At Capizzi MD, we specialize in tummy tuck in Charlotte, NC procedures designed to smooth, tighten, and restore the natural contours of your abdomen. Whether you’re looking to eliminate loose skin, repair weakened abdominal muscles, or remove stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, Dr. Peter Capizzi creates a personalized surgical plan tailored to your goals. Our tummy tuck procedures combine advanced techniques, precision, and patient-focused care to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting body contouring results that help you look and feel your best.
ABOUT TUMMY TUCK IN CHARLOTTE
A tummy tuck in Charlotte—also known as an abdominoplasty—is a safe and effective body contouring procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles for a flatter, firmer midsection. Depending on your unique goals, your tummy tuck in Charlotte, NC may be combined with liposuction of the waist, back, thighs, or buttocks to create balanced, natural-looking results. Because every patient has different anatomy and cosmetic goals, Dr. Capizzi will recommend the most appropriate procedure, whether it’s a mini, standard, full (extended), or circumferential tummy tuck, during your personalized consultation.
Good candidates for a tummy tuck include those who have excess skin and/or tissue on the abdomen that doesn’t remedy with a regular fitness and nutrition routine. Sometimes the natural progression of aging means that these wellness techniques will help us get healthier but not necessarily address our aesthetic needs in the way that we might want them to.
At Capizzi MD Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa, we are committed to delivering exceptional surgical care using the latest techniques and technology. Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program helps patients recover more comfortably after their tummy tuck in Charlotte, NC, allowing many to return to daily activities such as showering, driving, and work sooner than with traditional recovery protocols. If you’re searching for a tummy tuck near me, our experienced team provides comprehensive care and support from your consultation through every stage of your recovery.
Good candidates for a tummy tuck include those who have excess skin and/or tissue on the abdomen that doesn’t remedy with a regular fitness and nutrition routine. Sometimes the natural progression of aging means that these wellness techniques will help us get healthier but not necessarily address our aesthetic needs in the way that we might want them to.
At Capizzi MD Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa, we are committed to delivering exceptional surgical care using the latest techniques and technology. Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program helps patients recover more comfortably after their tummy tuck in Charlotte, NC, allowing many to return to daily activities such as showering, driving, and work sooner than with traditional recovery protocols. If you’re searching for a tummy tuck near me, our experienced team provides comprehensive care and support from your consultation through every stage of your recovery.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Mini Tummy Tuck
This popular procedure boasts minimal scarring and great results. It is most often drainless and your surgeon will close the skin with knotless sutures. The surgeon will make a modest bikini-line incision, 6-8 inches long, and then will remove excess skin folds. This technique is well prescribed for fairly in-shape individuals with problem areas below the belly button. Recovery from the mini tummy tuck is usually more rapid than with other procedures. Patients wear a compression garment after surgery and normal activity can begin immediately. Our patients are able to resume working, exercising, and driving within 24-48 hours.
- Small scar (6-8 inches)
- No drains during recovery
- Removes excess skin below the belly button
- Does NOT remove excess tissue or address abdominal muscle concerns
- Fastest recovery: Back to work and driving in 2-3 days
Standard Tummy Tuck
The standard abdominoplasty is the most common type of tummy tuck and involves tightening the entire stomach wall, ensuring a tight, flat belly. This procedure is a great option if a patient has a stubborn belly pouch extending 1-2 inches, has undergone severe weight loss, or had several pregnancies.
- Bikini line scar (8-10 inches)
- Drains during recovery to improve healing time
- Removes excess skin and tissue above AND below the belly button
- Addresses diastasis recti and umbilical hernias
- Moderately fast recovery: Back to work and driving in 5-7 days
Full (Extended) Tummy Tuck
As its name suggests, a full tummy tuck is like the standard version, but also includes the removal of excess fat and skin folds in the back and hips. “Love handles” can be re-contoured with this procedure for a more attractive waistline with a hip-to-hip incision. A full tummy tuck is used for patients that have more marked skin laxity either due to genetics, childbearing, or weight loss. These patients typically have more stretch marks and loss of elastic properties of the skin.
- Addresses excess skin/fat in the back and hips
- Moderate recovery: Back to work and driving in 7-10 days
Full tummy tuck recovery with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery includes Lymphatic Therapy to aid with healing and comfort, as well as access to skincare products such as Biocorneum Silicone Scar Gel or Capizzi MD Firm & Contour moisturizer to aid with the appearance of scars.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
When a more comprehensive abdominoplasty is required—usually in cases of extreme weight loss where excess sagging skin drapes the hips, back and buttocks—your surgeon will advise a circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a body lift. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with this procedure to further streamline and sculpt the torso.
Your recovery is of the utmost importance to us. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery is our approach to providing world-class cosmetic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and procedures to ensure patients achieve optimal results.
have a question?
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What is the difference between a Mini and a Standard Tummy Tuck?
A Mini Tummy Tuck focuses on skin removal in the area below the belly button, using a shorter incision and no drains, which allows for a rapid recovery of just 2–3 days. A Standard Tummy Tuck treats the entire front of the abdomen, including muscle repair and skin removal above the navel, and typically involves a 5–7 day recovery period. An Extended or Circumferential Tummy Tuck treats the front and back of the abdomen and is usually chosen for patients after bariatric surgery.
What is recovery like after a Tummy Tuck?
Recovery varies by the extent of the surgery. Most Mini Tummy Tuck patients are back to work and driving within 24–48 hours. Standard Tummy Tuck patients typically return to daily routines in 5–7 days. You can usually resume light workouts in 2–3 weeks and heavy exercise after 4–6 weeks.
Will I have drains after surgery?
If you undergo a Mini Tummy Tuck, drains are usually not required. For Standard and Extended/Full Tummy Tucks, drains are typically used to ensure proper healing and are removed in the office 5–7 days post-op.
Does a Tummy Tuck fix separated muscles (Diastasis Recti)?
Yes, both Standard and Extended/Full Tummy Tuck procedures involve tightening the abdominal muscles to repair diastasis recti, which is common after pregnancy. The Mini Tummy Tuck is designed for skin removal only and does not repair the muscles.
What is the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol?
This is a specialized care protocol developed to speed up healing and improve comfort. It often includes post-operative Lymphatic Therapy Treatments to reduce swelling and the use of medical-grade skincare products to minimize scarring.