Body Contouring — Whitmore Plastic Surgery

Overview

Surgery as the last 15%.

Body contouring is most effective when paired with a stable, healthy weight — that's when surgery can address what diet and exercise simply cannot reach.

Loose skin from pregnancy or weight loss, stubborn fat in genetic areas, and abdominal wall separation (diastasis) are not fixed by the gym. They are fixed surgically. We see patients across the full spectrum: those who've worked toward a goal weight, those whose bodies have changed through pregnancy or medical treatment, and those navigating recovery from significant weight loss. Each consultation begins with where you are — not where someone thinks you should be.

Procedure 01

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Tummy tuck is the most-requested body procedure at our practice. It addresses three issues simultaneously: excess skin, weakened or separated abdominal muscle (rectus diastasis), and stubborn lower-abdominal fat.

Full vs. Mini

A full abdominoplasty addresses skin and muscle from the ribs to the pubis and includes umbilicus repositioning. A mini-tuck is appropriate only for patients with limited skin laxity below the belly button — a small fraction of candidates.

Recovery

Most physically demanding of our common procedures. Patients are upright and walking the day of surgery but cannot lift more than 10 pounds for six weeks. Most return to desk work at two weeks; full activity at six.

Procedure 02

Liposuction

Liposuction is a contour tool, not a weight-loss tool. It removes a defined volume of fat from a specific area to refine shape — most commonly the flanks, abdomen, inner thighs, and submental (chin) area.

Technique

We use power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and, where appropriate, VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction. Both produce smoother, more reproducible contour than older techniques.

Candidacy

Best results in patients who are within 10–15 pounds of their goal weight with localized fat deposits. Liposuction does not address skin laxity — patients with significant loose skin need lifting, not just fat removal.

Procedure 03

Mommy Makeover

"Mommy makeover" is a colloquial term for a combined procedure addressing the changes pregnancy makes to the body — typically a tummy tuck combined with breast augmentation or lift.

Combination Logic

Combining procedures means a single anesthesia, a single recovery, and one round of time off work. We restrict total operative time to under 6 hours for safety; in practice this fits a tummy tuck plus one breast procedure comfortably.

Timing

We recommend completing your family first and being at least 6 months post-breastfeeding. There is no medical reason to wait beyond that.

Also Offered

Additional body procedures.

Arm Lift

Brachioplasty addresses loose skin on the upper arms — typically following weight loss. Scar is placed on the inner arm and fades substantially over a year.

Thigh Lift

Inner-thigh and full thigh lift, performed alone or in combination with liposuction. Predominantly for post-weight-loss patients.

Lower Body Lift

Circumferential lift addressing the lower back, hips, buttocks, and outer thighs in a single operation. Reserved for patients with significant skin laxity after major weight loss.

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

How much weight will I lose with a tummy tuck?

Surprisingly little — typically 4–8 pounds. The procedure changes shape, not weight on a scale. The visual transformation is far greater than the number.

Should I lose weight before surgery?

Yes. We recommend being within 10–15 pounds of your stable goal weight before any body contouring. This produces dramatically better results and reduces revision risk.

Will I be able to get pregnant afterwards?

Yes. A tummy tuck does not affect fertility or the safety of pregnancy. However, a future pregnancy will likely undo some or all of the result, so we recommend completing your family first.

What about a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)?

We do not currently perform BBL in our practice. It is a procedure that benefits significantly from being done at high volume in a dedicated practice. If you're considering BBL, we are happy to refer you to surgeons in the region whose practices are built around it, and to share what we'd look for in choosing one.

What does it cost?

Tummy tuck typically ranges from $19,500 to $26,000. Liposuction varies based on areas treated, from $9,500 for a single area to $22,000 for circumferential. Mommy makeover combinations typically range from $32,000 to $44,000.

Begin the Conversation

Schedule a body consultation.

For body consultations we ask patients to come prepared to discuss weight history, fitness routine, and (where relevant) plans for future pregnancy.

Schedule a Consultation

Body Contouring.