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When Diet and Exercise Aren't Enough

A loose, flabby belly does not necessarily indicate that a person is out of shape. Sometimes, no matter how diligently we pursue a diet and exercise program, stubborn fat deposits and loose skin in the abdomen refuse to respond to our efforts.

How Pregnancy and Weight Loss Affect the Abdomen

During pregnancy, the expanding uterus stretches the muscle and outer skin of the stomach so severely that it may lose the capacity to return to its original smooth, flat, youthful condition. Stretch marks and significant weight loss can leave loose, hanging skin on the belly after the fat has been shed through hard work and diet efforts. Dr. Chang ranks among the top providers of a tummy tuck Washington, DC, has to offer.

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What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to restore the belly to a firm, smooth appearance. Also known as abdominoplasty, the surgery is performed to remove excess fat and skin, tighten separated or weakened stomach muscles, and create a firmer, flatter, trimmer, and more attractive abdominal profile.

Expert Tummy Tuck Surgeon You Can Trust

Dr. Christopher C. Chang is a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Washington, DC, area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. If you need a plastic surgeon in DC to perform a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang.

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Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck procedure is not a substitute for diet and exercise, but it does produce some outstanding results for patients who are good candidates for the surgery. Benefits of a tummy tuck include:

  • Tighter stomach muscles
  • Flatter belly
  • Elimination of loose, sagging skin
  • Reduction of the bulging tummy and lower abdomen
  • Smoother skin on the belly

This surgery is not designed to eliminate stretch marks. However, in many cases, the stretch marks are located in an area that is removed in the procedure, and the stretch marks are removed as well. If you are ready for a flatter, smoother belly after giving birth, losing a substantial amount of weight, or simply losing your abdominal muscle tone, contact our office for a consultation with Dr. Christopher C. Chang. He can tell you if tummy tuck surgery is the right treatment option for you.

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Types of Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is not a "standard" procedure, as each person has unique issues to correct.  Other procedures may be appropriate, depending upon your individual body issues. A younger person who has flexible, firm skin may only require liposuction. There are four main general approaches to the surgery:

Full Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty resolves problems both below and above the belly button.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck requires smaller incisions and is appropriate in cases in which the excess fat, skin, and tissue are all below the belly button.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

Also called an extended tummy tuck, this procedure addresses the abdomen as well as the hips and lower back. This procedure is often needed for patients who have lost a great deal of weight and have been left with hanging skin and tissue on the front, back, and sides of the body.

Tummy Tuck Before & After

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Meet Our Surgical Team

Congressional Plastic Surgery is led by two highly trained, board-certified providers who ensure every patient receives expert, personalized care.

Dr. Christopher Chang brings over a decade of experience and elite training from Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins Hospital to every procedure he performs. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Hillary Jenny is a board-eligible plastic surgeon with a distinguished academic background, including training at MIT and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, along with an aesthetic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills. Her global surgery background and specialized training bring a unique depth of expertise to the practice.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

A tummy tuck is a major surgery that can take up to two to three hours to complete. It is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

A horizontal incision is made above the pubic bone, similar to a C-section, but extended to the hip. The skin on the abdomen is lifted, and the weakened muscles underneath are repaired and tightened. A second incision may be needed around the navel to reset the new belly button.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down, excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is sutured together. The surgeon creates a new opening for the belly button, moves the belly button through the opening, and sutures it in place. The incisions are closed with several layers of sutures, adhesive tape, or clips.

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Who Needs a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty can benefit women and men who have a flabby belly and weak abdominal muscles, giving the body a less appealing contour. You might consider a tummy tuck if:

  • You have loose, hanging skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks on the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise
  • Pregnancy has stretched out your abdominal muscles and the skin in the belly area
  • Significant weight loss has left you with an “apron” of loose skin
  • A protruding abdomen is ruining the lines of your silhouette
  • The contours and appearance of your stomach are affecting your feelings of self-confidence
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What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery like?

A tummy tuck is a major surgery, involving removing excess skin, fat, and tissue, and repairing stretched or split abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). The incisions vary in length, depending upon whether you have problems only below the navel or extend higher on your torso. In the early stages of healing, the extent of the procedure affects the length of the recovery, but generally, it will take about six to eight weeks, although you will feel well enough to return to work in most cases after about two weeks.

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Planning Your Recovery

If you are planning to undergo a tummy tuck, you must arrange help from a friend or family member who will stay with you for the first few days and nights. The most difficult part of the recovery is in the first week after surgery.

Dr. Chang uses advanced pain management techniques that make healing more comfortable and less stressful. Ensure you fill all your prescriptions prior to your surgery, as well as stock up your home with easy-to-prepare foods and drinks.

Within about one week, the swelling and bruising will start to fade. You will need to be driven home from your surgery and will not be able to operate a vehicle until you are no longer on pain medication, so you must plan accordingly.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The extent of the procedure varies from patient to patient. Every tummy tuck is a custom surgery, based upon the unique needs of the patient. The only way to provide an accurate cost for your case is to evaluate your condition in a private consultation with Dr. Christopher Chang.

When considering this procedure, the most important factors are the skills and experience of your plastic surgeon. As you will be living with the results for a lifetime, it could not be more important that your tummy tuck is performed by a highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon. A lower price is often an indicator of lack of experience or a surgeon who is not board-certified—it is not worth the risk, as you want results that look natural, fit, and firm.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Patients who would like to sculpt, tighten, and firm their abdominal area are candidates for a tummy tuck. Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements to qualify for this procedure:

  • Are in good physical health
  • Do not smoke
  • Stomach muscles are separated or severely weakened
  • Are at a stable weight that they feel they can maintain
  • Have loose or hanging skin in the abdominal area
  • Have stubborn fat pockets in the abdomen
  • Have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a tummy tuck procedure
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Why Choose Dr. Christopher Chang?

Only a private interview can truly reveal what will be needed in your case, and we invite you to visit our private, luxury plastic surgery clinic in Fairfax, Virginia. You can be confident that your procedure will be performed by one of the most acclaimed plastic surgeons practicing in the DC area. Dr. Chang has a five-star rating on RealSelf.com and is widely regarded as being among the nation's finest tummy tuck surgeons. His advanced, meticulous surgical techniques lead to very natural-looking outcomes.

Testimonials What Our Patient Say

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across.

"Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across. I thoroughly trust him, and his work is absolutely impeccable. Besides being a talented and professional surgeon, he is...

"Dr. Chang is the best cosmetic surgeon I've come across. I thoroughly trust him, and his work is absolutely impeccable. Besides being a talented and professional surgeon, he is so friendly with a great sense of humor, and no matter how small your concern is, he takes it just as seriously, listens, and offers his advice. His office is the opposite of an intimidating plastic surgery practice- everyone is so friendly, easy-going, and makes you feel very comfortable. I've recommended him to so many friends already!"

Sanja B.
5 out of 5 stars

He is a consummate professional, and his integrity and personal manner are outstanding.

"My husband had a cyst that was supposed to be a simple removal procedure. It was very deep and much more complicated to remove than initially diagnosed by a dermatologist. Dr. ...

"My husband had a cyst that was supposed to be a simple removal procedure. It was very deep and much more complicated to remove than initially diagnosed by a dermatologist. Dr. Chang and his support staff spent much time and effort to safely remove the entire cyst intact. His care and concern for his patients' best interests and health are exceptional. This was our second experience with Dr. Chang after my husband had a skin graft. He is a consummate professional, and his integrity and personal manner are outstanding."

Ellen S.
5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results.

"Highly recommend Dr. Christopher Chang. I had a relatively minor procedure that nonetheless required an 'artist's eye,' and I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Chang's mann...

"Highly recommend Dr. Christopher Chang. I had a relatively minor procedure that nonetheless required an 'artist's eye,' and I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Chang's manner will both put you at ease and inspire your confidence in him. It is immediately obvious that he cares about and is dedicated to his work. The surgical facility was spotless, modern, and comfortable. The after-care has been excellent, and his office staff (both locations I visited) were friendly and professional."

Kevin R.
5 out of 5 stars

I would HIGHLY recommend you as a doctor!

Hi Dr. Chang, I am doing very well, and I would HIGHLY recommend you as a doctor!

Female (51, mommy makeover)
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you so much!

I went back to work today, and someone complimented me, saying I looked tiny! Lol, totally made my morning. Thank you so much!

Female (30, tummy tuck)
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Schedule a Consultation Give Congressional Plastic Surgery a phone call at (703) 945-1700
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