If you're struggling with loose abdominal skin, weakened muscles, or stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help you achieve a smoother, more toned midsection. Dr. Michele Shermak, a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializes in personalized tummy tucks in Baltimore tailored to your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
Tummy Tuck Baltimore, Maryland
Tummy Tuck Menu:
Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tuck Before & After
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Published in Clinics in Plastic Surgery
Dr. Shermak wrote a chapter on Abdominoplasty Combined with Other Procedures, which was published in the most recent Clinics in Plastic Surgery.
Ideal Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
- Are at a stable weight
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit
- Have excess abdominal skin or weakened muscles
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Day 1–3 (Immediately Post-Op):
- You will leave the surgery with compression garments and possibly drainage tubes to prevent fluid buildup.
- Discomfort, tightness, and swelling are normal and managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Dr. Shermak will have used a long-acting numbing agent during surgery to minimize initial discomfort.
- You’ll be encouraged to walk gently around your home to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Week 1:
- You will attend your first post-op appointment with Dr. Shermak to monitor healing and potentially remove or check drains.
- You’ll still be limited to light activity and short walks but should avoid bending, lifting, or twisting.
- Sleeping slightly elevated (with knees bent) is recommended to reduce tension on the incision.
Week 2:
- Most patients feel well enough to return to sedentary work or non-strenuous daily activities.
- Drains, if still present, are often removed by the end of the second week.
- Swelling and bruising begin to subside, and you may notice early contour improvements.
Week 3–4:
- Continued use of compression garments is usually advised to support healing and shape retention.
- Light exercise like walking or stationary biking may be approved depending on your progress.
- Scars are still maturing but typically look red or pink.
Week 5–6:
- Most patients can resume normal daily activities and light workouts, but should still avoid high-impact exercises and heavy lifting.
- Swelling continues to decrease, and the abdomen appears flatter and more sculpted.
2–3 Months:
- Final swelling begins to resolve.
- Scars may begin to fade and flatten with proper care, including scar massage, silicone sheets, and sun protection.
- Most patients feel confident in fitted clothing and notice a significant change in body contour and posture.
6+ Months:
- Full results are typically visible.
- Incisions fade significantly and may be hidden easily beneath undergarments or swimwear.
- Long-term maintenance includes a healthy lifestyle and weight stability.
Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck
Three Weeks Post Tummy Tuck and Back Liposuction
Tummy Tuck FAQs
If my tummy tuck is being done to repair abdominal muscles, can it be covered by insurance?
Can a tummy tuck be safely performed with breast surgery?
How do I know if I am a better candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction?
What is the candidacy for a mini tummy tuck?
How can I ensure minimal scarring?
How long is the tummy tuck procedure?
Should I be at my ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck?
Are tummy tucks only for women?
Will the recovery after a tummy tuck be painful?
Can I have a tummy tuck before having kids?
Can a tummy tuck repair a C-section (Cesarean) scar?
What other procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck?
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
How many weeks should I take off from work to recover from my tummy tuck?
Where will the scar be?
How long will my tummy tuck results last?
When can I exercise again after my tummy tuck?
When can I stop wearing a compression garment after a tummy tuck?
If my tummy tuck is being done to repair abdominal muscles, can it be covered by insurance?
Typically this condition, often seen after pregnancy or abdominal surgical procedures, is not covered by insurance unless there is a hernia diagnosed. Just a space between the abdominal muscles is not covered under insurance.
Can a tummy tuck be safely performed with breast surgery?
In many cases, a tummy tuck may be performed with breast surgery to improve the overall look of the torso. Breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of the two often accompanies abdominal surgery.
How do I know if I am a better candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction?
Liposuction is the preferred treatment to reduce focal fat deposits, not to tighten or reduce excessive skin. A tummy tuck in Baltimore is the best option for men and women who require abdominal skin reduction and muscle tightening. Liposuction may also be performed on the back or waist to improve overall contour. You can discuss this with Dr. Shermak.
What is the candidacy for a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck has a shorter abdominal incision and no incision around the belly button. It is typically performed for individuals with minimal excess skin or those seeking minor skin resection, including surgical scars, along with abdominal muscle repair and tightening. The procedure is not applicable to most individuals seeking a tummy tuck in Maryland, who often require more significant skin removal. Dr. Shermak has lectured on mini tummy tucks at national cosmetic surgery meetings and understands the applicability and performance of this surgery.
How can I ensure minimal scarring?
After surgery, Dr. Shermak will instruct her patients on surgical incision management, which typically includes moisture, gauze, and a binder in the early stages. After about a month, she recommends massage and moisturizers, along with possible focal compression to reduce swelling and optimize contour.
How long is the tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck takes 2-4 hours.
Should I be at my ideal weight before getting a tummy tuck?
It is generally recommended to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. This helps achieve optimal results and reduces the risk of complications. If your weight is unstable, it is better to wait to undergo surgery. Ongoing weight loss should plateau and weight gain should be addressed. These issues may be discussed with Dr. Shermak, a board certified plastic surgeon.
Are tummy tucks only for women?
No, tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are performed on both men and women who are in good health and have realistic expectations. The procedure can help improve abdominal contour and address excess skin and fat.
Will the recovery after a tummy tuck be painful?
Some pain and discomfort are expected after a tummy tuck, especially in the first few days. Most patients describe the pain as moderate and well-managed with prescribed medications. The use of long-acting numbing agents during surgery also helps reduce early postoperative discomfort. Pain generally improves significantly within the first week.
Can I have a tummy tuck before having kids?
Yes, but keep in mind that pregnancy can diminish the results.
Can a tummy tuck repair a C-section (Cesarean) scar?
Yes, a tummy tuck can often include the removal or revision of a C-section scar as part of the procedure,resulting in a flatter and smoother abdominal contour, and more optimal scarring.
What other procedures can be combined with a tummy tuck?
Liposuction for more dramatic results is often combined with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can also be combined with a breast augmentation and breast lift or other procedures.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Any stretch marks that were in the lower abdominal area will be completely gone.
How many weeks should I take off from work to recover from my tummy tuck?
Take two weeks off from work, as you will need to be bent at the waist and have plenty of time to rest.
Where will the scar be?
Your scar will be at the lower part of the abdomen where it can be easily concealed in underwear or a bikini bottom.
How long will my tummy tuck results last?
Your results will be extremely long lasting, but if you experience weight fluctuations or become pregnant, your results may change.
When can I exercise again after my tummy tuck?
Wait for six weeks until you exercise strenuously.
When can I stop wearing a compression garment after a tummy tuck?
Wear a compression garment for six to eight weeks after your tummy tuck surgery.
Why choose Dr. Shermak for a tummy tuck?
With over 26 years of experience and more than 2,000 successful abdominoplasty procedures, Dr. Michele Shermak is a leading expert in tummy tuck surgery in Maryland. Since establishing her practice in January 1999, she has built a reputation for exceptional surgical skill, advanced techniques, and personalized patient care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Board of Directors since 2022, Dr. Shermak stays at the forefront of innovation, ensuring optimal results with safety and precision.
Her dedication to achieving natural-looking outcomes is evident in her glowing patient reviews and high satisfaction rates. Whether you seek to restore your abdominal contour after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, Dr. Shermak provides a customized approach tailored to your unique goals.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how Dr. Shermak’s expertise can help you achieve a smoother, firmer abdomen with confidence.
