Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure
Conveniently located to serve St. Louis, Missouri
Jump To:
Patients from across the U.S. and internationally seek out Dr. Samer Cabbabe for his expertise in body contouring, including his signature belly button design, high-definition liposuction, and low-scar tummy tuck. This procedure goes beyond the traditional tummy tuck, often resulting in a boxy shape, high scars, no pubic lift, a round belly button, and a residual muffin top. Dr. Cabbabe’s customized technique reshapes the entire torso, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks, achieving a contoured yet natural and proportional result.
With decades of experience, Dr. Cabbabe has refined his unique approach in his high-volume, internationally recognized body contouring practice. His advanced technique is not widely known or performed by most surgeons, making his expertise highly sought after by patients seeking superior results.
Dr. Cabbabe developed and perfected his technique after completing more than 1,000 tummy tucks and numerous revision surgeries, which have become a significant part of his practice. Because he frequently performs 360 tummy tuck and lower body lift procedures that focus on reshaping the buttocks, hips, waist, and thighs, he incorporates these advanced contouring techniques into every tummy tuck, even when a full 360-degree approach is not used.
This modern technique includes:
- • High-definition or 4D liposuction (ab etching) to sculpt and define the abdomen
- • Fat transfer to the breasts, hip dips, or buttocks, with the option of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to enhance curves
- • A drainless approach, which reduces discomfort, eliminates drain scars, and lowers the risk of infection
By incorporating these elements, Dr. Cabbabe ensures patients achieve a smooth, sculpted appearance rather than a flat, boxy midsection with abrupt hip transitions, common with standard tummy tucks.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. It mainly benefits individuals with loose or sagging skin due to significant weight loss or pregnancy.
Traditional tummy tucks provide limited correction in the abdomen, improving only the lower abdomen from the belly button down. Most scars are placed too high, and there is limited skin removal from hip bone to hip and minimal to no liposuction done. This results in no waist shaping and a boxy result with a residual muffin top.
- • High-definition liposuction (ab etching) for sculpted abdominal contours
- • Muscle tightening to strengthen the core and improve posture
- • Fat transfer to the hips, buttocks, or breasts for enhanced proportions
- • Belly button repositioning for a natural, aesthetically pleasing shape
Umbilical or other incidental hernias are repaired as part of the procedure unless they are particularly complex, which will be discussed during your consultation in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Cabbabe incorporates his experience with reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the body to give his patients the best results possible to meet their desires. He is an expert in cosmetic, reconstructive and minimally invasive body surgery. During your consultation in St. Louis, Dr. Cabbabe will carefully examine you and will make recommendations in order to help you achieve your desired result.
Benefits of a High-Definition Tummy Tuck
This advanced tummy tuck offers several benefits beyond a standard procedure, including:
- • Removal of excess, sagging skin
- • Contouring of the waistline and torso
- • Tightening of weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- • Enhancement of the hips and buttocks for a balanced figure
- • Lower, more discreet scars and a lifted pubic area
- • Reduction in the appearance of stretch marks
- • Potential relief from discomfort caused by abdominal muscle separation
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for a high-definition tummy tuck are those in good overall health who want a full body transformation rather than just a flatter stomach. Ideal candidates include:
- • Individuals with excess skin and stubborn fat after weight loss
- • Women looking to restore their pre-pregnancy shape, including the waist and hips
- • Patients at or near their goal weight but struggling with localized fat deposits
- • Non-smokers or those willing to quit before and after surgery
A consultation with Dr. Cabbabe will help determine if this advanced procedure is the right fit.
What Happens Before Surgery?
During a consultation in St. Louis, Dr. Cabbabe will assess the entire torso—not just the abdomen—to design a customized surgical plan that enhances the patient’s natural proportions. His goal is to create a seamless transition from the chest to the abdomen, waist, hips, and buttocks, ensuring a balanced and natural appearance.
Preparing for Surgery
To optimize healing and minimize complications, patients should:
- • Take iron supplements, beginning a minimum of three months before surgery. Some patients may benefit from iron infusions.
- • Stop nicotine products and blood thinners
- • Maintain a healthy BMI, preferably below 33, with an optimal range of 25-28 for the best results
Surgery is most commonly performed in a hospital; overnight monitoring is required to ensure a smooth recovery.
The Recovery Process
Patients must wear compression garments for at least twelve weeks, and lymphatic massages are recommended to reduce swelling and enhance healing. Recommended recovery items include:
- Extra compression garments/FAJAs in multiple sizes as swelling decreases
- Extra pillows and a recliner for better sleep positioning
- A BBL pillow if fat transfer to the buttocks was performed
- Polysporin ointment and moisturizers for incision care
- Silicone gel and tape for scar treatment
Most patients return to work and light activities within three weeks, thanks to Dr. Cabbabe’s specialized recovery protocols, which were developed from hundreds of successful tummy tuck procedures.
Before & After Gallery
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Cabbabe Plastic Surgery
Watch to See How the Tummy Tuck Works
Testimonials
I have had plastic surgery done before so I can say this with some degree of experience. I was truly impressed with Dr. Cabbabe’s skill as a surgeon and as a human being. He answered all of my questions, and did a fantastic job on the surgery. I would also like to compliment the office staff for a great job.
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Cost?
Anesthesia fees, hospital fees, post-surgery garments, and medications affect the overall cost of a Tummy Tuck in St. Louis. Medical tests, surgeon’s fees, and the exact techniques employed also impact the price.
Why Choose Dr. Cabbabe for Your Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Cabbabe is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served as Chief of Plastic Surgery for over 10 years, earning a strong reputation for safe and transformative results. Unlike many surgeons who perform standard tummy tucks, he specializes in advanced body contouring. Recognized internationally as an expert in body contouring procedures, he has performed some of the highest volumes of these surgeries worldwide.
He is also a frequently requested speaker by all the major plastic surgery societies in the United States and abroad, sharing his expertise and techniques with other surgeons. In addition, surgeons from across the country and internationally travel to learn from Dr. Cabbabe and observe his innovative approach to body contouring and revision procedures.
Much of his practice now focuses on revision surgery, which often involves higher costs, multiple recovery periods, and limitations in correcting mistakes from previous procedures. Dr. Cabbabe believes that the best surgeons in any field can successfully perform revision surgeries, as they require a higher level of skill and expertise.
Many patients seek Dr. Cabbabe for corrective procedures to address high or uneven scars, unsatisfactory liposuction results, or fibrosis from previous surgeries. While revision surgeries are inherently more complex, patients experience significantly improved outcomes when choosing an expert.
Start Your Transformation—Schedule Now
If you are ready to achieve a flatter, sculpted, and more contoured midsection, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cabbabe today. His expertise in high-definition tummy tucks ensures results that are not just flat, but beautifully sculpted and proportioned to the body.
Your Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) will be performed in a hospital or surgery center in St. Louis, MO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be scarring after a tummy tuck?
Yes, scarring is an inherent part of the abdominoplasty surgery. However, Dr. Cabbabe takes great care to place incisions in discreet locations, often along the bikini line, so they are less visible.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While it is possible to become pregnant after a tummy tuck, it is advisable to wait until you are done having children. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal area and potentially reverse the results of the surgery.
How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
The results of an abdominoplasty surgery can be long-lasting, especially if patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can impact the results.
Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss solution?
A tummy tuck is not intended for weight loss but rather body contouring. Ideal candidates are usually at or near their target weight and seek to remove stubborn fat and skin.