Tummy Tuck
What Is Abdominoplasty?
Our Nashville plastic surgeon, Amaka Nwubah, MD, has extensive experience performing abdominoplasties, including an advanced drainless technique.
Tummy Tuck At a Glance
- Procedure: Abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. Excess abdominal skin and fat will be removed while tightening underlying muscles, and the remaining skin is redraped for a firmer, flatter result. Liposuction may be incorporated for enhanced contouring when appropriate.
- Potential Benefits: A flatter, firmer midsection; repair of abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti); improved posture; and refined overall waistline definition.
- Candidates: Healthy individuals at or near a stable, healthy weight for their body type who are bothered by loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat that has not responded to diet and exercise are often candidates for this treatment.
- Recovery: Many patients resume light daily activities within 2–3 weeks, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
- Surgeon: Dr. Amaka is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has successfully performed hundreds of tummy tuck procedures. She personalizes all body contouring treatment plans to produce the best possible outcomes.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck offers both aesthetic and functional improvements for individuals seeking a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. While diet and exercise can strengthen muscles and reduce fat, they cannot remove excess stretched skin or fully repair separated abdominal muscles.
Benefits of a tummy tuck may include:
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A flatter, more toned abdomen:
Removing excess skin and tightening weakened muscles helps create a smoother contour.
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Repair of diastasis recti:
Muscle tightening can restore core integrity that may have been compromised by pregnancy or weight changes.
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Improved posture and core support:
Strengthening the abdominal wall can contribute to better alignment and stability.
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Reduction of stubborn fat pockets:
When combined with liposuction, the procedure can refine the waistline and enhance body proportions.
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More comfortable clothing fit:
Eliminating excess skin can reduce bunching and improve confidence in fitted garments.
Because the procedure addresses both skin and muscle concerns, many patients experience transformative results that go beyond what non-surgical treatments can achieve.
How Is the Tummy Tuck Procedure Performed?
During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision is typically made along the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip. This incision line curves naturally so that it can be disguised in underwear and bikinis. Dr. Amaka then tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to create a flatter contour and repair diastasis recti (midline muscle separation). Excess skin is trimmed away and, as needed, liposuction can be used to address pockets of stubborn fat. Once the desired aesthetic has been achieved, the remaining skin is pulled taut and the incisions are meticulously closed for optimal healing. Liposuction can be done of the abdomen and flanks, or of the circumferential torso (liposuction 360).
Dr. Amaka employs a drainless tummy tuck technique, utilizing progressive tension sutures to close off excess space and reduce the risk of fluid buildup after surgery. This approach also often results in a thinner, more discreet scar, as it prevents the skin around the incision site from being pulled upwards. Additionally, this technique helps create the athletic, natural-looking contours to the abdomen evident in Dr. Amaka’s before-and-after photos.
Explore More Tummy Tuck Insights with Amaka Aesthetics
In this heartfelt testimonial, a patient shares her transformative experience undergoing a tummy tuck and Lipo 360 from board-certified Nashville plastic surgeon Amaka Nwubah, MD. From initial consultation to post-op recovery, she opens up about her motivations, expectations, why she chose Dr. Amaka over another surgeon she was considering, and the emotional and physical impact of her procedure. Hear firsthand how Dr. Amaka’s expertise, compassion, and attention to detail helped her reclaim her confidence—and her body.
“Dr. Amaka is one of the most talented plastic surgeons I have had the pleasure of working with. Matter of fact, when I chose to have surgery I knew she was the surgeon for me. I had an abdominoplasty and lipo 360 performed by her and I am beyond pleased with the results. She is an amazing woman with such a kind heart. You can't go wrong choosing her as your surgeon.”
Tummy Tuck Before-and-After Results
What Can I Expect During Recovery from a Tummy Tuck?
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients should plan for a period of focused rest during the first one to two weeks. Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort are common initially and can be managed with prescribed medications and supportive garments. Usually, by weeks 2-3, patients are feeling a bit like themselves, and moving around with a bit more ease.
Early walking is encouraged to promote circulation, though heavy lifting and strenuous activity must be avoided for several weeks—particularly activities that strain the core. Patients are typically advised to avoid lifting small children during the early healing phase.
Most individuals return to non-strenuous work within two to three weeks, depending on the physical demands of their job. As swelling gradually subsides over several months, the abdominal contour should continue to refine and settle into its final shape. Swelling is typically resolved by 6 months to 1 year.
Exercise is allowed starting at week 3, but starts off very light with only light walking, keeping the heart rate at 120 or below. At weeks 3-6 exercise can progress, reaching a release of restrictions at week 6. Core exercise is allowed at 3 months.
Careful adherence to post-operative instructions and attendance at follow-up visits help support a smooth recovery and the potential for long-term results.
The Drainless Tummy Tuck
A Modern Approach to Abdominoplasty by Dr. Amaka
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is designed to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal contour by removing excess skin and tightening weakened abdominal muscles. Traditionally, this procedure required surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup during healing.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Amaka utilizes advanced surgical techniques that allow many patients to avoid drains altogether — without compromising safety or results.
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What Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?
A drainless tummy tuck uses progressive tension sutures (also called quilting sutures) to eliminate the space between the abdominal skin and underlying muscle. By carefully securing the tissue layers together during surgery, Dr. Amaka minimizes fluid accumulation — often removing the need for external drains in appropriate candidates.
This technique does not change the goal of surgery — it refines the healing process.
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Benefits of a Drainless Technique
- Increased Comfort
Drains can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Eliminating them allows for a smoother early recovery experience. - Lower Risk of Seroma
By closing down “dead space” with internal suturing, the risk of fluid collection is reduced. - Easier Postoperative Care
No drain management at home means fewer moving parts for you — and one less thing to worry about. - Earlier Mobility
Patients often feel more comfortable moving around sooner without drains attached. - Improved Contour Control
Progressive tension sutures also allow for more precise shaping and redraping of the abdominal skin.
- Increased Comfort
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Dr. Amaka’s Technique
During surgery, Dr. Amaka:
- Removes excess skin and fat
- Tightens the abdominal muscles when indicated
- Places a series of progressive tension sutures between the abdominal flap and abdominal wall
- Distributes tension evenly to support healing and reduce fluid buildup
- Closes the incision in meticulous layers to optimize scar quality
The result is a smoother abdominal contour — with a recovery process designed to be as comfortable as possible.
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Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Not every patient is a candidate for a drainless approach. Factors such as prior surgeries, body composition, and overall health influence surgical planning.
Dr. Amaka’s philosophy is simple: the technique should serve the patient — not the other way around. During your consultation, she will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine the safest, most effective approach for your outcome.
Because beautiful results matter — but so does how you heal.
How can a tummy tuck be Drainless?
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The precise cost of a tummy tuck can vary based on a variety of factors, including:
- The complexity of the treatment
- The addition of any complementary procedures, such as liposuction
- The addition of secondary procedures
- Prior surgeries
- Body Habitus
- Anesthesia cost
- Facility fees
- Any postoperative medications or garments
In general, our tummy tuck surgery starts at $18,000 and this does increase depending on whether liposuction is done, and how much liposuction is done. Our pricing is all inclusive, and includes garments, facility fees, anesthesia fees, as well as all postoperative visits, labs needed for surgery clearance, vitamins, supplies for surgery, and a visit to your home or hotel by one of our providers the day after your surgery.
Following a consultation with Dr. Amaka, our team can provide you with a personalized price quote that reflects your unique goals for treatment. To help make the cost of a tummy tuck as affordable as possible, our practice accepts a range of payment options, including third-party plastic surgery financing plans available for qualified applicants through companies such as CareCredit®, PatientFi®, and ALPHAEON® Credit.