Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck is considered for selected excess abdominal skin and changes in the abdominal wall, not simply a number on the scale. The assessment should review skin above and below the navel, scars, muscle separation and possible hernias. Discuss your weight history, pregnancies and future plans. A stable weight helps make the remaining contour concern clearer.

A full abdominoplasty usually involves a low abdominal incision and, when needed, an incision around the navel so skin can be repositioned. The surgeon may repair selected abdominal wall separation if appropriate. Ask which tissues would be treated, where the scar could extend and whether the navel would be repositioned. The plan should identify any additional liposuction separately.

Plan help with getting in and out of bed, meals, children, pets and household lifting. Discuss prior abdominal operations and any history of blood clots. The team should explain clot-prevention measures, walking, garment care and drains if used. Do not plan around an online recovery timetable; ask what your health, operation and work actually require.

Early movement is encouraged according to your team’s instructions, while lifting and abdominal strain remain restricted. Tightness, swelling and a temporarily altered posture may affect daily tasks. You may need help even when pain feels manageable. Ask when to stand comfortably, drive, return to work, lift children and resume training, with progression confirmed at follow-up.

1. Early healing: Arrange a ride and the help recommended for your operation. Follow instructions for wound care, medicines and gentle movement; feeling better does not mean the tissues are fully healed.
2. As activity increases: Use follow-up to review the incision and agree on work and exercise. Driving requires safe movement and freedom from the effects of sedating medicines.
3. Over the following months: Scars and remaining swelling may continue to change. Keep scheduled checks and ask about a result that is not progressing as expected.

The trade-off for removing skin is a permanent scar, often extending across the lower abdomen, with a scar around the navel in many full tucks. Only stretch marks in removed skin are removed; others remain. Swelling and scars evolve over months. Pregnancy, significant weight change and aging can alter the result after recovery.

A mini tummy tuck may suit a limited concern mainly below the navel, but cannot be assumed to address the whole abdomen. Liposuction removes selected fat without removing loose skin or repairing the abdominal wall. A body lift addresses a broader pattern of loose skin. Compare the smallest plan that adequately addresses your concern, rather than automatically combining operations.

Your estimate should reflect skin removal, any abdominal-wall repair, separately planned liposuction and postoperative support. Ask for the surgeon, anesthesia and facility charges to be listed, along with garments, tests, follow-up and any costs for a complication or revision. Confirm what happens if the plan changes or surgery is postponed. This website does not provide a confirmed price, insurance decision or financing offer.

Before discharge, get written instructions explaining expected symptoms, warning signs, an after-hours contact and where to go if help is needed. Report worsening pain, fever, spreading redness, unexpected drainage or a wound that opens. Uncontrolled bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting needs emergency care; call 911 in the United States. A website guide cannot assess a postoperative symptom or replace your team’s instructions.

These patient resources explain general principles. They do not confirm a particular clinician, technique or result at Veloré. This guide is educational; your treating clinician must confirm the plan and give personal instructions.

• ASPS — Tummy tuck
• ASPS — Tummy tuck — procedure steps
• ASPS — Tummy tuck — recovery

Content updated 3 November 2026.