Tummy Tuck Baltimore
Tummy Tuck
You Can Achieve
The Shape You Want To See
After losing a significant amount of weight, having a baby or simply due to the natural aging process, loose skin and muscle tissue in the abdominal area can be detrimental to your self-confidence. For this reason, many women and men choose our Baltimore practice for a tummy tuck to flatten and sculpt this common trouble spot.
Save $50 on your consultation (regularly $150), or call us at (410) 740-9330. Please note, this discount cannot be applied to procedures covered by insurance, only applies to cosmetic consults, and is valid for new patients only. For existing patients, please contact us online or call the office for an appointment.
Why Get a Tummy Tuck?
There are many reasons why our patients choose to get a tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. Following pregnancy or significant weight loss from bariatric surgery, weight loss medications or through diet and exercise, many people are left with excess abdominal skin that won’t “snap back” into place. In some cases, particularly after having a baby, abdominal muscles can become weakened or separated, creating a permanent belly pooch, no matter how much you diet or exercise.
In these instances, a tummy tuck can help you achieve a firmer, flatter stomach and a smoother, more balanced body shape by addressing both excess skin and separated muscle tissue.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
While a tummy tuck can help to fine-tune your results after weight loss, it isn’t a replacement for traditional weight loss efforts. Thus, the best candidates for a tummy tuck will already be at or close to their target weight.
Additionally, those considering a tummy tuck should:
- Be in good overall health.
- Be done having children.
- Not smoke or be willing to quit prior to surgery.
- Have realistic expectations about their results.
Dr. Eric Chang
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Dr. Jessica Wang
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She is devoted to excellent results.
DR. ERIC CHANG
A Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chang combines refined surgical techniques with compassionate patient care in performing cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
DR. JESSICA WANG
A graduate of Duke and University of Virginia, Dr. Wang is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. She is devoted to excellent results.
Your Consultation
Your tummy tuck consultation at Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is just that – your consultation. It is your time to have all of your questions and concerns answered and addressed. We truly want your visit to be comfortable and informative, and any decision you might make regarding a tummy tuck to be based on the facts and made for the right reasons – yours.
At your consultation, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will assess the amount of excess skin and fatty tissue around your abdomen, as well as its overall tone. You’ll learn how the 2- to 3-hour body contouring procedure is performed, the differences between a full abdominoplasty and a mini-abdominoplasty and whether or not your tummy tuck can be enhanced by liposuction. You will also be fully informed about recovery, scarring and risks. Our staff can discuss the cost of a tummy tuck at your consultation and provide a detailed price quote if requested.
Before & After Gallery
See some of our many happy patients who have achieved excellent results through cosmetic surgery.
Tummy Tuck Options
Your tummy tuck surgery will be custom-tailored to meet your specific needs and cosmetic goals. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will go over in detail your various surgical options and help you create a customized plan just for you. Some of the most popular abdominoplasty options are outlined below.
Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini version of a tummy tuck appeals to many patients because it leaves a shorter scar. However, mini tummy tucks aren’t the right solution for everyone. If you have loose skin and tissue both above and below your belly button, you will likely benefit more from a full tummy tuck vs. a mini tummy tuck.
On the other hand, if your loose tissue is confined to the area below your belly button, a mini tuck may be an option to give you the results you’re looking for with a shorter procedure, recovery time and resulting scar. Our goal is to provide you with your best possible results, so your plastic surgeon will recommend the option that best suits your needs.
Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
In most cases, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck to enhance the final result. Many women and men considering abdominoplasty are also interested in adding liposuction to also address stubborn pockets of fat that have not responded well to diet and exercise alone. Liposuction of the abdomen, hips, thighs and other areas of the body can typically be included in a single surgery, along with your tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck with a Mommy Makeover
Some women choose to include a tummy tuck in a customized group of procedures called a mommy makeover. A mommy makeover often includes procedures aimed at addressing cosmetic concerns in the abdomen and breasts – two areas that are most affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Some of the most common procedures included in a mommy makeover are abdominoplasty, liposuction and breast enhancement procedures like a breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction. However, this surgery can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss
If you have experienced massive weight loss, a tummy tuck combined with a lower body lift or other body contouring procedures may be the most effective solution for improving loose skin. Like a mommy makeover, post-weight-loss plastic surgery is a customizable procedure that can address specific areas of your body based on your individual needs. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will carefully assess areas of loose skin and help you create a customized treatment plan designed to meet your goals.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Each tummy tuck is different, and the specifics of your surgery will depend on a variety of factors, including your natural anatomy and whether or not you are including other procedures at the same time. That said, most abdominoplasty surgeries follow a similar course.
First, your surgeon will make an incision that runs horizontally across the abdomen. The incision is placed just above the pubic area, so the resulting scar is well-hidden under clothing and swimwear. Your plastic surgeon then removes excess fat using liposuction and surgically tightens loose or damaged abdominal muscles. Excess skin is cut away, and remaining skin is repositioned for a smooth, taut contour. In some cases, your belly button may be repositioned for a natural-looking placement and an attractive appearance.
Enliven & Refresh
Learn how a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures in a mommy makeover, a transformative procedure that provides comprehensive results.
Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
After a tummy tuck, most patients return home the same day. You will need to have an adult drive you home and help care for you for the first day or two. If you have young children, arrange for help with their care for at least the first week after your tummy tuck. It’s important to get plenty of rest at this time and allow your body to heal.
Although you will not be able to stand completely upright initially, it’s important to take short, light walks at least a few times a day to reduce the risk of blood clots. You will need to wear a compression garment, called an abdominal binder, to minimize swelling and bruising and to provide support. You should wear this garment as much as possible for the first 6 weeks or so, except while bathing. Surgical drains may be in place for about a week to reduce fluid accumulation. You can manage any discomfort with prescription medicine.
Tummy tuck recovery is different for every patient, but most people plan to take a few weeks off work to recover. Within about 10 days to 2 weeks, you should be able to stand fully upright and be ready to drive and return to a non-strenuous job. Most patients can return to their regular exercise routine after 6 weeks. It’s important not to resume any activities before you feel fully ready. By taking it easy and allowing your body to heal, you’re doing your part to ensure your recovery is uneventful and your outcome is beautiful.
Tummy Tuck Results
While you’ll notice a difference in your body shape right away, tummy tuck results continue to unfold gradually over time. Initial swelling and bruising are most prominent during the first few weeks, but these effects will gradually improve over time, revealing a flatter, firmer midsection.
Most people begin to see a noticeable difference in their appearance within the first 4 to 6 weeks after getting a tummy tuck, though it can take 6 months or more for your final results to fully develop and all residual swelling to diminish.
As long as you continue to eat right and exercise regularly, your tummy tuck results can be long-lasting, helping you enjoy a slimmer, more sculpted silhouette for years to come. Keep in mind that scars will continue to fade for up to a year or more, becoming less noticeable with time.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Baltimore?
The cost of a tummy tuck in Baltimore can vary widely depending on the specifics of your surgery. For example, a tummy tuck on its own is a less complicated procedure than a tummy tuck included in a mommy makeover with several other procedures. After discussing your goals and creating a customized treatment plan during your consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to give you a more accurate tummy tuck cost estimate. We are also happy to go over our financing options with you if you are interested in learning more.
Will insurance cover the cost of a tummy tuck?
Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, as they are an elective surgery. In some rare cases, some insurance plans may cover all or part of an abdominoplasty surgery if it is deemed medically necessary.
How much weight can I lose from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, and it’s not a good match for people who are significantly overweight. Although you will lose a nominal amount of weight simply due to the removal of fat and skin, the surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. A tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for a person who is close to his or her goal weight but who has sagging abdominal skin and tissue that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
How is a tummy tuck different from liposuction of the abdomen?
Liposuction is often done in conjunction with a tummy tuck at our Baltimore-area practice, but they can also be performed separately. Liposuction of the abdomen removes pockets of stubborn fat, but it does not address excess or stretched skin. In addition to removing excess fat from the midsection, a tummy tuck also tightens the abdominal muscles and reduces loose, hanging skin. When combined into one surgery, these individual components create a harmonious result.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy after tummy tuck is safe, but we advise against it. The changes the body undergoes during pregnancy can alter the results of a tummy tuck, potentially necessitating revision surgery. If possible, we recommend putting off a tummy tuck until you’re finished having children.
Will a tummy tuck affect my tattoo?
Because the surgery removes and repositions loose skin, it is possible that an abdominal tattoo would be affected. If this is a concern, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang may be able to adjust the surgical technique to minimize this possibility.
What disqualifies you from a tummy tuck?
Dr. Chang and Dr. Wang will determine your candidacy for a tummy tuck based on a number of factors. Generally speaking, however, a very high BMI, having certain preexisting health conditions or current tobacco use may disqualify you from getting a tummy tuck.
How long is the typical recovery after a tummy tuck?
Most patients return to light activity in 2 weeks and resume normal routines in 4–6 weeks, depending on individual healing.
Trending Tummy Tuck Topics
- What Are Realistic Expectations for a Tummy Tuck: Understand what it means to have realistic expectations about your tummy tuck results and decide if this procedure could be right for you.
- Can You Have Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss? Understand when you might be ready to consider body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck following significant weight loss.
- The Increasing Popularity of Body Contouring After Weight Loss: Why are so many people interested in post-weight-loss plastic surgery, anyway? Learn more about how body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty can help men and women regain their self-confidence after achieving a major weight loss milestone.
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Tummy Tuck Baltimore – Top Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeons
Life events such as pregnancy, weight changes, or aging can leave behind stretched skin and weakened abdominal muscles. Even with consistent exercise, these concerns often remain. At Columbia Aesthetic in Baltimore, a tummy tuck offers a solution by tightening the core and restoring a smoother, firmer midsection.
Why Consider a Tummy Tuck?
Patients often choose this procedure for both physical and emotional reasons. Common motivations include:
- Removing loose or sagging skin after pregnancy or weight loss
- Repairing abdominal muscles separated by pregnancy
- Creating a flatter, more toned stomach area
- Improving clothing fit and overall body balance
Our Approach to Abdominoplasty
Every tummy tuck is designed around the individual. Dr. Chang and the team take time to understand each patient’s goals before crafting a plan. Their approach includes:
- A comprehensive consultation to assess skin, muscle tone, and lifestyle
- Tailored techniques to achieve natural-looking contours
- An emphasis on safety, precision, and long-lasting outcomes
- Continuous support before, during, and after surgery
The Tummy Tuck Journey
Patients appreciate knowing what to expect at each stage:
- Consultation – Discussion of goals, health history, and surgical options.
- Customized Plan – Selection of technique, incision placement, and recovery plan.
- Surgery – Performed in our accredited facility with meticulous attention to detail.
- Recovery – Structured aftercare and follow-up visits to monitor healing and results.
What Results Look Like
The outcome of a tummy tuck is more than cosmetic. Patients often describe standing taller, feeling stronger, and gaining renewed confidence in daily life. The smoother contour not only enhances appearance but also supports comfort in movement and dress.
Take the First Step
If a firmer, flatter stomach is something you’ve been considering, our Baltimore tummy tuck specialists are here to guide you. From consultation to recovery, you’ll receive expert care designed to help you feel confident in your body again.
Written By: Dr. Eric Chang
Few plastic surgeons offer Dr. Eric Chang’s rare blend of impressive credentials and genuine compassion. After becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, he returned to his home state and established Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
More about Dr. Eric Chang | Last Reviewed: December 19th, 2025
