Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscle wall. It’s not a weight loss procedure — it’s for people who have loose skin and separated muscles that won’t respond to diet and exercise, usually after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
I make an incision low on your abdomen, typically hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom. Depending on your anatomy and goals, this incision may extend hip to hip. I then separate your skin from the underlying muscle, repair any muscle separation (diastasis recti), remove excess skin, and reposition your belly button. I typically recommend some liposuction as well to help define your curves.
There are several variations: a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the belly button, and an extended tummy tuck addresses the flanks as well. Many patients also benefit from liposuction of the flanks to improve contour. We’ll discuss which approach fits your situation during your consultation.
This is real surgery with a real recovery. You’ll go home the same day but will be hunched over for the first week because your skin and your muscles are tight. This is normal and improves as swelling decreases. Most patients take 2–3 weeks off work, longer if your job is physical.
Some (but not all) patients need drains — this is something we can discuss at your appointment. Pretty much every patient will need to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. No core exercises or heavy lifting for 6 weeks minimum.
Pain is most significant the first 3–5 days and is managed with medication (including injectable medication that we will use during your surgery). By week 2, most patients have transitioned to over-the-counter pain relievers. The tightness sensation takes longer to resolve — expect 2–3 months before you feel normal.
You’ll see an immediate improvement in contour, but significant swelling masks your final result for months. Swelling peaks around day 3–5, improves substantially by week 6, but subtle swelling persists for 3–6 months.
Your scar will be red and visible initially, fading to a thin line over 12–18 months. Final results are visible around 6 months to a year. Results are permanent assuming you maintain a stable weight — but pregnancy after a tummy tuck can stretch things out again.
Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, done having children, and have excess skin or muscle separation that won’t improve with exercise. If you’re planning to lose a significant amount of weight, it’s better to wait — you don’t want to need a revision because your skin becomes loose again.
Yes. In most cases, the C-section scar ends up being removed along with the excess skin. If it’s not fully removed, it’s usually significantly improved.
Your belly button stays attached to your abdominal wall — I reposition it through a new opening in the tightened skin. Some swelling and temporary shape changes are normal. The scar around it fades over time.
Liposuction removes fat but doesn’t address loose skin or muscle separation. If your skin has good elasticity and your muscles are intact, lipo might be enough. If you have significant skin laxity, liposuction alone will leave you with even looser skin. We’ll evaluate this together.