Tummy Tuck in Nashville

Office Located in Brentwood, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have loose abdominal skin, weakened or separated abdominal muscles (often after pregnancy or significant weight loss), and stubborn lower belly fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, in good general health, and don’t smoke. At Cool Springs Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, TN, Dr. John Moore and Dr. Konrad Sarosiek evaluate medical history, body composition, and aesthetic goals during consultation to determine if abdominoplasty is right for you.

What’s the difference between a mini and full tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck addresses loose skin and fat below the belly button only, with a shorter scar and faster recovery — best for patients with limited lower-abdomen laxity. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen above and below the navel, repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and removes more excess skin. Most post-pregnancy patients benefit from a full tummy tuck because muscle repair is typically needed. Your CSPS surgeon will recommend which approach matches your anatomy.

How long is tummy tuck recovery?

Most tummy tuck patients return to desk work in 2 weeks, light exercise around 4-6 weeks, and full activity (including core workouts) around 8 weeks post-surgery. Compression garments are worn for several weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Final results typically settle around 3-6 months as residual swelling resolves. CSPS provides detailed post-op instructions and follow-up appointments at our Brentwood TN surgical center to support your recovery at every stage.

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

A tummy tuck removes any stretch marks located on the skin that’s excised during surgery — typically the lower abdomen between the belly button and pubic area. Stretch marks above the belly button or on the upper abdomen will remain unless they fall within the area of skin removal. During your consultation at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will mark the planned incision area so you can see which stretch marks will likely be eliminated.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, often permanent, as long as you maintain a stable weight and don’t have additional pregnancies after surgery. Significant weight gain or pregnancy can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again, potentially undoing some of the surgical results. Most patients enjoy their tummy tuck outcome for many years or decades. CSPS recommends completing your family before considering abdominoplasty for the most durable results.

Can I have a tummy tuck after a C-section?

Yes — a tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures for women who have had C-sections. In many cases, the existing C-section scar can be incorporated into the tummy tuck incision, leaving you with one scar instead of two. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after a C-section before having a tummy tuck. Dr. Moore and Dr. Sarosiek evaluate scar position and tissue healing during your CSPS consultation in Brentwood, TN.

Will I have a visible scar after a tummy tuck?

Yes, a tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar low on the abdomen, typically positioned to be hidden by underwear and most swimwear. The scar starts thin and red, then fades and flattens significantly over 12-18 months. Most patients find the trade-off worthwhile given the dramatic improvement in abdominal contour. CSPS surgeons use precise closure techniques and provide detailed scar care instructions to help your scar heal as discreetly as possible.

When can I exercise after a tummy tuck?

Walking is encouraged within the first few days to support circulation and recovery. Light cardio (stationary bike, easy walking) typically resumes around 4 weeks. Strength training, core exercises, and high-impact activity are usually cleared around 6-8 weeks post-op. Returning to exercise too early risks complications and can compromise muscle repair results. Your CSPS care team provides specific clearance based on your healing progress at each follow-up appointment.

Overview

Flatter, Firmer Results with a Nashville Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of our most transformative body contouring procedures. Patients from across Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood choose Cool Springs Plastic Surgery to address excess skin, stubborn fat, and weakened abdominal muscles that often persist after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?

You may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if you are in good health but struggle with:

  • Loose or sagging abdominal skin

  • Diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles)

  • Diet-resistant fat pockets in the midsection

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to firm and smooth your abdomen. For those in search of a quality tummy tuck in Nashville and the greater Nashville area, Cool Springs Plastic Surgery is an ideal option.

We have been voted as a Top Cosmetic Practice in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin and Mt. Juliet, and our skilled surgeons have years of experience creating amazing tummy tuck results for our patients.

During the procedure, excess skin and fat are surgically removed, and the muscles of the abdomen are tightened. A tummy tuck is also effective in the reduction of stretch marks, although not all stretch marks can be eliminated. This operation is directed toward abdominal improvement and contouring and does not in any way guarantee total removal of all folds and stretch marks.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

This is the most-often-asked question, and the answer is impossible to predict. Factors affecting the answer include your age at the time of the operation, your physical conditioning afterward, your skin type and future alterations in weight. As with most other procedures, a sensible exercise regimen will help you maintain your goals after surgery.

Are You a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.

The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which occurs frequently with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Many patients are ideal candidates for a technique called the mini tummy tuck. Also known as a partial abdominoplasty, the mini tummy tuck is less invasive and offers a shorter recovery time. It focuses specifically on contouring the lower abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Before & Afters

Before Tummy Tuck Nashville
After Tummy Tuck Nashville

Results May Vary

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Real Patient Testimonials

Dr. Moore is a great ps his whole staff is so nice and helpful they make you feel very comfortable and like u can ask anything and at anytime. I was so satisfied with my outcome and treatment from everyone there. I wasn’t nervous I trusted his 20 yrs experience and my friend was very satisfied with him. I couldn’t be happier!

– Anonymous

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Your Consultation

At the time of your consultation, you will meet with your chosen board-certified surgeon who will talk with you about your goals and the best way to achieve your desired outcomes. Our goal is to make sure every one of your questions is answered and you feel comfortable with your knowledge of the procedure. Looking at tummy tuck before and after photos will help you understand the results that can be achieved.

In your initial consultation, one of our doctors will evaluate your health, discuss your medical history, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and carefully assess your skin tone. They will review your goals and make recommendations based on their evaluation. The techniques used in the tummy tuck procedure will be described in detail, and informational materials will be provided. Be sure to notify him if you smoke or if you’re taking any medications, vitamins or other drugs.

We have three Patient Care Coordinators who work closely with you through your entire time in our practice, serving as your resource for any questions or concerns you have along the way. After your time talking to the surgeon, your Patient Coordinator will provide you with a detailed, written estimate of surgical fees for your procedure when you have your initial consultation at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery in Nashville, Tennessee.

Your Patient Care Coordinator will assist you in selecting a date for your surgery, convenient for your schedule. She will also inform you about all payment options available in our office. Information regarding “Payment Options” are detailed under the “About” tab at the top of our web page.

To learn more about tummy tucks and what we can do for you, please contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Nashville?

Tummy tuck pricing varies based on the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, we provide a transparent, written estimate tailored to your specific surgical plan. Contact us to setup a consultation for a personalized quote.

What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

Most patients return to light activity within 2 weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks to ensure proper healing.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, it is very common to combine a tummy tuck in Nashville with liposuction for enhanced contouring. Many patients also choose to incorporate it into a Mommy Makeover in Nashville to address the breasts and midsection simultaneously. For patients looking to combine abdominal tightening with breast enhancement, we invite you to explore our Mommy Makeover Nashville options.

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

For patients with concern limited to the area below the navel, a mini tummy tuck in Nashville may be an ideal alternative to a full abdominoplasty. This procedure uses a smaller incision to tighten the lower abdominal wall and remove excess skin without repositioning the belly button.

Our surgeons also specialize in diastasis recti repair in Nashville, restoring the abdominal wall muscles that often separate during pregnancy or weight changes. During your consultation, we will determine if a mini or full approach is best for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Does a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?

Yes. One of the most significant benefits of a full abdominoplasty is the surgical repair of diastasis recti. During the procedure, your surgeon will tighten the internal abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis) that have been stretched or separated due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This muscle repair is what restores the internal “corset” of the abdomen, providing a flatter result and improved core strength that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve.

Tummy Tuck Surgery: What to Expect

Before a Tummy Tuck: PRE-OPERATIVE

Do not eat any food or drink after midnight on the evening before surgery (unless directed to take certain medications by your Patient Coordinator). You may shower the morning of your procedure, but do not apply deodorant, creams, lotions, powders or oil to your skin. Please do not wear jewelry or makeup, and do not bring valuables with you to surgery.

In most cases, surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. However, each patient’s circumstances and extent of the surgery goals will dictate whether the procedure is in our outpatient. The surgery will typically last two to five hours but can be longer. An adult should escort you on the day of surgery and remain with you at home for the first 24 hours.

After a Tummy Tuck: POST-OPERATIVE

Immediately after surgery, you will be fitted in a garment designed to compress the areas of tummy tuck. This is to be worn during tummy tuck recovery and must not be removed until directed by the doctor. Furthermore, since it is designed to compress the skin, you should not attempt to loosen the garment.

Afterward, you may sleep and rest in any comfortable position. Rest quietly for 24 hours following surgery; when you get up, do so slowly, as you may feel lightheaded. You will experience some discomfort, but this can be relieved with pain medication. It is also common to experience drainage from your incisions the first night after surgery. Do not remove the garment until instructed to do so by the doctor. You are encouraged to take short walks in your home and to take frequent deep breaths.

Expect some discoloration and swelling in the surgery area. Risks of the procedure are low but include blood clots, infection, bleeding under the skin flap, poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss, and the possible need for a second surgery. Blood clots can occur in the legs and if dislodged to the heart could be fatal.

You might find that, due to swelling, the sites appear larger than before. Don’t panic! Shrinkage and skin tightening begin after about four weeks, continuing slowly over six months. You should be able to return to work within one to three weeks and participate in more strenuous activities in four to six weeks.

Post-Op Instructions

Tummy Tuck Cost

When you have your initial consultation at Cool Springs Plastic Surgery, you will be able to learn more about the price of abdominoplasty surgery. Your Patient Coordinator will provide you with a detailed written estimate of fees for your procedure. Your “Estimate of Surgical Fees” will include: surgeon’s fee, operating room and the anesthesiologist’s fee. We offer financing through CareCredit to help with tummy tuck cost.

Contact Us for Your Informative Consultation

Contact Cool Springs Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and find out more about getting a tummy tuck in Nashville. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.