Tummy Tuck in Nashville, TN

Name: Tummy Tuck
Brand: Nashville Cosmetic Surgery
Rating: 4.7 (150 reviews)

Pregnancy, weight changes, and time can leave behind loose skin and weakened muscles that diet and exercise alone simply can't fix.

Restoring a Firmer, More Contoured Midsection

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. At Nashville Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Don Griffin tailors each tummy tuck to the patient's specific anatomy and goals, whether that means addressing changes from pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural effects of aging. Ready for a flatter, more contoured midsection? Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Griffin.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles that stretch or separate over time. It's one of the most requested body procedures at our practice, often chosen by women after pregnancy and by patients who've lost a significant amount of weight. Unlike liposuction, which primarily removes fat, a tummy tuck also addresses loose skin and muscle laxity, making it a better fit for patients dealing with both concerns.

Meet Dr. Don Griffin

Your Nashville Body Surgeon

Dr. Don Griffin is a dual board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a credential held by fewer than 1 in 5 cosmetic surgeons today. He completed his general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before pursuing fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. That surgical depth is part of what patients notice in procedures like the tummy tuck, where Dr. Griffin's approach favors a natural-looking contour built around each patient's individual anatomy rather than a standardized result.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck in Nashville can address concerns that build up gradually over the years, often after pregnancy or major weight changes.

A flatter, firmer abdominal contour
Removal of excess, loose skin
Improved fit in clothing
Renewed confidence in your midsection
Tightened muscles that improve core strength and posture

Schedule A Consultation

Request a Consult Call Us: (615) 206-2937

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

You may be a good candidate if you have loose abdominal skin, weakened or separated muscles, and stubborn fat that hasn't responded to diet and exercise. This is common after pregnancy or significant weight loss, though some patients simply notice these changes with age.

Good candidates are at or near a stable weight and don't plan significant future weight changes or pregnancies, since these can affect your results. Dr. Griffin will evaluate your abdominal skin, muscle tone, and overall health during your consultation to confirm the right approach for you.

Tummy Tuck Before & After

Browse our Before & After Gallery to see the outcomes our patients have achieved at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery.

*Every result is unique.

View More Tummy Tuck Results

Types of Tummy Tuck

Not every patient needs the same extent of surgery. Dr. Griffin will recommend the approach that matches your specific concerns.

Full Tummy Tuck - Addresses the entire abdomen, from the upper abdominal muscles to excess skin below the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck - A more limited approach focused on the lower abdomen, ideal for patients with less extensive concerns.
Extended Tummy Tuck - Extends the treatment area to include the flanks, often recommended after significant weight loss.

"I would rate more stars if I could"

I would rate more stars if I could!!! Not only is this surgeon amazing, but his entire staff are also some of the best!

A. L.

What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck

This procedure is performed at our private, accredited surgical center under general anesthesia, typically taking two to four hours depending on the extent of correction needed. Dr. Griffin removes excess skin and fat, then tightens the abdominal muscles before closing the incision along the lower abdomen. The exact technique and incision length depend on your specific anatomy and goals, and will be discussed in detail during your consultation. Most patients stay for observation before returning home with detailed recovery instructions and direct access to our clinical team.

Recovery and Results Following a Tummy Tuck

Recovery from a tummy tuck takes longer than many other body procedures, with most patients taking two to three weeks off work and avoiding strenuous activity for about six weeks. Swelling and tightness in the early weeks are normal and gradually improve as your body heals. Final results continue to refine over several months as swelling fully resolves. Our team checks in with you regularly throughout recovery, monitoring healing well beyond the standard follow-up visits.

Why Choose Nashville Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr. Griffin brings over three decades of experience to body-contouring procedures, such as abdominoplasty, in Nashville, with an approach that prioritizes natural-looking results and a smooth recovery. Our private surgical center and concierge-style care mean your team stays closely involved from consultation through recovery, so you always feel supported.

Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions

What does a tummy tuck correct that diet and exercise cannot?

A tummy tuck addresses structural changes that are not reversible through lifestyle alone. These include excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen remaining after significant weight loss or pregnancy, diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), and a protruding abdominal profile caused by weakened muscle fascia. No amount of diet or exercise can tighten loose skin or repair separated muscles — these require surgical correction.

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen — above and below the navel — and typically includes muscle repair. The incision extends hip to hip in the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is a limited procedure for patients with isolated excess skin and laxity confined below the navel, without significant muscle separation. It uses a shorter incision and does not reposition the navel. Dr. Griffin will determine which approach is appropriate based on your examination.

Can liposuction be combined with a tummy tuck?

Yes. Liposuction of the flanks, hips, or other areas is frequently combined with a tummy tuck for more comprehensive body contouring. This is a very common combination in mommy makeover surgery. There are limits to how much liposuction can safely be performed simultaneously with a tummy tuck, and Dr. Griffin will determine the appropriate scope based on your anatomy and safety considerations.

Can a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?

Yes. Repairing diastasis recti — the separation of the right and left rectus abdominis muscles along the midline — is a standard component of a full tummy tuck. Dr. Griffin sutures the fascial sheath to restore abdominal wall integrity, which improves both the cosmetic appearance of abdominal protrusion and core functional strength. Many patients notice improved posture and reduced low back discomfort following this repair.

Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

A full tummy tuck removes the lower abdominal skin, which is where the majority of pregnancy-related stretch marks appear. Stretch marks within the skin excised during surgery are eliminated entirely. Stretch marks above the navel are not removed but may be repositioned slightly downward. Stretch marks on the hips or flanks are not addressed surgically but may be improved with laser treatments at The Skin Lounge.

Where is the tummy tuck scar located, and will it be visible?

The tummy tuck incision is placed low in the abdomen, below the bikini line, so it is hidden by underwear and swimwear. The length of the scar depends on the extent of the procedure — it typically runs hip to hip for a full tummy tuck. The scar is initially pink and raised and fades over 12–18 months. Dr. Griffin uses meticulous closure technique to optimize scar appearance, and The Skin Lounge offers scar treatment options to support healing.

Where will my tummy tuck be performed?

Your tummy tuck will be performed in Nashville Cosmetic Surgery's onsite, state-licensed surgical facility. This means your procedure takes place in a dedicated surgical environment that has met the State of Tennessee's rigorous requirements for surgical safety, staffing, equipment, sterilization, and emergency preparedness — not in a shared hospital outpatient department or an unlicensed procedure room. Dr. Griffin and his dedicated surgical team perform every case in the same facility, ensuring consistency, privacy, and a level of personalized care that a hospital setting simply cannot provide.

How soon can I return to exercise after a tummy tuck?

Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but more strenuous exercise, especially anything involving the core, should wait about six weeks or until Dr. Griffin clears you.

How long will my results last?

Results are long-lasting as long as your weight remains stable. Significant future weight gain or pregnancy can affect your outcome.

Should I have a tummy tuck before or after having more children?

If you plan to have more children, it is generally recommended to wait until your family is complete before undergoing a tummy tuck. Future pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin, which can significantly compromise your results. While a tummy tuck does not affect fertility or pregnancy safety, the aesthetic improvements are best preserved when no future pregnancies are planned.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Nashville?

The cost of a tummy tuck at Nashville Cosmetic Surgery depends on the extent of the procedure, whether it is combined with liposuction or other procedures, and anesthesia and facility fees. A full itemized quote is provided at your consultation. Financing options are available. We encourage you to prioritize surgeon credentials and experience when evaluating options in the Nashville market.