Plastic Surgery Associates of MS, PLLC(601) 936-0936

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A flatter, firmer midsection — even when diet and exercise fall short.

Overview

About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty — commonly known as a tummy tuck — removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. It is one of the most effective body contouring procedures available, producing results that cannot be achieved through diet and exercise alone.

Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can stretch the abdominal skin beyond its ability to retract and separate the rectus abdominis muscles (a condition called diastasis recti). A tummy tuck directly addresses both of these issues — removing the excess skin and repairing the muscle separation — for a flatter, firmer, more toned appearance.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), abdominoplasty is among the top five most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. It is frequently combined with liposuction for more comprehensive body contouring, and is a central component of the mommy makeover.

At a Glance

Procedure Time
2–4 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Facility
Accredited surgical suite
Recovery
2–4 weeks before returning to work
Strenuous Activity
Resume at 6–8 weeks
Often Combined With
Liposuction, breast surgery (mommy makeover)

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Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate?

The best tummy tuck candidates are at or near their ideal body weight, in good health, and not planning future pregnancies. The procedure is not a substitute for weight loss, but it is highly effective for patients who have achieved a stable weight and are left with excess skin or muscle laxity that exercise cannot correct.

You May Be a Good Candidate If You:

Are at or near your ideal body weight and have maintained it for at least 6 months
Have excess abdominal skin following pregnancy or significant weight loss
Have diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) causing a protruding abdomen
Have a "pooch" that does not respond to diet and exercise
Are in good general health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Are a non-smoker or willing to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery
Have completed your family (future pregnancies can reverse results)

Surgery May Not Be Recommended If You:

Are planning future pregnancies
Have significant obesity — weight loss surgery or lifestyle changes should come first
Have active abdominal infections or unhealed wounds
Have serious cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions that increase surgical risk
Currently smoke and are unwilling to stop before and after surgery
Have unrealistic expectations about the extent of improvement

The Procedure

Full, Mini, and Extended Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck procedures are not one-size-fits-all. The technique is selected based on the amount of excess skin, the degree of muscle laxity, and whether the upper or lower abdomen (or both) requires correction.

A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen from the lower ribs to the pubic area. The incision runs hip to hip, low enough to be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. The navel is repositioned through a new opening in the skin. Abdominal muscles are tightened from the ribs to the pubic bone.

A mini abdominoplasty is appropriate for patients with limited excess skin confined to the lower abdomen below the navel. The incision is shorter, and the navel is not repositioned. An extended abdominoplasty adds correction of the flanks and lower back for patients with excess skin extending around the sides.

Liposuction is frequently performed at the same time to address stubborn fat deposits in the flanks, hips, or outer thighs, enhancing the overall contour.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is administered for your comfort and safety.

Incision

A low horizontal incision is made from hip to hip, positioned to be hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.

Skin Elevation

Abdominal skin is elevated from the underlying muscle to expose the full extent of the abdominal wall.

Muscle Repair

Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) are sutured together along the midline, tightening the core.

Skin Removal

Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is pulled downward and smoothed over the tightened abdomen.

Navel Repositioning

The navel is brought through a new opening in the skin and sutured into a natural-looking position.

What to Expect

Recovery Timeline

Days 1–7

Week 1

Rest at home. Drains in place. Walking slightly bent at the waist is normal. Pain managed with medication.

Days 7–14

Week 2

Drains and sutures removed. Walking more upright. Most patients return to desk work at 10–14 days.

Weeks 2–6

Gradually increase activity. Abdominal binder worn. Avoid heavy lifting and core exercises.

Weeks 6–12

Full Recovery

Resume strenuous exercise and core work. Swelling continues to resolve. Final result visible at 3–6 months.

Recovery timelines are estimates. Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan during your consultation.

Outcomes

Your Results

A tummy tuck produces a dramatically flatter, firmer abdomen with a more defined waistline. The scar is permanent but is positioned low enough to be hidden by most underwear and swimwear, and typically fades significantly over 12–18 months.

Results are long-lasting when maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight gain or future pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again, potentially reversing the results. For this reason, we recommend completing your family before undergoing abdominoplasty.

Many patients report not only improved appearance but also improved posture and core strength following muscle repair — particularly those who experienced diastasis recti after pregnancy.

Informed Consent

Risks & Safety

All surgical procedures carry risk. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires that patients receive a thorough discussion of potential risks before consenting to surgery. Your surgeon will review all of the following — and any risks specific to your health history — during your consultation.

Seroma

Fluid accumulation under the skin — the most common complication. Drains are used to minimize risk. May require aspiration if it develops.

Hematoma

Blood collection under the skin. May require drainage if significant.

Infection

Rare with proper technique. Treated with antibiotics; rarely requires surgical intervention.

Wound Healing Issues

Delayed healing at the incision, particularly at the central T-junction. Smokers are at significantly higher risk.

Scarring

The scar is permanent. Abnormal scarring (hypertrophic or widened) is possible, particularly in predisposed individuals.

Numbness

Temporary or permanent changes in abdominal skin sensation are common.

DVT / Pulmonary Embolism

Blood clots are a serious risk with any major surgery. Compression devices and early ambulation are used to minimize risk.

Contour Irregularities

Uneven contours or dog-ears at the ends of the incision may require minor revision.

Our commitment to your safety: Our surgeons perform procedures only in our accredited surgical facility, with board-certified anesthesia providers and a trained nursing team. Thorough pre-operative screening and patient selection are the most effective tools for minimizing surgical risk.

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Ready to Learn More?

Schedule a private, no-obligation consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. We will answer every question and create a personalized plan for you.

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