserve your new abdominal shape: Changes to your body can still occur even after the tummy tuck procedure, but staying active can be one of the most effective ways to maintain the integrity of your final results.
  • Undergoing a tummy tuck only after you’re not planning on getting pregnant in the future: Having children after abdominoplasty can certainly reverse the enhancement achieved with the procedure, as the internal muscles often become re-stretched with future pregnancy.
  • Maintaining a stable weight to prevent contour irregularities: A tummy tuck does not prevent weight gain, so it’s important to minimize weight fluctuations as much as possible.

Our patient gallery showcases some of the natural-looking outcomes possible with tummy tuck surgery and we invite patients to explore our before-and-after photos. Recontouring the abdomen while ensuring long-term results is one of the most notable benefits of a surgical procedure like a tummy tuck.

What Can I Expect From My Tummy Tuck Scars?

Every surgical procedure leaves scarring to some extent and a tummy tuck is no exception. Fortunately, scars from a tummy tuck are easily concealed beneath underwear and/or swimsuit bottoms, allowing patients to minimize evidence of surgery. Typically, patients who received a full tummy tuck have a scar that extends from hip to hip below the pubis. Dr. Garlick will show you where your scars are likely to appear during your consultation so you know what to expect following abdominoplasty. Scars are extended, as they are needed to be in order to contour the excess skin and waistline.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Utah is personalized according to the unique details of your procedure, such as the surgical techniques utilized, the complexity of surgery, and the extent of your concerns. The total price of abdominoplasty will also include standard expenses typical of cosmetic surgery, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, lab fees, and the cost of the surgical facility, among other factors. Rest assured that Dr. Garlick’s team will provide you with a personalized cost estimate after your needs are assessed in a consultation. Dr. Garlick also accepts plastic surgery financing through Cherry and PatientFi® for qualified patients. The application process is easy and straightforward. A member of his team will help walk you through that application process.

Is a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Effective?

Unfortunately, no non-surgical technique can achieve results that rival the transformative outcomes typical of tummy tuck surgery. Abdominoplasty uniquely repairs internal musculature and permanently removes stretched, excess skin. These improvements involve techniques that cannot be replicated with exercises, workouts, or minimally invasive treatments.

Despite the marketing of products like the “tummy tuck belt,” which purports to achieve abdominoplasty results without surgery, there is no research or evidence to support these claims. Dr. Garlick advises patients to discuss their needs with a knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the safest and most effective treatment(s) to achieve their goals.

Are There Any Tummy Tuck Alternatives?

While a tummy tuck is an effective procedure for tightening the abdominal wall and removing excess skin, it may not be the most ideal option for every patient. Depending on individual concerns and goals, there are several alternative treatments that can provide transformative results, such as:

  • Mommy Makeover: A Mommy Makeover is a more comprehensive option for women seeking to address multiple post-pregnancy changes at once. This customizable surgical plan typically combines breast surgery, liposuction, and a tummy tuck, but it can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
  • Lower Body Lift: A lower body lift is another alternative that may be more suitable for patients experiencing significant skin laxity — often after major weight loss. This procedure goes beyond the abdomen, addressing sagging skin in the thighs, buttocks, flanks, and hips. In many patients who have had kids as well as had significant weight loss, they may find themselves looking to complete the lower body lift after their tummy tuck to address the posterior laxity of their buttocks area.
  • Liposuction: For patients who want to address stubborn fat instead of (or in addition to) loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles, liposuction can help. This surgery is less invasive than other surgical procedures and helps to remove excess fat in targeted areas such as the abdomen, flanks, hips, or thighs, sculpting a more defined waistline. This technique also usually will be combined with skin tightening technology like QuantumRF® to help provide the best contour and tightening possible.

Ultimately, the best alternative to a tummy tuck depends on a patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. A consultation with Dr. Garlick can help determine which procedure (or combination of procedures) will achieve the most natural and satisfying results.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Garlick for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Patients throughout Utah, Idaho, and surrounding states choose Dr. Garlick because of his:

  • Advanced aesthetic fellowship training
  • Modern drainless tummy tuck techniques
  • Expertise in high-definition body contouring
  • Specialized belly button creation
  • Emphasis on natural-looking outcomes
  • Low hidden scar placement
  • Artistic approach to waistline sculpting
  • Customized surgical planning
  • Focus on athletic, feminine, refined results

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, every tummy tuck is customized to the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, body proportions, and long-term goals. The result is a more sophisticated, balanced, and natural-looking outcome designed specifically for each individual patient.

Additional Tummy Tuck FAQs

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Each person’s tummy tuck plan is customized based on their individual goals, so the possibility of stretch mark removal varies from patient to patient. Each patient also develops stretch marks in different locations on their body. Many women find their abdomen having stretch marks from pregnancy around the belly button region, above or below or both, due to that area being the most stretched during pregnancy. In general, a tummy tuck can improve the appearance of stretch marks, but the procedure may not eliminate all of them. The extent of improvement largely depends on where the stretch marks are located. During surgery, excess skin is removed from the lower abdomen, typically the area just below the belly button. Any stretch marks within this portion of skin are also removed; however, stretch marks located above the belly button are usually not removed due to lack of stretchability in the skin. Those remaining stretch marks will now be within the lower portion of the abdomen.

That said, stretch marks may appear smoother and less noticeable after surgery since the remaining skin is tightened and repositioned. While a tummy tuck is not a dedicated stretch mark treatment, many patients are pleased with the improvement in their overall skin tone and abdominal contour. If there are remaining stretch marks after surgery, Dr. Garlick will discuss the best solutions to improve the appearance and structure of the stretch marks.

Can tummy tuck surgery get rid of my C-section scar?

In all  cases, a tummy tuck scar will be lower than your previous C-section scar. This allows the old scar to be removed and replaced with a new, lower-positioned scar that is typically more refined and easier to conceal beneath underwear or swimwear.

Can you gain weight after a tummy tuck?

Yes. Although the procedure works to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles, surgery does not prevent future weight gain. Fat can still accumulate in remaining fat cells throughout your body, including the abdomen.

Maintaining your results requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which should include balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can compromise the outcome by stretching the skin and negatively impacting the tightened abdominal contour. For this reason, our team recommends patients remain at or near their ideal weight range before undergoing a tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty is considered among the most effective procedures to repair a stretched, hanging, or bulging abdomen caused by excess skin and fat. Explore your tummy tuck options by contacting Dr. Jared Garlick for a consultation or to learn more about the procedure.

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