Some changes to your body are beyond what healthy living can address: loose skin, stubborn fat deposits and separated abdominal muscles simply won’t respond to crunches or cardio.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. David Janssen and Dr. William Doubek, are experts in sculpting the smooth, toned midsection you’ve always wanted with tummy tuck surgery. From the mini tummy tuck to full abdominoplasty and our own innovation, the moderate tummy tuck, we offer multiple designer techniques designed to match your body, goals and recovery timeline.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the midsection and, when necessary, tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to restore a firmer, flatter stomach. This transformative procedure is one of the most effective and lasting solutions for concerns that diet and exercise alone cannot fix, including loose skin.
At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, the tummy tuck is one of our most requested procedures, helping men and women throughout Green Bay, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and the surrounding areas feel more confident in their own skin. However, we understand that each patient’s needs are unique, so we offer many specialized tummy tuck techniques to address your individual concerns and goals: the mini tummy tuck, the moderate tummy tuck and the full tummy tuck.
Best for: Limited excess skin below the navel, C-section scar revision
The mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the belly button, making it ideal for patients who need limited correction. This technique removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen only, resulting in a smaller, easily hidden scar. The belly button doesn’t need to be repositioned, and the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with a much shorter recovery time.
Best for: Excess skin and fat without significant muscle separation
Developed and perfected right here at Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, the moderate tummy tuck removes and tightens excess skin without the muscle tightening component of a full tummy tuck. This allows patients who don’t need muscle repair to achieve comprehensive results with reduced risk and downtime. With no lifting restrictions, the moderate tummy tuck is one of our most popular procedures, especially for busy mothers who need to lift their children after surgery. It’s also a great option for patients who do not want to undergo the risk of a full tummy tuck, whether due to age, BMI or other health considerations.
Best for: Comprehensive contouring and muscle repair
The full (or formal) tummy tuck provides the most dramatic transformation by addressing excess skin, stubborn fat and separated abdominal muscles. This comprehensive approach is particularly beneficial for women with diastasis recti (muscle separation) after pregnancy or patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and need extensive recontouring.
Dr. Janssen performs an ultrasound-guided TAP block that provides long-lasting numbing to keep patients comfortable for up to three days after surgery (#painless). He also uses progressive tension sutures that secure the skin to the abdominal wall, eliminating space where fluid can collect. This allows lower BMI patients to heal without drains (#drainless).
Whether you choose Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek, you can expect the highest level of safety and surgical expertise. All tummy tuck procedures are performed with board-certified anesthesiologists, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind from start to finish.
Even when you’re doing everything right, the midsection is stubbornly resistant to change. You can be the healthiest you’ve ever been but still struggle with excess skin and fat due to aging, genetics, pregnancy or weight loss. A tummy tuck can address various concerns in the abdominal area, helping you achieve a smoother, more toned appearance. This procedure can:
A tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The amount of correction can vary depending on your goals and the technique used to achieve them. At Fox Valley Plastic Surgery, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek will evaluate your concerns and create a completely customized treatment plan that takes into account factors like your skin quality, lifestyle and desired results.
Tummy tuck surgery is suitable for both men and women who are frustrated by loose skin, excess fat and a loss of definition in the midsection. Typically, patients seek this procedure after pregnancy or weight loss to eliminate a lower belly “pooch” and restore a flatter abdomen. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you may be a good candidate if you are:
While ideal candidates are typically close to their goal weight, patients with a higher BMI can still achieve noticeable improvement in their shape with a carefully tailored surgical plan.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery and understand that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. We also recommend that patients wait until they’re finished having children before considering a tummy tuck, as future pregnancies can interfere with long-term results. During your consultation, our experienced surgeons can evaluate your needs and help you decide if the timing is right to start planning your procedure.
Recovery varies based on which technique you choose, with mini tummy tuck patients experiencing the quickest return to normal activities. Most return to desk work in just two to four days and lifting restrictions end after five to seven days. The minimal downtime makes it an attractive option for those who need to get back to work or other responsibilities quickly.
Moderate tummy tuck recovery requires a bit more patience, with patients typically taking five to seven days off work for desk jobs. Lifting restrictions last seven to 10 days, making this middle-ground approach ideal for those who want comprehensive results but need to balance recovery time with their daily responsibilities. The moderate technique offers more dramatic improvement than a mini tummy tuck with a shorter recovery period than the full procedure.
Full tummy tuck recovery is the most extensive, requiring seven to 10 days off work. Lifting is restricted for six weeks because of the muscle repair component, which requires more careful healing. All patients, regardless of technique, wear an abdominal binder continuously except while showering, have drains placed to remove excess fluid, and are encouraged to walk between to prevent blood clots. Showering is permitted 24 hours after surgery for all techniques.
Improvements will be visible immediately after your surgery, but your new, firmer contours will continue to develop and refine over the next two to three weeks as swelling subsides. Your final results will be apparent in three to six months. While tummy tuck scars are permanent, you can expect them to fade as healing progresses. Dr. Janssen and Dr. Doubek strategically place incisions as low as possible so they can be concealed by most undergarments and swimwear.
Once your final results develop, they’re considered permanent, but a tummy tuck doesn’t stop the effects of aging, pregnancy or lifestyle habits. Significant weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can still impact your long-term outcome. Maintaining your weight by eating a balanced diet and staying active, and waiting until you’re finished having children to undergo surgery, will help you enjoy a smooth, flat abdomen for years to come.
Before & Afters
For over 30 years, Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has served more than 50,000 patients, earning a reputation as Wisconsin’s most advanced surgical facility. Our combination of cutting-edge technology, enhanced safety protocols and personalized care ensures every aspect of your procedure receives expert attention.
Dr. Janssen and Dr. Doubek are both board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of combined experience in abdominoplasty procedures. Dedicated to innovation, the moderate tummy tuck technique was developed in-house, demonstrating our commitment to helping patients throughout Wisconsin find personalized solutions that meet their unique needs.
“Dr. Janssen is THE BEST! He explained the Tummy Tuck procedure so well. Dr. Doubek answered all my questions at the pre-op appointment. Surgery was easy… entire staff made me feel so comfortable. I’m only 9 days out… feeling better every day! My new body feels incredible. Fox Valley Surgery in Oshkosh has an amazing facility. Don’t go anywhere else!”
— Jean A.
The best technique depends on your specific concerns and anatomy. During your consultation, our surgeons will assess factors like skin elasticity, muscle separation, fat distribution and recovery preferences to recommend the most appropriate approach. Some patients who think they need a mini tummy tuck may actually be better candidates for a moderate or full procedure.
Absolutely. Many patients combine their tummy tuck with a breast lift or breast augmentation, creating what’s often called a “Mommy Makeover.” We also frequently combine tummy tucks with liposuction to sculpt smooth, seamless transitions and more comprehensive results.
All tummy tuck techniques result in permanent scars, but our surgeons strategically place incisions as low as possible for easy concealment, typically below the bikini line. Mini tummy tuck scars are the smallest and most easily hidden. We recommend Strataderm® silicone gel for optimal scar healing and provide detailed aftercare instructions to minimize scarring.
If you’re planning future pregnancies and considering a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, we generally recommend waiting until you’ve completed your family. While pregnancy won’t harm you after a tummy tuck, it may stretch the repaired muscles and affect your results. Mini and moderate tummy tucks are less likely to be significantly impacted by future pregnancies.
No surgery should ever be taken lightly. All surgical procedures, including abdominoplasty, inherently carry some risk, including:
To some extent, you can reduce these risks by following your surgeon’s instructions, including stopping smoking before and after surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will review all risks of the procedure and address any concerns to help you make an informed decision.
While nonsurgical treatments like Emsculpt® and CoolSculpting® can improve your overall body contours and create favorable results for the right patient, they cannot adequately address concerns like skin laxity, muscle separation or a substantial amount of excess fat. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all options, including those available at our Laser Institute of Wisconsin™, to help you make the best decision for your unique needs and goals.
The cost of abdominoplasty can vary depending on which technique is used and whether additional procedures, such as liposuction or a breast lift, are being performed. Our team will provide you with a personalized quote based on your surgical plan. We offer financing options through CareCredit and Alphaeon to help make your procedure more affordable, and offer discounts for multiple procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for a second procedure and 30% off for a third. The operating room fee is also reduced by 50% for any additional procedures, and anesthesia costs are based only on time.
Ready to discover which tummy tuck technique is right for you? Contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery in Oshkosh and Appleton, WI, at (920) 233-1540 to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons.
