In all states, including Pennsylvania, tummy tuck procedures are actually referred to as abdominoplasty surgeries. According to state law, your tummy tuck journey must begin with several consultation appointments where you and your doctor discuss your surgery, go over your goals and plans for the procedure, evaluate your need for the surgery and prep you physically and mentally for the work. At your actual tummy tuck, you will be put to sleep with general anesthesia and a long, horizontal incision will be made across your lower abdomen. This incision is typically shaped like a flattened V and normally positioned so that it will be hidden by most clothing. The average Pennsylvania tummy tuck will cost a patient between $6500 and $7000, depending on the extent of the surgery, the performing surgeon and the hosting hospital. Costs can increase if a patient needs to remain in the hospital for an extended period.

A tummy tuck is an extensive surgical procedure that requires a fairly lengthy recovery period ranging from about 7 to 21 days. During that stretch, patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities, stay rested and work with health care practitioners to prevent infection. Because an abdominoplasty is a sensitive muscular surgery affecting the gut of the patient, many suffer from constipation or pain during their bowel movements within the recovery period. Most Pennsylvania tummy tuck surgeons recommend combining diet and laxatives to produce loose, easier-to-pass stools. With your doctor, you should also discuss methods to reduce the appearance of scar tissue after your surgery. Your surgeon may recommend a method as simple as applying Vitamin E and cocoa butter or one as extensive as laser light skin resurfacing therapy, which uses lasers to reduce the appearance of scars.