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Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat, helping patients achieve a flatter, more toned midsection.

Tummy Tuck

Overview

Most of us want a flat, toned stomach and try to achieve it through diet and exercise. But sometimes you just can’t get the results you want. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to firm and smooth the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles. It’s ideal for those of us who have experienced physical changes due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, genetics or simply aging. Any one or a combination of those factors can reduce the elasticity of skin and weaken or separate muscles beyond the reach of what exercise can accomplish. If you’re struggling to achieve the flatter, firmer tummy you want, abdominoplasty might be the answer.  

What Types of Tummy Tuck Do we Do?

There are different types of tummy tucks, depending on your individual needs:

  • Full tummy tuck: Involves an incision from hip to hip, removal of excess skin, and muscle tightening for significant correction.
  • Mini tummy tuck: Targets the lower abdomen with a smaller incision, ideal for those with minimal sagging or loose skin.
  • Extended tummy tuck: Includes the abdomen and flanks, perfect for patients with more extensive skin laxity.

About the Procedure

Why are Tummy Tucks Done?

Tummy tucks are performed for several reasons, including:

  • Removing excess skin after significant weight loss.
  • Tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles after giving birth.
  • Improving overall body contours for a more balanced figure.

The goal is to achieve a smoother, firmer abdomen that enhances your natural shape and helps you feel more confident about how you look.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

Results from abdominoplasty are generally long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While aging and future pregnancies can impact the outcome, the surgery typically provides a permanent solution for excess skin and muscle separation.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Candidates for abdominoplasty are typically individuals who:

  • Have excess skin or loose abdominal muscles due to weight loss or pregnancy.
  • Are at or near their ideal weight.
  • Are in good overall health and non-smokers.
  • Have realistic expectations for their results.

How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck

Preparing for a tummy tuck involves several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Patients should stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing. Avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or certain supplements, as directed by your surgeon. Arrange for transportation and post-operative care, as you’ll need assistance during the initial recovery period. Prepare your home with essentials like loose clothing and compression garments. Your surgeon may require preoperative lab tests, and it’s important to follow all fasting or hydration instructions before surgery. Being well-prepared helps promote optimal healing and results.

What Happens During the Surgery?

During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision from hip to hip, just above the pubic area, and a second incision around the navel to reposition it. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal fascia (connective tissue) tightened. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and drains may be placed to manage fluid buildup.

A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision below the navel, targeting only the lower abdomen. There is no need to reposition the belly button, and minimal fascial tightening is performed. This procedure is quicker and less invasive than a full tummy tuck.

For an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, sometimes reaching the lower back. This allows the removal of excess skin and fat from both the abdomen and flanks. After lifting the abdominal skin, the surgeon tightens the underlying fascia for improved contour and stability. The belly button may be repositioned for a natural appearance. 

Once the contouring is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, and drains may be placed to reduce fluid buildup.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of a tummy tuck varies based on the type of procedure. A mini tummy tuck typically takes 1-2 hours, while a full tummy tuck requires 3-4 hours. An extended tummy tuck is more complex and can take 3-4 hours, depending on the extent of contouring needed.

Risks

A tummy tuck carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and noticeable scarring. Fluid accumulation (seroma) may occur, sometimes requiring drainage. Numbness or changes in skin sensation near the incision site are common but usually temporary. More serious risks include blood clots, fat necrosis, or tissue loss, particularly in smokers. Fascial tightening can also cause prolonged discomfort or tightness. Following post-operative instructions closely helps minimize complications and promote optimal healing.

Benefits

A tummy tuck offers more than just physical transformation—it helps patients feel aligned with their ideal selves. By removing excess skin, tightening muscles, and enhancing abdominal contours, the procedure restores a flatter, more toned appearance. Many patients experience renewed confidence, especially after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. It’s a step toward reclaiming comfort in your own skin and embracing the reflection you see.

Recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck varies based on the type of procedure. After a mini tummy tuck, most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to work in 1-2 weeks, with full recovery in about 4 weeks. A full tummy tuck requires more downtime—patients usually need 2-3 weeks off work, with light activities resuming after two weeks and more strenuous activities after 6-8 weeks. Recovery from an extended tummy tuck takes the longest, often requiring 3-4 weeks before returning to work and up to 8-12 weeks to resume all normal activities. Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common initially but improve over time. Compression garments help reduce swelling and support healing. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and are usually removed within 1-2 weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.

FAQ

How painful is a tummy tuck? 
Tummy tuck surgery typically causes moderate pain, especially in the first few days, but it can be managed with prescription pain medication. Discomfort gradually decreases over the first two weeks.

Are there visible scars? 
Yes, there will be scars, but they are placed low along the bikini line to remain discreet. In a full or extended tummy tuck, a small scar may also form around the belly button. These scars usually fade over time with proper care.  

How soon can I return to work? 
Recovery time varies by procedure. Mini tummy tuck patients can return to work in 1-2 weeks, while full and extended tummy tuck patients typically need 2-4 weeks, depending on the nature of their job.  

How long do the results last? 
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, but maintaining a stable weight is essential. Significant weight changes or future pregnancies can affect results over time.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures? 
Yes, tummy tucks are often combined with liposuction or breast procedures to achieve more comprehensive body contouring, such as in a mommy makeover.

What should I avoid after surgery? 
After surgery, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, smoking, and sleeping on your stomach for at least 6-8 weeks to ensure proper healing. Wearing a compression garment is also recommended to minimize swelling.

Complementary Procedures

Complementary procedures to consider with a tummy tuck include liposuction to enhance contouring by removing stubborn fat and breast procedures like augmentation or a lift for a more balanced figure. Patients may also choose thigh lifts or buttock enhancement to achieve comprehensive body sculpting, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

For more detailed information please contact our office or book a consultation.

From Our Patients

At Evolve Your Life, we’re committed to delivering a world-class experience through attentive, responsive, and compassionate care. How are we doing?

See what some of our patients have to say:

Kiersten Obermayer

Dr. Dorafshar is absolutely amazing. He truly cares about the results as well as the patient. He checked up on me multiple times through my recovery and my results are amazing already after 10 days! Can’t wait to see them when I’m fully healed!

Khyla Tatak

Talk about a great experience overall. Dr. Dorafshar made me feel at ease, answered all of my questions and set realistic expectations on recovery. Constantly checked in to make sure I was doing ok during the first week post surgery. His team set the bar high. I’m so incredibly happy with my results.

“Anyone seeking out a great surgeon who will work with your needs and help you feel like the best version of yourself, I highly recommend Dr. Amir Dorafshar.”

—Iliana Diana

See yourself. Be yourself.

At Evolve Your Life, we know how important it is to look in the mirror every day and see a reflection that feels like your own.

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