Tummy Tuck Las Vegas - Abdominoplasty

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A tummy tuck with Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Samir Pancholi can help slim your waistline while boosting your confidence. This popular cosmetic surgery procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, helps shape the belly area by removing excess fat and skin, revealing a toned and contoured stomach and waist. It is a common body contouring procedure among both men and women that can also restore or strengthen weakened abdomen muscles.


Tummy tuck benefits

There a few different reasons you might desire to tighten your midsection. Perhaps you’ve tried every version of “get a flat stomach in 6 weeks” body sculpting regimen there is, but no matter how well you eat or how much you work out, you’ve still got a belly. Unfortunately, there are a few things that diet and exercise cannot address. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you might see if this popular procedure (whether a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck) is right for you.

“I love everything about this entire process… Dr. Pancholi is a magician with his magic hands. He did an amazing job with my tummy tuck. I also had Renuvion done on my back. The nurses and anesthesiologists were all amazing too. Thank you all for the incredible care you guys took with me. Thanks for making me feel safe and good about the decision of getting one. I just wish I would’ve gotten it done sooner.”
– Real 2023 tummy tuck patient of Dr. Pancholi

Tightening Abdominal Muscles after Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the muscles in the abdominal area naturally separate, a condition called diastasis recti. In many cases, they never return to the way they were. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many sit-ups you do; you just end up with strong, stretched-out abs instead of tight, flat abs with the waistline you desire. Some people have great genetics and their abs just seem to spring back without any sit-ups at all! For the rest of us, a tummy tuck might be the answer.

A tummy tuck is also typically one of several procedures in a full mommy makeover.

Tightening & Reshaping the Waist after Weight Loss

When you gain weight, fat can accumulate around your abdominal organs, which pushes on your abs from the inside and stretches them out. With significant weight loss, the fat shrinks, but the abs can be permanently stretched out. If this is you, a tummy tuck may help you get the flat abdomen you’re looking for by tightening the muscles and removing loose extra skin.

Eliminating Loose Skin

People who are mainly bothered by loose skin may also benefit from a tummy tuck. Instead of the abdominal muscles, the focus is placed on achieving smooth, tight skin and hopefully getting rid of some stretch marks. If the loose skin is limited to below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may suffice. If the loose skin is in the abdominal area above and below the belly button, a full tummy tuck will provide the best overall contour.

Many men love the numerous benefits tummy tucks can offer! Learn about Dr. Pancholi’s male tummy tuck.

  • Flatter, Firmer Abdominal Profile: A tummy tuck can significantly flatten and firm the abdomen, providing a more toned and contoured stomach area.
  • Removal of Excess Skin: Following significant weight loss or pregnancy, excess, sagging skin can be removed, which cannot be addressed through exercise alone.
  • Improved Body Contour: By removing excess skin and fat and tightening muscles, a tummy tuck can enhance the overall body contour and shape.
  • Reduction of Stretch Marks: While not a primary goal, a tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks located on the excess skin that is excised, particularly those below the navel.
  • Restoration of Weakened or Separated Muscles: The procedure can repair and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), often a result of pregnancy.
  • Boost in Self-Confidence: A flatter and firmer abdomen often leads to a significant boost in self-confidence and body image.
  • Improved Posture: Tightening of abdominal muscles can improve posture by supporting the spine, potentially alleviating some types of back pain.
  • Enhanced Comfort in Clothing: Clothes often fit and look better after a tummy tuck, especially form-fitting outfits and swimwear.
  • Motivation for a Healthy Lifestyle: The visible improvement in body shape can motivate individuals to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
  • Abdominoplasty: The medical term for a tummy tuck, a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the abdominal muscles.
  • Anesthesia: Medications used to prevent pain during surgery, which can be either general (inducing unconsciousness) or local (numbing a specific area).
  • Diastasis Recti: A condition often corrected during a tummy tuck, characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles, common after pregnancy.
  • Drainage Tubes: Tubes that may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site after a tummy tuck.
  • Excess Skin: Skin that has been stretched due to factors like weight loss or pregnancy and does not retract naturally, often removed during a tummy tuck.
  • Full Tummy Tuck: A comprehensive abdominoplasty procedure that addresses the entire abdominal area, including removing excess skin and fat and tightening muscles.
  • Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically in liquid form within the tissue, which can occur as a complication of surgical procedures like a tummy tuck.
  • Incision: A surgical cut made during procedures like a tummy tuck. The size and placement of the incision depend on the extent of the surgery.
  • Liposuction: A procedure that may be combined with a tummy tuck to remove excess fat from the abdomen and surrounding areas.
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: A less extensive version of abdominoplasty that focuses on the lower abdomen, with less scarring and a shorter recovery time than a full tummy tuck.
  • Muscle Tightening: A part of the tummy tuck procedure where loose or separated abdominal muscles are tightened to create a firmer abdomen.
  • Panniculus: A medical term for the apron of excess skin and fat that hangs over the waistline, often targeted in tummy tuck surgeries.
  • Seroma: A collection of fluid that can accumulate under the skin after surgery like a tummy tuck.
  • Skin Elasticity: The skin’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Loss of skin elasticity, often due to aging or significant weight changes, can be addressed in a tummy tuck.
  • Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to close incisions. In a tummy tuck, sutures are used to close the abdominal incision and may also be used to tighten muscles.
  • Swelling: A common post-operative symptom that occurs as the body heals from the surgery.

How much does tummy tuck surgery cost in Las Vegas?

The cost of tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas with Dr. Pancholi begins at $9,990. Your exact tummy tuck cost will depend on the extent of surgery needed to achieve your goals, and whether or not you are having additional procedures. You’ll receive an individualized fee quote at your consultation, and we also offer several convenient tummy tuck financing options as well as occasional specials to help you budget for your procedure costs.

Should I get an abdominoplasty?

An ideal candidate for this surgery is someone in good health and at a healthy and stable weight. Although most people have a goal weight in mind, this number should be achievable and maintained. Crash dieting to a too-low goal number will often result in rebounding back up to a weight that your lifestyle dictates.

A better approach may be to commit to a diet and exercise program that is realistic for you to maintain and can produce a stable weight. At that point, having an abdominoplasty will more likely result in you being able to return your diet and exercise program after surgery and hopefully lose a few more pounds rather than gaining weight and developing a look you may not like.

Video transcript

“Sometimes we get patients that are just not candidates for an abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck. So, who are they? One can be the person that has that beer belly, or they just have skin, no fat, and then really tight abs with a lot of fat behind there. They’re not a candidate for a tummy tuck because we just can’t bring the stomach muscles back together. Similarly, people that may not have that beer belly but just have a lot of fat inside under their abs are not a candidate.

And the reason is this: think of having a suitcase, a suitcase with a lot of clothes. You stuffed a lot of clothes in there, and it’s bulging up. You go and you push your hand down on that suitcase, and where does it go? It bulges all the way around the side. So, if you come in for a tummy tuck and I bring your abs together nice and tight while you’re asleep, that’s me putting my hand on the suitcase. What’s going to happen is that because we didn’t take any clothes out of this suitcase, your abs are now going to bulge sideways, and that can make you look very boxy or straight.

To avoid that, it really comes down to you becoming a candidate by weight loss, diet, and exercise or your friend. You want to go do that so you don’t end up undergoing a surgery and coming out with a result that you don’t like. You have a little bit more prep work to do. After doing that, come back, and we can get it right.”–Dr. Samir Pancholi

For women, it is best to be certain that you don’t want to have any more kids before surgery—tummy tuck surgery won’t hurt your pregnancy, but you also don’t want to unravel everything you just had surgery to correct.

Get details on what to expect with tummy tuck surgery & recovery

What do tummy tuck scars look like?

One of the most common questions we get about tummy tucks is “How long will the scar be?” You can estimate this at home by looking in the mirror. Determine where your skin starts to wrinkle or fold on each side of your abdomen. This will predict how long your scar will need to be to provide you with a smooth contour.

Abdominoplasty Incision Placement

The next most common question is “Where will it be?” Dr. Pancholi takes care to place tummy tuck incisions as low as possible, and with a gentle curve as it moves towards the sides, so resulting scars can easily be hidden beneath a swimsuit bottom. While good scar care is key for optimal fading, Dr. Pancholi can usually improve a less-than-satisfactory scar if needed.

If Dr. Pancholi is making an incision in the belly button (typically with a standard or extended tummy tuck), he will always aim to place incisions so that the scar will be hidden inside the belly button as your body heals. In fact, Dr. Pancholi goes one step further—he thoughtfully reshapes and repositions the belly button to ensure it looks beautiful and sits in the most natural location along your midsection after surgery.

Video transcript

“A lot of the incisions that we make afterwards require your care as well. With you taking care of them, using silicone sheeting on them, making sure that your clothes are not rubbing on it, keeping them out of the sun, all of those things are important to make sure that you get the best natural healing from your scar. If you still see something after about a year, you can go and do some lasering, and that can help make them just vanish from there.”Dr. Samir Pancholi

Tummy Tuck Surgery with a Real Patient: Sculpting a Beautiful Belly Button

Dr. Pancholi finishes a tummy tuck by sculpting and refining the belly button. Warning: Video contains graphic images of live surgeries. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Watch more tummy tuck videos from Dr. Pancholi

Do I need a full or a mini tummy tuck?

For those who have seen their abs come together well after pregnancy or weight loss, but who have a loose skin between the belly button and pubic area, a mini tummy tuck can help tighten that area, using a smaller incision than traditional abdominoplasty. No belly button scars are needed, and sagging skin can be dramatically improved. The advantage of this option is decreased scarring and relatively quick recovery. However, very little, if any, muscle or skin above the belly button is treated, so fewer patients are good candidates for this option.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tucks: Which is a better option for me?

If your abs are tight and you don’t have extra or loose skin, but rather, your concern is with addressing fat, liposuction might be the right option for you. Liposuction treats the fat layer between the skin and stomach muscles. It also works well for the individual who is not fluctuating in weight. Just like with a tummy tuck, the results of liposuction are better without weight gain.

Liposuction is regularly performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as a lipoabdominoplasty. Many people will have their waist and lower back contoured to have a sleek waistline all the way around their midsection, making that clingy shirt fit better in all the right places. Combining these procedures can also reduce tissue trauma during the procedure.

What are the benefits of liposuction with a tummy tuck?

Dr. Pancholi explains why a tummy tuck liposuction combination surgery can achieve an even better result for his patients. Warning: Video contains graphic images of live surgeries. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Watch more tummy tuck videos from Dr. Pancholi

About Your Las Vegas Tummy Tuck Process with Dr. Pancholi

A tummy tuck may be the best treatment option for you. At the same time it is important for you to have realistic expectations of the results and scars. Since abdominoplasty reshapes your muscles, the surgery and recovery require you to be in good health and have patience. The dramatic improvements in how your clothes fit and flatter you, as well as the confidence boost you are likely to experience, are worth it. With proper expectations, a tummy tuck can be a very rewarding surgical journey.

We start at your initial tummy tuck consultation

During the initial tummy tuck consultation at our practice in Las Vegas, Dr. Pancholi will do a full evaluation to determine which treatment will be best for you. Dr. Pancholi will take the time to discuss and understand your expectations and determine if your goals are realistic for your surgery. Depending on your condition and goals, you may not need to undergo a tummy tuck procedure. VASER liposuction, performed on its own, may create the best result. Dr. Pancholi will discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation. He and his team of staff are here to make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk through the doors of our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery center.

If you have medical conditions as diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, use nicotine products, have a family history of blood clots, or take certain medications, etc., you can be at an increased risk of complications. It is important for you to thoroughly disclose your medical history so these items can be evaluated and appropriately addressed prior to surgery.

Watch Dr. Pancholi perform a tummy tuck step by step in our video library

How to prepare for your upcoming surgery with Dr. Pancholi

You will know how to prepare for your surgery as you will receive guidelines and instructions on what to eat and drink. You will also learn which vitamins and medications are acceptable to take, on consultation day. We highly recommend Vita-Medica’s Recovery Support Program. This one month nutritional supplement kit is specifically designed to speed surgical wound healing, support the immune system and minimize inflammation while it reduces bruising.

For patients that smoke, it is crucial that you plan to quit at least four weeks before your abdominoplasty; you should also not smoke at least four weeks after your procedure. As your body’s healing ability can be affected, it is important not to go on a strict diet before surgery. Should you develop an infection or cold of any sort, be sure to let Dr. Pancholi know as soon as possible. Your surgery may need to be postponed.

You should arrange for someone to drive you home, as well as arrange for someone to take care of you about one to two days after surgery. Some patients prefer to recover in an aftercare center, while others prefer to heal at home.

Download our basic tummy tuck post-op instructions

Tummy Tuck Recovery

What will I look like during and after recovery?

Initially tummy tuck patients’ results are difficult to see because of the swelling. Over the first week after surgery, the swelling will improve and you will start to see more and more shape. Once the recovery is complete you will see a flatter, more defined and toned abdomen. If your new shape is maintained with ongoing diet and exercise, long lasting results are possible. View photos of real patients’ tummy tuck results.
Before & After View Patient Results & Save Your Favorites > Tummy Tuck Before and After Gallery

Getting your life back to normal after a tummy tuck

Recovery after any surgical procedure will take time as your body heals, and you may not feel like yourself again for a few weeks or a few months. However, if you are in good physical condition and have strong abdominal muscles, recovering from a this surgery can be much swifter. While many patients are not able to return to work for about three weeks, some find they are able to return to work after two weeks. Typically, it takes about five to seven days to start driving again.

Even if you are just getting up and walking around the house, exercise in some form is very important to your recovery after an abdominoplasty. Not only will it help you heal better; it can reduce swelling, tone your muscles, and lower the chance of blood clots. Patients should typically avoid vigorous exercise, including lifting objects over 10 pounds, for four to six weeks, unless you are cleared by Dr. Pancholi.

How will my scars heal after a tummy tuck?

Scars, for some patients, may appear dark during the first 3 to 6 months as they heal. This is normal. You should expect it to take about 9 months to a year for your surgical scars to flatten out and lighten in color. They will never disappear completely; however, abdominal surgical scars are placed in a discreet location (under the pubic line), so it is not noticeable under most clothing or bathing suits. Additionally, a skincare treatment, such as microneedling, could help boost the scar healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair it with other procedures or treatments?

Yes, an abdominoplasty can, and often is, be combined with other procedures or treatments for more comprehensive body contouring. Common pairings include liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or mommy makeover. Combining procedures can sometimes reduce overall recovery time compared to having the surgeries separately, but it also increases operative time and may present more risks. If you are interested in combining an additional surgical procedure with your tummy tuck, you can discuss your options with Dr. Pancholi during a personal consultation.

Will I be put under anesthesia?

During a tummy tuck surgery, you will typically be put under general anesthesia. This ensures that you are unconscious and do not feel pain during the procedure. Dr. Pancholi works only with highly trained board certified MD anesthesiologists for your safety.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr. Pancholi performs all cosmetic surgery procedures in his fully accredited private, in-office surgical suite that meets the highest standards for patient safety. Dr. Pancholi also has full admitting and surgical privileges for all of the cosmetic procedures he performs at Spring Valley Hospital, located about 3 miles from our office.

Will pregnancy affect my results?

Yes, pregnancy after an abdominoplasty can alter or reverse the results of the surgery, as the abdominal wall and skin will stretch. Many cosmetic surgeons recommend that women wait until they are finished having children before undergoing a tummy tuck to maintain the long-term results of the procedure. If you are planning on getting pregnant post-surgery, it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation process to understand the implications and get personalized advice.

Does a tummy tuck get rid of fat?

A tummy tuck primarily targets excess skin and repairs weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal area, rather than focusing on removing fat. However, some fat located under the excess skin may be removed in the process. For patients with larger deposits of fat, liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to enhance the contouring effects. Dr. Pancholi can help you determine which procedure, or a combination of both, can help you achieve your desired goals.

References »

Tummy tuck. American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Shermak MA. Abdominoplasty with Combined Surgery. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2020 Jul;47(3):365-377. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2020.02.001.

Pollock TA, Pollock H. Progressive tension sutures in abdominoplasty: a review of 597 consecutive cases. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2012 Aug;32(6):729-42. doi: 10.1177/1090820X12452294. 

Luis H. Macias, Edwin Kwon, Daniel J. Gould, Michelle A. Spring, W. Grant Stevens, Decrease in Seroma Rate After Adopting Progressive Tension Sutures Without Drains: A Single Surgery Center Experience of 451 Abdominoplasties Over 7 Years, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 36, Issue 9, October 2016, Pages 1029–1035, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw040

Learn more at a consultation with Dr. Pancholi

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Pancholi at his practice in Las Vegas to learn more about this life-changing body contouring procedure. This will give you a chance to go over all your options with a qualified, knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon with over a decade of abdominoplasty experience. Plus, you can learn more about other solutions, including further improving your body shape with breast augmentation or liposuction. Our staff are here to answer any questions you may have on the phone or in-person.

Contact us for a consultation today!

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