Overview
Tummy tuck surgery is a common procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tighten rectus abdominis muscles. The surgeons of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery in Duluth offer patients their expertise and knowledge about how beneficial this procedure is to promote self-confidence. The best candidates for this surgery are those who have loose, sagging skin around the abdomen caused by weight loss, pregnancy and aging. Frequently paired with liposuction, this options helps to add more contours to the mid section and display the body you deserve. Schedule your consultation with one of our surgeons to discover the benefits of the tummy tuck. The cost of a tummy tuck will vary depending on your goals. During your consultation, we will be happy to provide pricing information.
During/After Surgery
A tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure, but an overnight stay can be required specific to complex cases. As with any other surgery, abdominoplasty comes with risks so it’s best to discuss any health conditions you have prior to surgery. After surgery, pain medications are provided and a compression garment is worn. The patient will need to rest up to 48 hours. From then, it is recommended that patients make a concerted effort to move around to help blood circulation and reduce the risks of blood clot complications. Recovery may take up to 6 weeks.
Surgical Technique
Full Tummy Tuck
In patients who undergo a full tummy tuck, the incision is made from hip to hip just over the pubic area. This results in a scar line that is horizontal and can be hidden when wearing undergarments. It is commonly performed on women with significant skin folds after multiple pregnancies. This technique allows the surgeon access to a large portion of the abdomen while repositioning the belly button so that its placement appears natural. Liposuction is performed to remove excess fat preceding the skin tightening portion. The internal abdominal muscles are secured for a firm, toned appearance.
Mini Tummy Tuck
An alternative to the traditional technique is the mini tummy tuck, which is also known as a “Brazilian tummy tuck.” The difference is that ideally the patients that undego this procedure are already in relatively good shape with a healthy skin tone, but still have loose skin on the lower abdomen. Unlike the full tummy tuck, the belly button is unaffected and the incision is smaller. Liposuction is used (if needed) to remove excess fat, and the loose skin is removed and pulled tight.
Extended Tummy Tuck
In cases when major skin tightening and body contouring is needed, an extended tummy tuck is recommended. This is a necessary technique for patients who have undergone a significant weight loss. It was developed after some patients noted that even after a full tummy tuck, the parts surrounding the abdomen still showed excessive folds of skin. The incision may extend around the navel, flank and lower back depending where skin tightening is necessary. Liposuction is still used and excess skin is trimmed then tightened. Similar to a full tummy tuck, the belly button is repositioned.
Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck Reviews
To whoever is searching, wondering, wanting, needing… I trust Dr. Mike Song and I did from my very first meet. I did not go to any other consultation. I am elated -exceeded my expectations- with the outcome of my full tummy tuck and breast reduction. I am 56 years old and I did it at the absolute right time in my life and I did it with absolutely the right Dr and team. Read his bio. He is genuine, honest, kind, and humble. Inspiring. He educated, informed, and led me. And he was attentive to me post surgery. The entire staff at Prima Center is phenomenal - not overstating. My very first interaction with Lindsey on the phone -made me feel welcome- to the dynamos Adriana and Kate - experts at being Dr. Song's extra arms as well as counseling, educating, comforting, and encouraging- to the fabulous Carli - easy to work out the specifics- and Sarah- sweetheart. And there are others, someone in the back office, the gal that helped me on surgery day, and the very cool anesthesiologist. All of them are awesome! Dr Song is first-class. I know this because all these people have been alongside of him for a long time. They all make a great team. I thank each of you for all your years of study and dedication to your craft and skill. You have each contributed to making my quality of life and my outlook so much brighter. My results exceeded my expectations. I am forever grateful and please know that you have blessed me by all of your goodness. To you out there, take the first step and meet with Dr. Song.
To whoever is searching, wondering, wanting, needing… I trust Dr. Mike Song and I did from my very first meet. I did not go to any other consultation. I am elated -exceeded my expectations- with the outcome of my full tummy tuck and breast reduction. I am 56 years old and I did it at the absolute right time in my life and I did it with absolutely the right Dr and team. Read his bio. He is genuine, honest, kind, and humble. Inspiring. He educated, informed, and led me. And he was attentive to me post surgery. The entire staff at Prima Center is phenomenal - not overstating. My very first interaction with Lindsey on the phone -made me feel welcome- to the dynamos Adriana and Kate - experts at being Dr. Song's extra arms as well as counseling, educating, comforting, and encouraging- to the fabulous Carli - easy to work out the specifics- and Sarah- sweetheart. And there are others, someone in the back office, the gal that helped me on surgery day, and the very cool anesthesiologist. All of them are awesome! Dr Song is first-class. I know this because all these people have been alongside of him for a long time. They all make a great team. I thank each of you for all your years of study and dedication to your craft and skill. You have each contributed to making my quality of life and my outlook so much brighter. My results exceeded my expectations. I am forever grateful and please know that you have blessed me by all of your goodness. To you out there, take the first step and meet with Dr. Song.
I am here to give Prima Center, Dr.Song and his amazing staff their most HIGH PRAISES!!! I am 3 months post op and could not be more pleased with my results. I can’t wait to see myself in 6months heck even in a 1year. Dr. Song was and is so polite, respectful, kind, and VERY THOROUGH from the first day we met. He always has a smile on his face and very welcoming. EVERY TIME I see him. His staff represents him very well. Meaning they are welcoming, patient, polite, and very detailed with you. The day of my procedure I didn’t have any bad vibes at all. I think that comes with a good practice, knowledgeable doctors, and God on your side. I was very calm, the staff made sure of that too :). I absolutely loved my experience. I was speaking to the anesthesiologist one minute then I was waking up in the recovery room the next. Very, very pleased!!! I can’t say that enough. I am a mom of two kids born from C-sections. I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair, a breast reduction with a lift and liposuction. My scars healed beautifully, very thin scars. I’m sure in a year you won’t be able to really see them at all. The after care from surgery from MY experience was amazing. I wasn’t in pain at all really. I was up and walking around that same day. If I had any questions at anytime Dr. Song would respond to my text messages or phone calls immediately. He also checked in on me as well. Loved that. Would I do this again if I had to…a MILLION times more I sure would!!! I could not have asked for a better doctor, practice, or experience. Thank you Dr. Song and staff.
Dr. Song is a world-renowned, Harvard-trained surgeon whose skill and insight stand in a league of their own. A previous tummy tuck left my abdomen excessively tight, creating constant pressure that no specialist could adequately address. I consulted with numerous specialists in both New York City and elsewhere searching for answers and relief. I sat in the offices of highly regarded Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue surgeons, yet I still felt that no one fully understood the complexity of what I was experiencing until I was lucky enough to meet Dr. Song. He expertly revised the prior work, restored proper abdominal space and function, and effectively gave me my life back. The tightness and bloating that had dominated my days for years subsided, my energy returned, and I regained the ability to live fully and comfortably.Beyond his remarkable technical ability, Dr. Song is compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his patients. His ability to recognize what others overlooked makes him truly exceptional.After consulting numerous surgeons in New York City, I can say without hesitation that Dr. Song operates on an entirely different level. He is not only one of the finest and best surgeons on the East Coast, but one of the best in the entire United States. If you are fortunate enough to be under his care, you will understand very quickly why his reputation is so extraordinary. He did not simply improve my life, he gave it back to me.
I received a referral from another patient. I had my consultation with Dr. Song for a breast lift in 2024 and it was a major change for me in my appearance. I told Dr. Song how pleased I was and I would be back. Fast forward to 2025 I had a tummy tuck in October. Recovery was great and I’m overjoyed with my results. Please don’t think twice it’s well worth it and you will be happy.
237
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Recovery Time
2-4 weeks
Average Procedure Time
2.5-4 hours
Post-op Follow-up
5-7 days
Procedure Recovery Location
Out-Patient
Featured Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Lipo or Abdominoplasty?
Tummy tucks are reserved for patients who have stretched, loose skin in the lower abdomen as a result of pregnancy or obesity. Liposuction, on the other hand, is for those who want to remove excess fat in the abdomen but still have a healthy skin tone. During the initial consultation, we will provide a thorough assessment and determine if liposuction alone is all that is needed, or if a tummy tuck will provide the best results.
Combining Procedures?
Normally, abdominoplasty is performed to improve loose skin and excess fat around the abdomen area. However, sometimes other cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift are done to further improve the overall look and feel of the body. When this combination type surgery exists, it is known as a “mommy makeover”. It is very popular among women after pregnancy who wish to get their pre-pregnancy body and shape back to normal.
How Bad Are The Scars?
Unfortunately, with a tummy tuck surgery, scars are unavoidable. However, extra measures are taken to make sure that scarring is minimal. The incision line is placed in areas that can be concealed by undergarments. Previous C-section scars will be incised in the same spot for the tummy tuck. During the healing process, we will provide a post-operative protocol that includes scar treatment to help assist the scars in becoming less visible.
Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck?
It is our recommendation that women who decide to have more children delay a tummy tuck procedure. The stretching of the skin as a result of another pregnancy can reduce the positive outome of this procedure.