For women and men who would like a smoother, flatter midsection, Dr. Craig Colville performs tummy tuck surgery at his Toledo, Ohio, practice. This transformative surgery is the preferred option for removing excess skin and fat, and tightening lax abdominal muscles – characteristics that often result from pregnancy or significant weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) achieves results that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone.
Abdominoplasty Before & After Photos
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This 31 year old mother of two had lost the tone and shape in her abdomen after pregnancy, despite all of her efforts, she was unable to get back to her pre-pregnancy look on her own. Dr. Colville helped this patient get the results she desired with an abdominoplasty and the repair of her abdominal muscle wall. To see this patient's... Read More
This 36 year old mother of two wanted her lower abdomen curtain to be removed. Now only three and half months after surgery, she has gone from size 10 all the way to size 2 jeans with the help of Dr. Colville's abdominoplasty and hiproll liposuction for body contouring. She now feels more confident with her body and sticks to her... Read More
Pregnancy, heredity, and aging were all contributing factors to this patients loose skin and protruding abdomen. She wanted to feel more comfortable with her body, and to be able to wear anything she wanted without worrying about her 'gut' hanging out. She decided a 'tummy tuck' would give her the results she was looking for and sought... Read More
This patient was unhappy with her midesction. She decided to undergo an abdominoplasty surgery with Dr. Colville and couldn't be happier with the results. She continues to visit the office for injectable treatments, such as botox and filler, to help retain her youthful appearance. Dr. Colville has been able to help this patient in many ways and... Read More
This 29 year old patient has two children and leads a very active lifestyle with daily exercise but her abdomen was always a problem area for her. After discussing many options with Dr. Colville, the best choice was a limited incision abdominoplasty. She is very happy with the results and continues to stay active to keep her beautiful body... Read More
After having 3 children, two of which were by C-Section, this patient was unable to achieve her desired abdomen. Dr. Colville was able to help her achieve her desired abdomen results by performing a lateral tension abdominoplasty with muscle wall repair. This patient is now very happy with her results. Read More
After having two children, both delivered through c-section, this 38 year old female came to see Dr. Colville for a "tummy tuck". After her abdominoplasty procedure, the patient feels like her stomach actually matches her 5'3" 110 pound frame. She worked hard for years to get back in shape and the abdominoplasty makes her... Read More
This 39 year old mother of two sought help from Dr. Colville for the excess skin on her abdomen. Despite her active lifestyle and consistent workout routines she was unable to flatten her abdomen. Dr. Colville helped her achieve her goals with an extended abdominoplasty and liposuction of the hip rolls, flanks and upper abdomen. Read More
This patient expressed that she was unhappy with her excess abdominal skin. Dr. Colville recommended an abdominoplasty surgery with muscle tightening and power assisted liposuction for additional contouring through her upper abdomen, flank and hip roll areas. She is shown post op and is very pleased with her new body contour and shape. Read More
This patient was unhappy with the look of her abdomen. After consulting with Dr. Colville they decided that an extended abdominoplasty was the best solution. The patient is very happy with her results.
After having two children, this woman was unable to flatten her now bulging abdomen despite her healthy and active lifestyle. Dr. Colville performed a lateral tension abdominoplasty giving her the results that she had hoped for.
This 53 year old patient worked very hard to be more physically fit than she had ever been before, but was unahppy with the loose skin on her abdomen that seemed to just continue getting worse. After Dr. Colville performed her abdominoplasty procedure, she feels that her body finally looks the way she feels and she couldn't be happier with the... Read More
This 35 year old patient had three children, two of which were c-section births, and her youngest child is just under one year old. Her biggest concern when she came to Dr. Colville, was that even though she was back to her baseline health, she still looked pregnant. Her abdominal wall had loosened significantly throughout pregnancies, and she also... Read More
This 38 year old patient was unhappy with the excess skin that remained on her abdomen although she had lost weight after having 3 children, one set being twins. Her desire was to improve the appearance of her c-section scar and to have a more contoured look without the excess abdominal skin. Dr. Colville was able to help her acheive her goal... Read More
This 50 year old patient has two children who are now adults. After struggling with her midesction for years, she finally decided to visit Dr. Colville after hearing about him through a friend. She absolutely loves the results, and truly feels like herself again. Read More
After having three c-sections, this 30 year old patient was bothered by the appearance of her lower abdomen. She had always been fit, but could not change the sagging skin after having children. Dr. Colville helped this patient get her body back by performing an abdominoplasty and repairing her abdominal muscle wall. She loves the results and... Read More
This 42 year old patient was unhappy with the thickness of her abdomen. She loves that she can now wear clothes and not feel like she is "too full" for them. Clothes fit better and she feels better after having an abdominoplasty with Dr. Colville. Read More
This 50 year old patient felt that her abdomen never quite went back to normal after having a child. With the help of Dr. Colville, she now feels that she is back to her right size and feels more confident.
This 45 year old female was unhappy with her abdomen. After having two C-Sections she was left with a "shelf" where her scar was. Dr. Colville was able to help her regain her confidence by performing a limited incision abdominoplasty. The patient was very happy with her results stating, " It was the best investment I made for mself.... Read More
This 43 year old patient is 5'2" and weighs 110 pounds. After having 3 children she worked very hard to lose weight, but there was nothing she could do about her sagging abdomen, until she visited Dr. Colville. The patient felt that this was such a positive experience for her and she stated, "I finally have the body I want!", when... Read More
This 30 year old female presented with a belly button hernia that was causing her pain and loose abdominal skin after 3 children. Dr. Colville performed a lateral tension abdominoplasty with power assisted liposuction to her hip rolls, another doctor assisted in repairing her hernia. This patient is very happy with her results.Post op pictures... Read More
This 61 year old works out 3-4 times per week. She lost about 40 pounds and didn’t like the looseness of her abdomen. She was so happy with the results of her body lift, she decided to have a breast lift a year later.
After having 3 children, the youngest being 13, this 42 year old woman had a lot of extra skin and fat in her abdomen region and was having the hardest time getting rid of it. She decided to visit Dr. Colville for an abdominoplasty and her life has been changed ever since. She absolutely loves the results and says she "couldn't... Read More
This 57 year old patient had a history of issues with her abdomen, resulting in a vertical scar and laxity of the skin. After an abdominolpasty with hip roll liposuction, she is confident with her look and loves the improvements!
Tummy tuck is the appropriate procedure when you have more than just fat around your abdomen. Abdominoplasty patients usually present with excess, sagging skin, a protruding belly caused by stretched abdominal muscles, and rolls or bulges of stubborn fat. The appearance may improve somewhat with exercise, but ultimately these conditions require surgical correction.
Tummy tuck surgery repairs weakened or damaged muscles, removes excess skin, and reduces fat in the midsection. This makes it especially popular with women who have had children, because in addition to stretched skin, pregnancy often causes a separation of the abdominal muscles called diastasis recti. Although diastasis recti sometimes resolves on its own, many cases require surgical repair, which slims the waist and flattens the abdomen.
Tummy tuck is also a good option for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight. These men and women are often left with extra skin and abdominal sagging that prevent them from fully enjoying the results of their hard work.
If you have good skin elasticity and your primary concern is fat around the midsection, liposuction may be a better option. Dr. Colville often combines both liposuction and abdominoplasty into a single procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Colville will evaluate your abdomen and make a recommendation about the right choice for you.
Planning Your Abdominoplasty
While the fundamentals of each abdominoplasty are the same, your surgery will be customized to meet your unique needs.
If you are like most tummy tuck candidates, you will likely benefit from a full tummy tuck. During this procedure, Dr. Colville typically makes an incision on the lower abdomen, extending from hip to hip where it will be hidden beneath underwear or a bikini. In most cases, there is also an incision around the navel. The full tummy tuck allows for muscle repair and fat and skin removal, both above and below the navel.
If your concerns are isolated to the area below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. A mini tummy tuck requires only a shortened horizontal incision along the lower abdomen. If you’re unsure of which approach is best for you, Dr. Colville can help you decide during your consultation.
In some cases, women who undergo tummy tuck surgery choose to combine it with breast augmentation or a breast lift in a popular combination surgery called a mommy makeover. Whichever options you choose, Dr. Colville will be sure to inform you of what you can expect from your surgery and recovery.
Your Surgery
To ensure your safety and comfort, Dr. Colville performs abdominoplasty using a general anesthetic. He begins by making the incision low on your abdomen. Depending on your unique surgical plan, he may remove excess fat using liposuction, surgically tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles, and remove stretched skin, pulling it downward to create a smooth, flat abdominal contour. He may also adjust the navel, if necessary. Once he is satisfied with the shape and symmetry of your abdomen, he closes the incision with sutures. In most cases, he will place at least 1 temporary surgical drain to prevent complications from the buildup of excessive fluid.
Tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to return home the same day. You’ll need a friend or loved one to drive you home and stay with you as you rest immediately after surgery.
Craig W. Colville, MD, FACS
"My ultimate goal is to design a plan accommodating your wishes and desires in the most aesthetically pleasing manner possible."
Following your tummy tuck, it’s imperative that you give your body plenty of time to recuperate and heal before returning to your routine activities. For most people, this means taking between 10 and 14 days off work.
During this time, it’s important to have a family member or friend to help you with certain everyday tasks. You should avoid any activities that require you to reach, bend, stoop, or lift. Therefore, you’ll need help with things like housekeeping, cooking, errands, and childcare. Dr. Colville also warns against driving until you’re no longer taking prescription pain medication.
In most cases, recuperation after tummy tuck surgery is not particularly painful. You will wear a compression garment to help control swelling, and you will receive detailed instructions about showering, changing bandages, caring for your drains, and taking medications. Your surgical drains are removed after about a week, and Dr. Colville and his team monitor your healing at follow-up appointments. The overwhelming majority of patients say the confidence they feel after a tummy tuck is well worth any discomfort they experience during the recuperation period.
Patients considering a tummy tuck come from Sandusky, Findlay, Ann Arbor, and throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan to our Toledo practice. If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery, request a consultation online, or call Dr. Colville’s office at
(419) 534-6551 to schedule an appointment.
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