Tummy Tuck

You’ll be fully asleep during the procedure so that you won’t feel anything. Afterward, you might feel a bit tender, swollen, and bruised, but that’s normal. Most people find the pain pretty bearable and can ease it with medication and a compression garment. The worst of it usually fades after the first few days.

First, you’ll meet with Dr. Buck to chat about what you want to achieve, how the surgery works, and what recovery looks like. After the surgery, you’ll come back for a follow-up about a week later to check how you’re healing and remove any stitches. Then, you’ll have a few more check-ins to ensure everything goes smoothly. Most patients will see Dr. Buck a few times over the first month or so as they heal, but the exact number can depend on your recovery.

You’ll notice some changes right after surgery, but the full results will take a few months to show up. Swelling will hang around for a little while, so it’s all about letting your body heal. After a few weeks, you’ll start to see the new shape coming together, but give it around six months for everything to settle into place.

When it comes to scarring, the incision is typically made low on your abdomen, just above the bikini line, so it’s easy to hide under most clothes or swimwear. It’s normal for the scar to be visible at first, but as it heals, it’ll fade and blend into your skin. Following your doctor’s aftercare tips can help make sure it heals well and stays as subtle as possible. Everyone’s skin heals differently, but you’ll likely notice it becoming much less noticeable with time. So, no need to stress—your scar will become just another part of your fresh, new look.

After your tummy tuck, taking it easy for a bit is important. You’ll need to skip the intense workouts for about six weeks, but don’t worry, you can still get moving with light walking early to keep the blood flowing and help with swelling. Once Dr. Buck clears you, after 6 weeks, you can slowly ease back into more intense stuff—like running or hitting the gym—but listen to your body and go at your own pace. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your normal routine, feeling stronger and more confident than ever.

You can totally mix things up and combine your tummy tuck with other procedures for the perfect look. Whether you want liposuction to tackle stubborn areas, a breast lift to complete your figure, or something else to boost your confidence, Dr. Buck can help create a custom plan for you. It’s all about getting the results you want in the most efficient way while giving you that fresh, confident feel.

The usual concerns are infection, scarring, or blood clots, but with proper care and following the recovery plan, you’ll be set for smooth healing. There’s also a small chance of complications with anesthesia or your body’s healing process, but Dr. Buck’s expertise covers them all. She’ll make sure you feel confident every step of the way so you can focus on looking and feeling your best!

Start by researching several different board-certified plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area, like Dr. Buck, who’s known for her experience and focus on patient care. As you search, look for someone who specializes in body contouring and tummy tuck procedures. After that, take a peek at before-and-after photos of their past patients—this will give you a sense of their work and if it matches what you’re looking for. It’s also worth reading reviews and asking around for personal recommendations. When you’re ready, schedule a consultation to meet with the surgeon in person, ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with their approach and vibe.