Tummy Tuck
Stubborn stomach fat and excess skin can be frustrating, especially if you have recently achieved significant weight loss or given birth.
Dr. Stephen P. Hardy can perform an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, to tone your midsection by removing excess fat and skin.
Learn how this procedure has helped improve the lives of our patients in the greater Missoula, MT, region...
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that specifically focuses on the waist and stomach. During the surgery, we remove excess fat and tighten loose skin, giving you a smoother, firmer midsection. Our patients throughout Montana often choose to combine their tummy tuck with additional cosmetic surgeries like liposuction, arm lift, and breast augmentation to achieve more dramatic results.
"Dr. Steve Hardy and his staff are top notch" Why Our Missoula Area Patients Rely on Us for Their Care
Gayle Butler
2020
Dr. Steve Hardy and his staff are top notch. I have been a patient of Dr. Hardy’s for over ten years...He is a perfectionist and a kind and caring man. When I walk into his office I know I will always be taken care of.
View on GoogleErin
2018
Great place, great experience & great surgeon. I highly recommended Dr. Hardy.
View on GoogleDr. Hardy Discusses Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck at our Missoula cosmetic surgery practice is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen area. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, can benefit patients who have a sagging abdomen caused by multiple pregnancies or massive weight loss. A tummy tuck can create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile, but it’s not a substitute for weight loss.
Why do patients trust our Montana practice with their cosmetic surgery?
A Reputation for Excellence in Plastic Surgery
Dr. Hardy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience helping patients enhance the way they look and feel. With an Ivy League education from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Hardy has exceptional training in the field and maintains the highest quality standards. Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates is a safe and welcoming environment for patients throughout Montana and beyond. Our goal is to provide the expert help you need to achieve the figure you desire and live a better quality of life. Begin your transformation today by scheduling a consultation at our Missoula-area practice. You can reach us online, or by calling:
(406) 728-3811
Highly Recommended by our Patients
Krystina Beach
2020
Love Dr. Hardy and his staff! They’re all very friendly and knowledgeable. I always know I’m in great hands when I’m there. Best plastic surgeon!
View on GoogleJessica Mumm
2020
Dr. Hardy and all the staff are wonderful! It was a comfortable, informative, & great experience. Dr. Hardy’s work is amazing!
View on GoogleTummy Tuck Surgery Techniques
Our plastic surgery practice serving patients in the greater Missoula area offers different types of abdominoplasty depending on your needs. Read more about your treatment options:
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the portion of the stomach above the pubic area and below the belly button. This is a less extensive version of a full tummy tuck, designed for patients with relatively minor amounts of fat, excess skin, and muscle laxity. The surgery involves a smaller incision across the bikini line and can be performed with liposuction to target more fat tissue.
A full tummy tuck involves an incision along the bikini line that extends from hip to hip, and in some cases involves a second incision around the belly button. This technique removes excess skin in both the upper and lower stomach, and repairs separated abdominal muscles. While a full tummy tuck requires a lengthier recovery period than other variations, the procedure addresses a larger portion of the midsection.
An extended tummy tuck addresses the upper and lower stomach as well as the flanks and lower back. Our plastic surgeon makes a larger incision that extends from the hips to the back to access the entire midsection and tighten the waistline. The best candidates for extended tummy tucks have a larger amount of fat and loose skin, and significant muscle laxity.
Is a Tummy Tuck A Weight Loss Procedure?
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No, a tummy tuck is not a method for weight loss.
Think of your tummy tuck as the final touches on a successful weight loss journey.
It will refine, smooth, and tighten the area, but only after you are within a few pounds of your goal weight.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Our Montana patients considering abdominoplasty will first meet with our plastic surgeon to explore their candidacy. We take several factors into consideration before determining if treatment is right for you:
Health
As with any type of plastic surgery, patients need to be in good overall health to reduce the risk of complications. The best candidates have a body-mass index in the normal range, do not suffer from any serious illnesses, and are non-smokers.
Life Plans
We do not recommend abdominoplasty for patients who plan to have children in the future. Significant weight fluctuation and pregnancy can reverse the effects of the surgery and compromise your long-term cosmetic results.
Lifestyle
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for diet and exercise. It is designed for body enhancement if natural methods fail to achieve your goals. Patients should be at a stable weight that is close to their ultimate goal, and commit themselves to a healthy lifestyle.
Receive an Individualized Treatment Plan At Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates
Each body is different — which means each treatment should be different too.
Our surgeon, Dr. Hardy, believes in the individualized approach, tailoring your care to fit your specific needs.
He can discuss combining other surgeries with your abdominoplasty, like lifts or breast procedures, so that you can refine your appearance with a single surgical plan.
To form your individualized assessment plan, contact our Missoula area office or call
(406) 728-3811
Your Cosmetic Surgery Timeline
All patients will receive care directly from Dr. Hardy. While every cosmetic surgery is uniquely tailored to the patient's individual needs and goals, these are general steps you can expect during an abdominoplasty:
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Our Helena and Missoula-area patients will need to take at least two weeks off from work to rest following their plastic surgery. Dr. Hardy will provide you with detailed instructions to prevent complications. These will include:
- Emptying your drainage tube approximately two to three times per day.
- Changing bandages throughout the day as needed to ensure hygienic conditions.
- Drinking eight to 16 glasses of water per day.
- Ceasing showering for two to three days or as instructed.
- Ceasing smoking or using tobacco products.
Refrain from anything more than light activity for about six to eight weeks, and do not resume exercise until you are cleared by the doctor. Be patient and remember it can take up to a year for swelling to completely subside. Patients who follow proper recovery guidelines and commit themselves to a healthy lifestyle can enjoy their results for years to come.
Can I Drive Myself Home After My Abdominoplasty?
No, you cannot. Because it is a surgery and because you will have been sedated under general anesthesia for your comfort, you will not be able to drive.
Instead, you should have a trusted friend or family member drive you to the procedure. Once it is complete and you are cleared to go home, they will also have to drive you back. Then, it's time to enjoy some much-deserved rest.
Abdominoplasty Costs
The cost of a tummy tuck at our practice starts at $5,500 to $12,000, depending on the specifics of your individual case. To learn more, visit our surgeon, Dr. Hardy, for a consultation at one of our two Missoula-area offices.
5-Star Reviews from Our Patients
LaVerna Munro
2019
The best you will find , compassionate and highly skilled. Don’t bother leaving Montana to find another. Dr Hardy is the best.
View on GoogleK Shoe
2018
The staff is very friendly and professional! I would recommend their facility to all of my friends and family! :D
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