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Augusta · Evans · Columbia County
A flat, firm midsection

Tummy Tuck
in Augusta, GA

★★★★★ 5.0 594 Google reviews

A tummy tuck removes loose skin and repairs the separated abdominal muscles that diet and exercise can’t fix — performed by Dr. Troy Austin, a double board-certified plastic surgeon. Honest guidance on types, scars, cost, and recovery.

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What is a tummy tuck?
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Tummy Tuck

Skin, not fat. That's the difference.

Dr. Troy Austin, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon in Augusta, GA

Medically reviewed by Dr. Troy Austin, MD — double board-certified plastic surgeon ◆ Updated July 2026

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose, sagging skin from the abdomen and repairs the separated abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer, more toned midsection. It’s most often chosen after pregnancy or major weight loss, when the stretched skin and separated muscles no longer bounce back on their own. Diet and exercise can shrink fat, but they can’t tighten loose skin or bring separated muscles back together. At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery in Augusta, GA, Dr. Troy Austin performs tummy tucks tailored to how much skin and muscle laxity you’re dealing with.

See the types of tummy tuck

Board certified

1 x

Dr. Austin is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery — the depth of training abdominal surgery deserves.

Hours, outpatient

3-

Performed in our accredited on-site surgery center. All patients go home the same day, and most return the following day for a quick post-op visit.

Starting price

$ 1 +

We publish a real starting number and give you an exact, all-in quote at consultation. Financing available.

Austin
Dr. Troy Austin, board-certified plastic surgeon and supervising physician at 7 Seas Medical Spa in Augusta, GA
Dr. Troy Austin Double board-certified
Your surgeon

Trained where Augusta trains its surgeons.

A tummy tuck is real abdominal surgery — muscle repair, skin removal, and a scar to plan — and it rewards a surgeon with genuine surgical depth. Dr. Austin is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, completed his plastic surgery fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia right here in Augusta, and trained in general surgery at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.

The surgeon who plans your tummy tuck is the one who performs it, and he’ll give you a straight answer about which type fits your body — or whether liposuction alone would serve you better.

A great tummy tuck is equal parts muscle repair, skin removal, and a well-hidden scar. Miss any one of those and the result shows. Dr. Troy Austin
Read his full bio

Credentials & affiliations

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery & American Board of Surgery
  • Fellowship — Medical College of Georgia
  • Member, ASAPS · ASPS · Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons
Is it right for you?

The pooch that won't flatten.

You eat well. You train your core. And there’s still a lower-belly bulge and a curtain of loose skin that won’t budge — often after pregnancy or major weight loss. Here’s why: crunches strengthen muscle, but they can’t pull separated muscles back together or shrink skin that has lost its elasticity. A tummy tuck does both — it repairs the muscle wall and removes the excess skin. If your only issue is stubborn fat with firm skin and intact muscles, liposuction may be all you need, and Dr. Austin will say so.

Which tummy tuck do I need?
Types of tummy tuck

Mini, full, or extended?

The right tummy tuck depends on how much loose skin and muscle separation you have, and where. Here’s how the three main options compare.

 Mini Tummy TuckFull Tummy TuckExtended / Fleur-de-Lis
Best forMild looseness below the belly buttonModerate–significant skin & muscle separationMajor weight-loss skin, including the flanks
IncisionShort & low, like a C-sectionLow, hip-to-hip, hidden by underwearHip-to-hip plus a vertical incision
Muscle repairLower abdomen onlyFull — above & below the navelFull
Belly buttonUsually unchangedRepositioned (a new navel)Repositioned
DowntimeShorter2–4 weeks basicLonger

A tummy tuck is also the centerpiece of a mommy makeover, and pairs naturally with liposuction. A panniculectomy (skin removal only, no muscle repair) is a related, more limited, skin-only option. More on that below.

The real difference

More than skin: the muscle repair.

The single thing that separates a tummy tuck from liposuction — and the reason it works when nothing else has — is what it does to the muscle.

What is diastasis recti?

During pregnancy or major weight gain, the abdominal muscles can stretch and separate down the midline — a gap called diastasis recti. It leaves a persistent bulge, a weaker core, and sometimes back discomfort, and no amount of exercise closes it, because the muscles have physically pulled apart.

How Dr. Austin repairs it

During a tummy tuck, the separated muscles are stitched back together in the midline (a repair called plication), rebuilding a firm, flat abdominal wall — like re-cinching an internal corset. That’s why a proper tummy tuck flattens a “pooch” that liposuction alone never could.

Skin, stretch marks & fat too

With the muscle rebuilt, the loose lower-abdominal skin — and most stretch marks below the belly button — are removed, and liposuction is often added to refine the waist for a smoother overall contour.

Crunches can’t fix this. Separated muscles are a structural problem — only a surgical repair pulls them back together.

Straight talk

Your scar & your belly button.

A tummy tuck leaves a scar — there’s no way around it — but a well-planned one is low, hidden, and a fair trade for a flat abdomen. Here’s the honest picture.

Where the scar sits

For a full tummy tuck, the incision runs low across the lower abdomen, hip to hip, placed so underwear and swimwear cover it. A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision, similar in length to a C-section scar. An extended or fleur-de-lis lift adds a vertical scar for major weight-loss skin.

What about my belly button?

In a full tummy tuck, because skin is redraped, your belly button is repositioned — the surgeon brings your own navel out through a new opening, so it looks natural. A mini tummy tuck usually leaves the belly button untouched.

How scars heal

Scars are firm and pink for the first months, then flatten and fade over about a year. Dr. Austin places incisions thoughtfully and guides your scar care to give them the best chance to settle.

Low and hidden.

A good tummy tuck scar lives below your waistband — you trade it for a flat, firm midsection.

Investment

How much does a tummy tuck cost in Augusta?

Cost depends on the type — a mini tummy tuck costs less than a full or extended one, and adding liposuction affects the total. In the Augusta area, most tummy tucks start around $13,600. Your exact, all-in quote is confirmed in writing at your consultation.

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Mini tummy tuck $7,800 – $9,000
Full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) Start at $13,600
Extended / fleur-de-lis $12,000 – $16,000
Add liposuction for contouring + $1,500 – $3,000
Consultation with Dr. Austin $100

A panniculectomy , which removes hanging lower-abdominal skin without repairing the muscles, is a more limited, skin-only procedure that is quoted separately. Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery is a self-pay practice and does not bill insurance. Your tummy tuck quote includes anesthesia and the surgery center, and financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alle Financing. 

Candidacy, recovery & results

Recovery, drains & what lasts.

Are you a candidate?

The best candidates are at a stable weight, in good health, don’t smoke, and are bothered by loose abdominal skin and/or separated muscles — most often after pregnancy or weight loss. If you plan to have more children or lose significant weight, it’s usually best to wait, since both can undo the muscle repair.

Recovery week by week

  • Week 1: the hardest — you’ll walk bent forward, wear a compression garment, and may have small drains for a few days; arrange help at home.
  • Weeks 2–4: many return to desk work; still no lifting or core strain.
  • Weeks 4–6: gradually back to more activity as Dr. Austin clears you.
  • Months 2–12: swelling settles, you stand fully upright, and the scar matures and fades.

Do results last?

Yes — with a stable weight and no future pregnancies, a tummy tuck’s results are long-lasting. Significant weight gain or another pregnancy can re-stretch the skin and muscles, so timing it when your family and weight are settled matters.

The compression garment is your friend. Wearing it as directed controls swelling and helps your new contour settle.

Good to know

Tummy tuck Questions.

What is a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is surgery that removes loose lower-belly skin and stretch marks and repairs the separated abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer midsection. The muscle repair is what distinguishes it from liposuction — it fixes the structural “pooch” that exercise can’t.

Liposuction removes fat but does nothing for loose skin or separated muscles. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs the muscle wall (and often includes liposuction to refine the waist). If you have a firm core and good skin but stubborn fat, lipo may be enough; if you have loose skin or a muscle “pooch,” you need a tuck.

Cost depends on the type. In the Augusta area, a tummy tuck starts around $13,600, and the final price depends on the extent of the procedure and whether liposuction is added. Your written, all-in quote is confirmed at consultation, and financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alle Financing.

A mini tummy tuck suits mild looseness below the belly button with minor muscle separation and uses a shorter incision. A full tummy tuck addresses moderate-to-significant loose skin and muscle separation above and below the navel, repositions the belly button, and uses a low hip-to-hip incision. Dr. Austin recommends the right one at your consultation.

The scar runs low across the lower abdomen, hip to hip, positioned so underwear and swimwear cover it (a mini tuck’s is shorter). In a full tummy tuck, your belly button is repositioned — your own navel is brought out through a new opening so it looks natural. A mini tuck usually leaves the belly button untouched.

A panniculectomy removes only the hanging apron of lower-abdominal skin and does not repair the muscles or reshape the waist. A tummy tuck also repairs the separated muscles and contours the abdomen for a cosmetic result. Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery is a self-pay practice and does not bill insurance, so both are quoted as cash-pay procedures. Dr. Austin can explain which fits your situation.

The first week is the hardest — you’ll move carefully, wear a compression garment, and may have small drains for a few days. Many return to desk work in two to four weeks and resume full activity around six weeks. Swelling settles and the scar fades over the following months, with final results by about a year.

Yes. A tummy tuck often improves a C-section scar, and it’s the centerpiece of a mommy makeover, where it’s combined with breast surgery and sometimes liposuction in one recovery. It’s best to wait until you’re finished having children, since a future pregnancy can undo the muscle repair.

Wait until you’re at a stable weight and finished having children. After weight loss, let your weight hold steady for several months first. Timing it when your body has settled protects the muscle repair and gives the longest-lasting result.

Yes. Patients travel in from across Georgia and the Carolinas. Start with a virtual consultation so your plan is set before you arrive, and because recovery is real, plan to stay in the Augusta area for about a week. Augusta Regional Airport is about 20 minutes away.

Service area

Serving Augusta and the wider CSRA.

Our practice sits just off River Watch Parkway in Augusta, minutes from Evans and Martinez and a straight shot from I-20. Patients come to us from across Columbia and Richmond counties and from across the Savannah River in South Carolina.

Prefer to start from home? Virtual consultations are available, a convenient first step before you travel to Augusta.

See directions & drive times
Augusta
Evans
Martinez
Grovetown
Columbia County
Hephzibah
Harlem
Appling
North Augusta, SC
Aiken, SC
Thomson
Waynesboro

Traveling to Augusta for a tummy tuck?

Patients travel to Dr. Austin from across Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond — often after pregnancy or a weight-loss journey — to have their tummy tuck done by one trusted surgeon. Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is roughly 20 minutes from our surgery center.

Start with a virtual consultation — share your goals and a few photos, and Dr. Austin will outline a plan before you travel. Because a tummy tuck needs a real recovery, plan to stay in the Augusta area for about a week after surgery. Our team helps coordinate scheduling, lodging, and follow-up — and can combine procedures so one trip counts.

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Patient experiences

What our patients say.

5.0 Based on 594 Google reviews
Ratings and reviews from Google Maps

From my initial consultation through my procedure, my experience was nothing short of exceptional. Every step of the process was informative, professional, and reassuring. Dr. Austin and his entire staff were incredibly patient, attentive, and always willing to answer any questions I had. The level of customer service and hospitality exceeded my expectations. Everyone made me feel comfortable, valued, and confident in my decision throughout the entire journey. Dr. Austin’s expertise, compassion, and dedication to his patients are truly remarkable. I feel extremely blessed to have had Dr. Austin as my surgeon and would highly recommend him and his facility to anyone considering a procedure. Thank you for providing such outstanding care and an amazing experience.

I had an amazing experience with Dr. Austin and the entire staff during my implants exchange procedure. From the very beginning, everyone made me feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for. Dr. Austin was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions, which gave me so much confidence throughout the process. The staff was kind, supportive, and welcoming every step of the way. I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and highly recommend Dr. Austin and his team!.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Austin and his team!!! From the time you walk in until the time you leave they make you feel like the only patient in the building. Dr. Austin is truly wonderful. Before surgery my consult was very thorough and he answered every question I had. The medical staff and Dr. Austin made surgery day and recovery a breeze. The surgery center is immaculate with wonderful pre and post op staff which was important to me as a nurse myself. Having my surgery with Dr. Austin and his team was the best decision I ever made. Book that consultation and surgery!!! You will NOT regret it. I have never been happier with my body and my confidence is back!

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Visit us

In Augusta — and worth the drive.

Our surgery center sits just off River Watch Parkway, an easy drive from Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, and Columbia County, plus North Augusta and Aiken across the river. Many patients travel from across Georgia and the Southeast; Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is close by, and our team helps out-of-town patients coordinate every visit.

Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery

225 Cooper Ct
Augusta, GA 30907
(706) 854-2080
Mon–Thu 8:30am – 5:00pm · Fri 8:30am – 2:00pm

Approx. drive times

  • Martinez, GA 7 min
  • Evans, GA 11 min
  • Downtown Augusta, GA 17 min
  • North Augusta, SC 17 min
  • Grovetown, GA 22 min
  • Aiken, SC 38 min
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★★★★★ 5.0 594 Google reviews