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Tummy Tuck

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Introduction

Get a Flatter Belly with an Abdominoplasty from the Milwaukee and Madison Area’s Dr. Maida Parkins

Just about everyone wants a flat abdomen. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. That’s the reason why many exercise programs focus on building abs and burning stubborn belly fat. Unfortunately, in many cases—such as after pregnancy or significant weight loss—the only predictable way to achieve a firm and toned abdomen is through a tummy tuck. The Milwaukee area’s Dr. Maida Parkins offers this plastic surgery option—technically known as abdominoplasty—to help patients achieve natural, personalized results and the lean look they’ve always wanted, but haven’t been able to achieve with exercise alone.

Tummy Tuck Results

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

Exercise and diet are problematic tummy-flattening strategies for two reasons: First, weight reduction, while beneficial for overall health, is not effective in targeting specific trouble spots where pockets of fat cause stubborn bulges. Extra fat in the abdominal area is a common concern that can be addressed by cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks. Second, even when weight loss is successful, the skin in the area can become stretched and baggy, hanging loosely on the abdomen rather than sitting flat. This can create a look of flabbiness that won’t go away, no matter how much exercise you do. Furthermore, long-term excess fat or a developing baby can cause the abdominal wall to weaken and separate, revealing a bulge that no amount of sit-ups can fix. For those unable to achieve their goals through non-surgical means, tummy tucks are among the cosmetic procedures available to help achieve specific aesthetic results.

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What Sets Dr. Parkins Apart as the Premier Tummy Tuck Practice in Milwaukee, WI?

Dr. Parkins is a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience among leading plastic surgeons in the Milwaukee area. She is recognized for her skill in planning and performing a comprehensive range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, including tummy tucks, breast lifts, and liposuction. Dr. Parkins collaborates closely with other doctors to ensure each patient receives personalized and comprehensive care.

Dr. Parkins completed her medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and went on to complete her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the nation’s most respected training programs.

She is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Patients can trust Dr. Parkins for their tummy tuck and cosmetic needs, knowing she is committed to achieving natural and satisfying results. Her medical training, board certifications, and numerous accolades set her apart as a trusted expert in cosmetic and plastic surgery.

Tummy Tuck Quick Facts

Surgery Time: Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the type of tummy tuck procedures performed and whether additional procedures (such as liposuction) are combined.

Price: ~ $14,125 and up. (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation.)

Recovery: Most patients return to light activity and office work in 2 weeks, with full recovery—including exercise—typically around 6 to 8 weeks. Swelling and tightness gradually subside during this time as your final contours emerge.

Results: Results are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Patients enjoy a flatter, firmer, and more defined abdomen that enhances both appearance and confidence.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck in the Milwaukee area can significantly enhance both physical comfort and emotional well-being. Patients who undergo abdominoplasty can enjoy a wide range of benefits that can make everyday life more enjoyable, including:

  • A flatter, firmer abdomen
  • Improved body contours
  • Removes excess skin
  • Repairs separated abdominal muscles (Diastasis Recti)
  • Enhances your confidence and self-esteem
  • Results are long-lasting
  • Adds motivation to pursue a healthier lifestyle
  • Customizable treatment
  • Comprehensive care is provided by the healthcare team from consultation through recovery.

What Makes a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Many patients find the appearance of their midsection to be bothersome and frustrating, but a tummy tuck provides a significant boost to their well-being, helping them feel like they have a new lease of life. Anyone who wants to confidently wear bikinis and form-fitting dresses without worrying about a bulging midsection may be a good candidate for this procedure. A tummy tuck is also ideal for women and men whose loose skin makes everyday movement and exercise uncomfortable. Weak abdominal muscles are another common reason patients consider tummy tuck surgery, as the procedure can repair and tighten these muscles for improved core strength and a flatter abdomen. Understanding your BMI before your consultation will help determine your eligibility for surgery. We can also discuss whether a plus-size tummy tuck, a belly apron surgery, or a mini tummy tuck—an option for those with mild excess skin and localized stretch marks who may benefit from a shorter incision and quicker recovery—could be a suitable option.

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Personalized Tummy Tuck Consultations for Patients in Milwaukee and Madison

Each treatment plan begins with a one-on-one consultation, during which Dr. Parkins physically examines the area and determines the exact conditions causing a lack of tone. Whether it’s excess skin, pockets of fat, a separated abdominal wall, or a combination of all three, she can tailor a tummy tuck to address the issue and deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. During your consultation, other procedures such as liposuction or a breast lift can also be considered to achieve a more comprehensive result.

If the only concerns are loose skin and a small amount of fat, the tummy tuck procedure will not be as lengthy or complex as one that involves removing more substantial amounts of volume and repairing the abdominal wall.

Be aware that while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and some fat, some patients may require an additional fat-reduction treatment to achieve a leaner stomach. Liposuction is effective in removing stubborn fat cells. It’s important to note, however, that a tummy tuck is not intended to be a weight loss procedure.

Dr. Parkins takes an educational and caring approach to every treatment, which tends to turn patients into friends by the end of their tummy tuck experience. Expect a thorough explanation of what to expect before and after your tummy tuck, as well as answers to your questions about the procedure, abdominoplasty costs, and more. Don’t rely on the results of a search for “best tummy tuck near me!” Take the time to learn about your options and find a plastic surgeon you connect with.

How Do I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?

Preparation plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal results. Before your surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Parkins to review your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits. You may be asked to:

  • Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery, as nicotine interferes with healing.
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements that increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Maintain a stable, healthy weight for several months prior to surgery.
  • Arrange home help for the first few days post-surgery.

Dr. Parkins and her team will provide detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions so you know exactly how to prepare, what to bring on surgery day, and how to care for your incision afterward. Following these instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

Meet Dr. Parkins
A light-skinned woman with shoulder-length wavy light brown hair, wearing a light beige blazer and purple top, sits intently consulting with another light-skinned woman wearing a dark gray-blue top. The woman in the blazer has her hands outstretched, likely adjusting or assessing the other woman’s garment. The setting appears to be an interior space like a boutique or fitting room, with a drawer or cabinet visible in the foreground. - Fat Transfer Augmentation in Oconomowoc, WI

Introduction

What Does a Tummy Tuck Involve?

On the day of your procedure, Dr. Maida Parkins will take the following steps to complete your tummy tuck:

First, an incision is made along the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip. For patients with significant loose skin and muscle separation, a full tummy tuck may be recommended, as it addresses more extensive correction than a mini or modified tummy tuck.

Next, the underlying abdominal muscles are examined and, if necessary, the procedure is used to repair weak or separated abdominal muscles. These muscles are then tightened to create a firmer, flatter abdomen.

Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is carefully repositioned for a smoother contour. The incision is then closed with sutures, and dressings are applied to support healing.

  • Our board-certified anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during your tummy tuck procedure. The anesthesiologist will also perform a TAP block once you are asleep. A TAP block involves injecting numbing medication along the course of the muscle repair, significantly reducing pain during and after the procedure. This allows our patients to take much less prescription pain medicine in the days following surgery—and some don’t take any at all!

  • Dr. Parkins will make an incision low across the abdomen, typically spanning from hip to hip, to gain access to the area. This is necessary to achieve the desired results and is easily concealed by underwear and bikini bottoms. Many tummy tuck patients find that this incision does not diminish their satisfaction with their results. The length of the incision depends on the scope of the procedure, from a “mini” tuck to a “fleur-de-lis” belly tuck or stomach tuck.

  • Dr. Parkins carefully removes the loosened skin from the midsection, along with any excess fat. After removing excess skin and re-draping the remaining skin, she will carefully sculpt the new shape of your belly button during the tummy tuck surgery to ensure natural-looking results.

  • Abdominal muscles that have separated due to pregnancy or significant weight gain are pulled back together and stitched in place as necessary. This diastasis recti surgery restores a firm, supportive abdominal wall, allowing it to better hold back the contents of the rest of the abdomen.

Different Types of Tummy Tucks at Parkins Plastic Surgery

Every tummy tuck at Parkins Plastic Surgery begins with a private consultation, where Dr. Maida Parkins can see the belly area firsthand and plan the procedure steps that will best deliver the desired contours. The surgery itself involves general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable, followed by carefully placed incisions that allow Dr. Parkins to remove fat, excise skin, tighten the abdominal wall as necessary, and suture everything in place for a natural-looking result.

Tummy Tuck with Anterior Flank Liposuction

Adding anterior flank liposuction to your tummy tuck surgery can offer a variety of benefits for your cosmetic journey. Combining flank liposuction with your tummy tuck will create a slimmer, hourglass shape to your torso.

The flanks are the areas on the sides of the body from the upper abdomen to the back. The anterior flanks are the front portion of that area. The liposuction process for these areas is the same as that for liposuction on any other part of the body. First, Dr. Parkins adds a tumescent solution (a mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine) to the area to help prolong anesthesia and reduce bleeding. Once an adequate amount of tumescent solution has been provided, Dr. Parkins uses a cannula to break up and remove the excess fat.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck. The main difference is the length of the incision along the bikini line. With a standard tummy tuck, the incision goes from the front of one hip to the front of the other. An extended tummy tuck incision starts farther back and wraps around the hip. An extended tummy tuck is recommended for individuals with sagging skin that extends laterally beyond the hip bones.

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck consists of an incision across the bikini line as well as a vertical incision up the abdomen. This type of tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin across the entire abdomen rather than just the lower portion. This procedure is ideal for patients who have lost significant weight and are left with excess skin. 

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Recovery and Results After Tummy Tuck

If required, temporary drains are typically placed after surgery to help prevent fluid retention. Patients recover from their anesthesia in our comfortable, private, AAAASF-certified surgical suite. Tummy tucks are outpatient procedures, so they do not require an overnight hospital stay. Patients are released home with a loved one on the same day and will likely want to ensure they have help around the house in the coming days, as they will be sore for some time. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible results.

The benefits of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, considering your lifestyle choices, and can include increased confidence, the freedom to stop wearing constricting body-shaping garments, the removal of bothersome and hanging excess skin, an improved silhouette, and greater confidence when wearing form-fitting clothing.1

After your procedure, you can also enjoy the benefits of tummy toning exercises that may not have previously yielded the results you wanted. Since a tummy tuck moves the vertical stomach muscles back into alignment, your core is supported and can be defined through your exercise regimen.

Visit our before & after patient photo gallery, where stunning transformations come to life, showcasing the remarkable journey of physical change and personal growth.

Tummy Tuck Results

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    Before & After

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    Before & After

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    Before & After

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7 Tips for Recovery

Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully: Adhere to Dr. Parkins’ detailed recovery plan, including how to care for your incision and drains.

Take Short Walks: Light movement promotes circulation and helps prevent blood clots.

Wear Your Compression Garment: This helps minimize swelling and supports your new contours.

Sleep in a Slightly Bent Position: Keeping your body slightly flexed reduces tension on your incision.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritiously: Proper nutrition aids healing and energy.

Avoid Strenuous Activity: Wait for Dr. Parkins’ clearance—usually around 6 to 8 weeks—before returning to intense workouts.

Be Patient: Full results develop gradually as swelling decreases, revealing a smooth, toned midsection.

recovery

Recovery and Results After Tummy Tuck

If required, temporary drains are typically placed after surgery to help prevent fluid retention. Patients recover from their anesthesia in our comfortable, private, AAAASF-certified surgical suite. Tummy tucks are outpatient procedures, so they do not require an overnight hospital stay. Patients are released home with a loved one on the same day and will likely want to ensure they have help around the house in the coming days, as they will be sore for some time. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible results.

The benefits of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, considering your lifestyle choices, and can include increased confidence, the freedom to stop wearing constricting body-shaping garments, the removal of bothersome and hanging excess skin, an improved silhouette, and greater confidence when wearing form-fitting clothing.1

After your procedure, you can also enjoy the benefits of tummy toning exercises that may not have previously yielded the results you wanted. Since a tummy tuck moves the vertical stomach muscles back into alignment, your core is supported and can be defined through your exercise regimen.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in the Milwaukee and Madison Area?

The cost of a tummy tuck in the Milwaukee and Madison area begins at $ 14,125, which includes the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and implant fees, your pre- and post-op appointments, silicone scar gel, and even a medspa facial! Since every procedure is tailored, your exact cost will be determined during your personal consultation with Dr. Parkins. Financing options are available, and our team will walk you through all pricing details so you know exactly what to expect.

Cosmetic surgery procedures like tummy tucks can be made more accessible through available payment plans, helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with flexible financing.

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Our Ethos

What Sets Dr. Parkins Apart for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Dr. Parkins offers a female perspective on tummy tuck surgery and provides compassionate care to put patients at ease and ensure their desires are fully expressed and understood. She draws on her education and experience to select the most appropriate techniques for each patient, since no two abdomens are alike. 

Dr. Parkins is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and the Wisconsin Society of Plastic Surgeons (WSPS), and works to ensure that her philosophy of personalized care and commitment to quality extend through every member of our boutique practice. The overall feeling is one of comfort and familiarity, leading patients to feel safe in explaining their cosmetic goals and trusting themselves to Dr. Parkins for care.

Meet Dr. Parkins

Dr. Maida Parkins is committed to surgical excellence through education, compassion, and confidentiality. Her experience is unparalleled and highly sought after in the Madison and Milwaukee area. A consultation with Dr. Maida Parkins is conducted at our private, state-of-the-art surgical facility, where you will have all your questions answered so you can confidently start your surgical journey.

Meet Dr. Parkins
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Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

Patient Reviews

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Above & Beyond

    My experience with Dr. Maida Parkins went above and beyond my expectations. She took the time to answer all my questions, when I left I felt that I was in the best hands for my procedure. I would recommend her and her staff to anyone I know! I am extremely happy with my results and would consider using her again in the future for sure. (via Google)

    – Google Review

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Genius in her Field

    The professionalism and elegance of Parkins Plastic Surgery is above anywhere else. Dr Parkins is a genius in her field. Her knowledge and expertise helped me achieve exactly what I wanted.

    – Google Review

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    First Class Experience

    My experience with Dr. Parkins and her entire staff was first class. From our initial meeting, through surgery, and follow-up, I was completely informed, confident, and comfortable. Dr. Parkins was extremely knowledgable yet could explain the medical terms in ways I could understand and be confident in the procedure I chose to be right for me. I never felt pressured to choose a certain procedure, yet I was educated on all my options. Everything turned out better than expected. This is the type of experience you can only truly understand their excellence by experiencing it yourself!

    – Google Review

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Achieve the Exact Results I Wanted

    Absolutely hands down the best experience. I would highly recommend Dr. Parkins. She made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. She was able to achieve the exact results I wanted even though another surgeon said it was not possible. She is incredible!!!

    – Google Review

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Highly Skilled Surgeon

    All the staff is very caring, pleasant and professional. Dr. Parkins is a highly skilled surgeon and I highly recommend Parkins Plastic Surgery.

    – Google

Schedule Your Consultation

For more information about tummy tucks for women in the Milwaukee or Madison area, contact Parkins Plastic Surgery’s friendly staff at (262) 269-1050 or send an online message.

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Sources:

Salemy, Shahram. “Five common myths about the tummy tuck.” Connect, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 04 Sept. 2024, https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/five-common-myths-about-the-tummy-tuck

Geiger, Debbie. “Considering a Tummy Tuck? Here’s What You Need to Know.” Duke Health, 13 Dec. 2023, https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/considering-tummy-tuck-heres-what-you-need-know