Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

There is some discomfort, especially during the first few days, but it is very manageable. Most patients describe the feeling as tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain. You will be given medication to stay comfortable, and because procedures at Conkright Aesthetics can be performed under local anesthesia, many patients find the overall experience more controlled and less overwhelming than expected.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

A tummy tuck starts with a consultation, followed by your procedure day, and then some follow-up appointments to monitor healing and results.

How Long Until I See Results?

You will notice a flatter, more refined contour almost immediately after surgery. That said, swelling is part of the process, so your final results will continue to improve over the next few months. Patience pays off here, and the end result is well worth the wait.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The incision will be placed low on the abdomen, making it easy to conceal under underwear or swimwear. While all surgery results in some level of scarring, it fades significantly over time and becomes much less noticeable.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Tummy Tuck?

Light movement, like short walks, is encouraged early on to support circulation. More intense exercise, especially anything involving your core, should wait about 6 weeks or until Dr. Conkright clears you.

How Soon Can I Travel After a Tummy Tuck?

Short trips may be possible within 1 to 2 weeks, but this will simply depend on how you’re healing. Longer travel, especially flights, should be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Conkright.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Possible risks with a tummy tuck are infection, bleeding, fluid buildup, delayed healing, and visible scarring. Some patients may also experience temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation as the area heals. According to Science in Sights, a large-scale study of nearly 56,000 patients found that about 97.9% of tummy tuck procedures are completed without major complications.2 At Conkright Aesthetics, procedures can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, which may reduce certain risks associated with general anesthesia.

How Do I Find the Best Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon in Evansville, IN?

Look for a provider who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as this ensures they have completed rigorous training and meet strict safety standards. Experience matters just as much, so review before-and-after photos to see the kind of results they consistently achieve. A strong reputation, positive patient feedback, and a thorough consultation process are all good signs that you are in the right place. When you choose someone like J. Michael Conkright, it means you are working with a practice that values precision, client safety, and natural-looking results.

Tummy Tuck

Evansville, IN

Tummy Tuck Surgeon Serving Newburgh, Henderson, & Vanderburgh County

Reveal a Smoother, More Sculpted Midsection.

Sometimes, even with consistent workouts and a healthy diet, certain areas of our bodies just don’t cooperate. If you’ve been working hard to achieve a flatter, firmer midsection but are still dealing with loose skin, stubborn fat, or stretched-out abdominal muscles, then you know exactly what we’re talking about. That’s where abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, comes in.

At Conkright Aesthetics in Evansville, IN, your tummy tuck will be performed by Dr. Conkright, a board-certified plastic surgeon and experienced plastic surgeon. We believe in helping you achieve your most perfect self. Abdominoplasty isn’t just about removing excess; it’s about reshaping and refining your core so you can feel more comfortable, confident, and empowered. Our team of qualified professionals is dedicated to serving patients throughout the tri-state area with personalized care and expertise.

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery and one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for body contouring. It refines the shape and structure of your abdomen, going beyond what diet and exercise can accomplish by addressing loose, excess skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 170,000 tummy tuck procedures are performed each year in the United States, making it one of the most popular body contouring surgeries.1

At Conkright Aesthetics, tummy tucks can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, commonly called “awake” surgery, allowing patients to have more control and a comfortable experience.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

If you have a small amount of excess skin or a slight “pooch” below the belly button, this technique can deliver a noticeably flatter appearance with a shorter incision and a faster recovery.

What Sets Dr. Conkright Apart as the Premier Tummy Tuck Practice in Evansville?

J. Michael Conkright brings decades of surgical experience as a plastic surgeon, performing a wide range of cosmetic procedures with a focus on natural-looking results.
Maintains active membership with The Aesthetic Society, an invitation-only organization that recognizes surgeons who meet high standards in education, training, and ethics¹.
Completed extensive medical education and advanced surgical training with a focus on aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a critical credential that reflects rigorous training, testing, and commitment to patient safety.
Known for personalized surgical planning, Dr. Conkright provides personalized plastic surgery and personalized care, ensuring each tummy tuck is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, needs, and goals.
Offers the option of performing tummy tuck procedures under local anesthesia in-office, giving patients a safe and convenient alternative to hospital-based surgery.

Tummy Tuck Quick Facts

Surgery Time: 2–4 hours, depending on complexity
Price: ~$6,000–$12,000 (For an accurate cost, please ask during your consultation). The total cost may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any necessary post-operative care. Many plastic surgeons offer financing options to help make tummy tuck surgery more accessible for qualifying candidates.
Recovery: Patients typically return to light activities in 2–3 weeks, with full recovery often taking 4–8 weeks.
Results: Long-lasting with stable weight and a healthy lifestyle

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck isn’t about losing a ton of weight. Instead, it’s ideal for individuals who are generally at a stable, healthy weight but are dealing with specific issues like:

Significant loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy.
A “belly pooch” that just won’t budge, even with exercise.
Weak or separated abdominal muscles from pregnancy.
Stretch marks are primarily located on the lower abdomen (the skin with these marks can often be removed).

Good overall health and healthy lifestyle factors are important for candidacy and for achieving long-term, lasting results.

During your consultation with Dr. Conkright, we’ll talk through your concerns and goals. We will review your medical history, health status, and lifestyle factors and discuss your realistic expectations to ensure the best outcome and personalized care. We will assess your unique situation and discuss whether a tummy tuck is the best path for you, always prioritizing your safety and natural-looking results. We believe in educating our patients so they can make the most informed decision for their personal journey.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Over time, our abdomen can undergo significant changes. This often happens after major weight loss, when the skin loses its elasticity and hangs loosely. Pregnancy can also cause the abdominal muscles to stretch and even separate (a condition called diastasis recti), leaving a “pooch” that’s impossible to flatten with crunches alone.

A tummy tuck at Conkright Aesthetics is a surgical procedure designed to address these concerns head-on. It involves:

Removing excess skin and fat: We meticulously remove the loose, saggy skin and stubborn fat deposits from your abdomen.

Tightening weakened muscles: If your abdominal muscles have separated or become lax, we’ll carefully repair and tighten them to create a stronger, more toned core.
Contouring your silhouette: The remaining skin is then redraped smoothly, creating a much flatter and firmer appearance. Your belly button is also artfully repositioned for a natural look.

The result? A sculpted, more streamlined midsection that complements your body and boosts your self-confidence.

Female healthcare professional in white coat consulting with patient at desk in medical office - first step in Evansville, IN

How to Begin Your Tummy Tuck Journey

To start off your tummy tuck journey with Dr. Conkright:

Schedule your initial consultation at Conkright Aesthetics in Evansville to discuss your goals and concerns.
Complete a detailed evaluation so your anatomy and skin quality can be properly assessed.
Review your customized treatment plan, including whether a full or mini tummy tuck is the right fit.
Go over anesthesia options, including the ability to have surgery performed in-office under local anesthesia.
Receive clear pre-operative instructions so you feel fully prepared heading into your procedure.

This process is designed to ensure you fully understand your options and make informed decisions about your care.

5 Steps to Prepare for My Tummy Tuck with Dr. Conkright

A smooth recovery starts before your procedure even begins. Taking the time to prepare properly can make a noticeable difference in both your experience and your results.

Maintain a stable weight to help preserve your outcome.
Stop smoking to support proper healing and circulation.
Avoid any medications or supplements that might increase bleeding.
Arrange for help at home during the first few days after surgery.
Set up a comfortable recovery space with everything you need within reach.

What to Expect On the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be comfortably asleep. Dr. Conkright makes a precise incision low on your abdomen, typically from hip to hip, carefully placed so that the resulting scar can be easily hidden by most underwear or swimwear.

During the procedure, Dr. Conkright will:

Make the incision: During a full tummy tuck, a horizontally oriented incision is made between the pubic hairline and navel, and a second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Lift the skin and fat: This allows access to the underlying abdominal muscles.
Repair and tighten muscles: If needed, the weakened or separated abdominal muscles are brought back together and tightened with sutures.
Remove excess skin and fat: The skin and fat that cause the “pooch” or sagging are carefully trimmed away.
Reposition the belly button: Your belly button is given a new, natural-looking opening.
Close the incisions: The remaining skin is smoothly redraped and secured with sutures, creating a flatter, firmer contour. A small, thin tube may be placed under the skin at the surgical site to drain excess blood or fluid that may collect after surgery.

The whole process usually takes a few hours, depending on what’s needed to achieve your best results. After surgery, it is important to follow all recommended activity restrictions and care instructions for your surgical site to ensure optimal healing and results.

Doctor James Micheal Conkright MD in black scrubs consulting with patient across desk in clinical setting - in Evansville, IN

Combining My Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures

Depending on your goals, Dr. Conkright may combine your tummy tuck with procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, or liposuction to create more balanced overall results. By combining procedures into a single treatment plan, patients can address several concerns at once while working toward more balanced, natural-looking body contours.

Breast augmentation may be combined with a tummy tuck for patients who want to restore lost breast volume while also refining the abdomen. This combination is often helpful after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging, when both the breasts and the midsection have changed.

Your Guide to Post-Tummy Tuck Care

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Recovery from your tummy tuck typically spans several months, with the most critical healing period occurring in the first two weeks. After your tummy tuck, you’ll experience some swelling and soreness that we will help you manage with medication. Here’s a general idea of what to expect during recovery:

Compression garment: You’ll wear a special garment for several weeks to help reduce swelling and support your healing tissues.
Discomfort: Managed with prescribed pain medication.
Light activity: Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous activities within 1-2 weeks.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting: Patients are generally advised to avoid heavy lifting for 3–4 weeks post-surgery and strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks.
Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising may obscure your final results until healing is complete. Residual swelling can last for 6 months or longer, with final results typically visible around 1 year.
Scarring: The incision scar will fade over time. It’s usually placed where it can be hidden by clothing.

Following all recommended activity restrictions is essential for optimal recovery and the best possible results.

While the full, stunning results will gradually appear as swelling goes down, you’ll see a noticeable difference right away. With a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, your beautifully contoured abdomen can last for many years, helping you embrace a more confident and refreshed version of yourself.

5 Tips for Recovery From a Tummy Tuck

A couple of things you can do to help you heal more comfortably and get the most out of your tummy tuck are:

Wear your compression garment as directed to reduce swelling and support healing.
Take short walks to promote healthy circulation.
Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich meals to support recovery.
Avoid lifting any heavy objects.
Sleep slightly elevated to reduce tension on your abdomen.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Evansville, IN?

The cost of a tummy tuck in Evansville can vary based on your individual needs and the specifics of your surgical plan. Factors like the amount of correction needed, whether additional procedures are included, and the type of anesthesia used all play a role.

The total cost may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any necessary post-operative care. Many plastic surgeons offer financing options and flexible payment plans to help patients manage the cost of tummy tuck surgery, making treatment more accessible for qualifying candidates.

The best way to get an accurate idea of pricing is through a personalized consultation at Conkright Aesthetics.

Why Choose Dr. Conkright?

In Evansville, IN, Dr. J. Michael Conkright is a board-certified plastic surgeon and experienced plastic surgeon, leading a team of qualified professionals at Conkright Aesthetics to ensure both safety and refined results.

He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kentucky, graduating with high distinction, before completing a five-year residency in general surgery, trauma, and intensive care. He then advanced his training with two additional years in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery at Ohio State University. His experience also includes specialized work in pediatric, breast, burn, and trauma reconstruction, giving him a well-rounded and highly precise surgical skillset.

As a member of The Aesthetic Society, he meets elevated standards in training and ethics, and, combined with his certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, this gives patients confidence that they are in the hands of experienced, qualified professionals. Our practice is dedicated to providing personalized care, tailoring every tummy tuck procedure to each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Tummy Tuck FAQ'S

There is some discomfort, especially during the first few days, but it is very manageable. Most patients describe the feeling as tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain.

You will be given medication to stay comfortable, and because procedures at Conkright Aesthetics can be performed under local anesthesia, many patients find the overall experience more controlled and less overwhelming than expected.
Possible risks with a tummy tuck are infection, bleeding, fluid buildup, delayed healing, and visible scarring. Some patients may also experience temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation as the area heals.

According to Science in Sights, a large-scale study of nearly 56,000 patients found that about 97.9% of tummy tuck procedures are completed without major complications.2

At Conkright Aesthetics, procedures can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, which may reduce certain risks associated with general anesthesia.
Look for a provider who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, as this ensures they have completed rigorous training and meet strict safety standards.

Experience matters just as much, so review before-and-after photos to see the kind of results they consistently achieve. A strong reputation, positive patient feedback, and a thorough consultation process are all good signs that you are in the right place.

When you choose someone like J. Michael Conkright, it means you are working with a practice that values precision, client safety, and natural-looking results.

Schedule Your
Consultation

If you’re ready to say goodbye to that stubborn belly and hello to a smoother, firmer you, the team at Conkright Aesthetics is here to guide you. Contact us today to schedule your tummy tuck appointment in Evansville. Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and truly “feel beautiful too.” For those interested in minimally invasive options, we also offer medspa services and non-surgical treatments to enhance your natural beauty.

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Sources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2025, June 25). Patients continue to lose weight in the years after a “Tummy Tuck.” https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/patients-continue-to-lose-weight-in-the-years-after-tummy-tuck
Science Insights Team. (2026, March 20). Is a tummy tuck safe? Risks, complications, and outcomes - ScienceInsights. ScienceInsights. https://scienceinsights.org/is-a-tummy-tuck-safe-risks-complications-and-outcomes

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