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BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

TUMMY TUCK Thin, Flat, Tight.

Restore your confidence with a tummy tuck that removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Perfect after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or to address the effects of aging.

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15+
Years Experience
1,000+
Procedures Performed
Joint
Commission
Accredited Facility
ERAS
Enhanced Recovery
Protocol
Medically reviewed by Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD | Last updated: 2026-02-24
Tummy Tuck at a Glance
💉
Anesthesia
General
Procedure Time
3–4 Hours
📅
Recovery
2–3 Weeks
Results
Long-Lasting

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

Key Takeaways
  • Removes excess skin and fat while tightening weakened abdominal muscles
  • Ideal after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging-related changes
  • ERAS protocol with Exparel reduces recovery time and opioid dependence
  • Muscle repair restores core strength and improves posture
  • Results are long-lasting when combined with stable weight maintenance

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, this procedure is designed to create a flatter, more toned midsection that enhances your overall body contour and restores confidence in your appearance.

Whether you’re seeking to address the effects of pregnancy and childbirth (post-pregnancy body changes), restore your silhouette after significant weight loss, or simply contour your abdomen to reflect your current fitness level, a tummy tuck can be customized to your specific needs. Dr. Crantford combines meticulous surgical technique with our Rapid Recovery program using ERAS protocols to minimize discomfort and help you return to your normal activities faster than traditional approaches.

Ready to reclaim your midsection? Dr. Crantford specializes in personalized tummy tuck procedures tailored to your unique anatomy.

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WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy tuck candidates come from many different backgrounds. Here are common reasons patients choose this procedure.

Common Goal

POST-PREGNANCY ABDOMEN

Pregnancy and childbirth stretch the abdominal skin and muscles, sometimes beyond the point of natural recovery. A tummy tuck restores your pre-pregnancy silhouette and tightens separated abdominal muscles.

Common Goal

SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS

After dramatic weight loss from diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery, excess abdominal skin may remain. A tummy tuck removes this loose skin, creating a smoother, more contoured midsection that reflects your new body.

Common Goal

STUBBORN BELLY FAT

Despite diet and exercise, some people retain stubborn fat deposits in the lower abdomen. A tummy tuck combined with liposuction removes these deposits and excess skin for a sculpted appearance.

Common Goal

MUSCLE SEPARATION (DIASTASIS RECTI)

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that often occurs during pregnancy. A tummy tuck repairs this separation by bringing the muscles back together, restoring core strength and a flatter abdomen.

YOUR TUMMY TUCK OPTIONS

Dr. Crantford customizes your abdominoplasty based on your anatomy, goals, and extent of correction needed.

Most Comprehensive

FULL TUMMY TUCK

Traditional Abdominoplasty

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen from the lower ribs to the pubic area. The incision extends from hip to hip across the lower abdomen, allowing for maximum skin removal, muscle tightening, and navel repositioning.

  • Hip-to-hip incision for comprehensive reshaping

  • Extensive skin removal and muscle repair

  • Navel repositioning for natural appearance

  • Longer-lasting results for significant excess skin

Ideal For

Patients with significant excess skin, substantial weight loss, or pregnancy-related changes requiring comprehensive abdominal contouring.

Less Invasive Option

MINI TUMMY TUCK

Limited Incision Abdominoplasty

A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the navel with a shorter incision. This less extensive procedure removes modest amounts of excess skin and tightens the lower abdominal muscles, making it ideal for patients with mild to moderate loose skin.

  • Shorter incision hidden below the bikini line

  • Reduced surgical time and quicker recovery

  • Navel remains in place (no repositioning)

  • Minimal scarring with natural healing

Ideal For

Patients with mild to moderate loose skin in the lower abdomen, minimal upper abdominal excess, and those seeking faster recovery.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

Dr. Crantford performs all tummy tuck procedures at a Joint Commission-accredited facility using evidence-based safety protocols.

Joint
Commission
Accredited Surgical
Facility
Board
Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Training & Credentials
ERAS
Evidence-Based
Recovery Protocol

JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION

Our facility meets the highest standards for patient safety, infection prevention, and surgical quality, with rigorous ongoing inspections and compliance requirements.

EXPERIENCED SURGEON

Dr. Clayton Crantford is board-certified in plastic surgery with over 15 years of experience performing abdominoplasty procedures, ensuring superior surgical technique and aesthetic results.

ERAS RAPID RECOVERY PROTOCOL

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols minimize pain, reduce complications, and accelerate healing through optimized anesthesia, fluid management, and post-operative care.

PERSONALIZED CARE PLAN

Every patient receives a customized surgical and recovery plan based on their anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals to ensure optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

YOUR TUMMY TUCK JOURNEY

Dr. Crantford personalizes every aspect of your procedure to achieve optimal results.

CONSULTATION & PLANNING

During your consultation, Dr. Crantford evaluates your abdomen, discusses your goals, and recommends the ideal tummy tuck approach. He reviews incision placement, muscle repair options, and expected results to align your vision with surgical reality.

YOUR PROCEDURE DAY

Under general anesthesia, Dr. Crantford makes carefully planned incisions, removes excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and repositions the navel if needed. The entire procedure typically takes 3 to 4 hours, with meticulous attention to detail for the best aesthetic outcome.

RECOVERY & RESULTS

Most patients return to light activities within 2 to 3 weeks. The ERAS protocol ensures you experience minimal discomfort and maximum support during healing. Results continue to improve over 3 to 6 months as swelling subsides and your abdomen settles into its new contour.

RECOVERY & RESULTS

Most patients can return to light office work and daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks after tummy tuck surgery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and intense workouts should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks to allow proper healing. Final results continue to improve as swelling subsides over 3 to 6 months, revealing the full transformation of your abdominal contour.

Dr. Crantford’s Rapid Recovery Tummy Tuck program is built on ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols, a proven, evidence-based approach that optimizes every phase of your surgical experience. From pre-operative preparation and tailored anesthesia techniques to post-operative pain management and activity guidance, the ERAS protocol minimizes discomfort, reduces downtime, and helps you return to your normal routine faster than traditional approaches. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable their recovery is.

TUMMY TUCK COST IN CHARLESTON, SC

The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on several factors unique to your procedure.

Average Total Cost Range
Contact Us for Pricing
Includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and follow-up visits. Pricing is customized based on your specific needs.

Extent of correction: Full tummy tuck versus mini tummy tuck, amount of skin and fat removal, and degree of muscle tightening required

Additional procedures: Liposuction combined with the tummy tuck, or other body contouring procedures performed simultaneously

Anesthesia: General anesthesia and the duration of the procedure, which varies based on the complexity of your case

Financing options: We partner with PatientFi and CareCredit to offer affordable monthly payment plans

TUMMY TUCK BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS

View real results from Dr. Crantford’s tummy tuck patients. Each gallery photo shows actual patients who consented to share their transformation.

VIEW OUR GALLERY

Considering combining procedures? Many patients pair tummy tuck with liposuction, mommy makeover, or body contouring for comprehensive results.

DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS

WHY CHOOSE Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Dr. Clayton Crantford brings board-certified expertise and a philosophy of personalized, patient-centered care to every tummy tuck procedure. He believes your surgery should not only achieve a flatter abdomen at six weeks, but continue to look and feel natural for years to come. That’s why Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery invests in the most advanced surgical techniques and safety protocols available.

When you choose Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, you’re choosing a surgeon who listens to your aesthetic goals, respects your concerns, and guides you toward a result that’s tailored to your unique anatomy. Located in historic downtown Charleston on Calhoun Street, we serve patients from throughout the Lowcountry and across South Carolina.

Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring and abdominoplasty

Over 15 years of experience performing hundreds of successful tummy tuck procedures

Rapid Recovery program with ERAS protocols for faster healing and minimal downtime

Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility dedicated to patient safety and excellence

SERVING CHARLESTON AND THE LOWCOUNTRY

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, serving tummy tuck patients from throughout the region. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Clayton Crantford provides board-certified expertise and personalized care for your tummy tuck. Our convenient downtown location makes it easy to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments while experiencing the charm of Charleston’s historic district.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, the procedure is customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals, creating a flatter, more toned midsection.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Good candidates for tummy tuck are those with excess abdominal skin and/or separated abdominal muscles. Common reasons include loose skin after pregnancy, excess skin following significant weight loss, or aging-related skin laxity. You should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be committed to maintaining results through healthy lifestyle choices. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will evaluate your individual circumstances and recommend the best approach.
What is the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen with a hip-to-hip incision, allowing for extensive skin removal, muscle repair, and navel repositioning. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the navel with a shorter incision, ideal for patients with mild to moderate excess skin in the lower abdomen only. Dr. Crantford will recommend the best option based on your anatomy and goals.
Can a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
Yes. Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that often occurs during pregnancy. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Crantford can repair this separation by bringing the muscles back together, restoring core strength, improving your posture, and creating a flatter appearance. This repair is often combined with skin removal for comprehensive results.
How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
Tummy tuck surgery typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of skin and fat removal, degree of muscle tightening, and whether additional procedures like liposuction are performed simultaneously. Dr. Crantford will provide a specific time estimate during your pre-operative consultation.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
Most patients can return to light office work and daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks. Pain is typically manageable with prescribed medications. Dr. Crantford’s Rapid Recovery Tummy Tuck program uses ERAS protocols to minimize discomfort and accelerate healing. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable their recovery is.
Will I have visible scars after a tummy tuck?
Yes, you will have a scar along the incision line. With a full tummy tuck, the scar extends from hip to hip across the lower abdomen and can usually be hidden by underwear and swimwear. With a mini tummy tuck, the scar is shorter and positioned below the bikini line. Over time, scars fade significantly. Dr. Crantford uses meticulous closure techniques to minimize scar visibility.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, particularly if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The removed skin does not grow back. However, significant weight gain or pregnancy after surgery can affect results. Most patients enjoy their improved abdomen for many years. The procedure is designed to create lasting change to your body contour.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposuction?
Yes. Many patients combine tummy tuck with liposuction to address both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits, particularly in the flanks or upper abdomen. This combination can be performed during the same surgery. Dr. Crantford will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals during your consultation.
What is the cost of a tummy tuck in Charleston?
The cost of a tummy tuck varies based on several factors, including the extent of correction (full vs. mini), additional procedures, anesthesia type, and facility fees. During your consultation at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, Dr. Crantford will provide a detailed cost estimate. Contact us at (843) 755-6591 for a personalized quote.
When can I return to exercise after a tummy tuck?
Light walking can begin immediately after surgery. Most patients can resume light cardiovascular exercise at 6 weeks. Strenuous exercise, weightlifting, and intense core work should be avoided until 8 weeks post-operatively or until cleared by Dr. Crantford. Your body needs time to heal properly before resuming full activity. Dr. Crantford will provide detailed activity guidelines during your recovery.
Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
Tummy tuck is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is medically necessary to repair diastasis recti that causes functional problems or if it’s part of post-bariatric body contouring, insurance may provide coverage. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly. We also offer financing options through PatientFi and CareCredit to make your tummy tuck more affordable.

READY TO GET STARTED? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Crantford today.

Take the first step toward the tummy tuck you’ve always wanted. Dr. Clayton Crantford and the team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic are here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of your transformation.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION (843) 755-6591

247 Calhoun St. · Charleston, SC 29401 · (843) 755-6591

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