Flatten the abdomen and repair muscle separation.
A tummy tuck removes loose abdominal skin and repairs muscle separation for a flatter, firmer midsection. Crucially, it also repairs the rectus diastasis (muscle separation) that often occurs after pregnancy, restoring core strength and a flat waistline.
InquireFull abdominoplasty is done under general anesthesia. A low horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline extending to the lateral hip crease bilaterally. The abdominal flap is elevated in the plane superficial to the anterior rectus sheath from the incision to the xiphoid process. The umbilicus is circumscribed and remains on its native stalk. Rectus diastasis, muscle separation, is repaired with a running suture plication of the anterior rectus sheaths from xiphoid to pubis, restoring core integrity. Concurrent flank liposuction is performed to optimize the waistline contour. The skin flap is advanced inferiorly, excess skin is trimmed, and a new umbilicoplasty is created. Progressive tension sutures eliminate dead space, reducing seroma risk. Closed-suction drains are placed and an abdominal binder is applied.
A tummy tuck is a good fit for patients with loose abdominal skin, muscle separation, or lower-abdominal fullness that diet and exercise have not fixed. You should be at a stable weight for at least six months, non-smokers, in overall good health, and not planning future pregnancies. Patients with previous abdominal surgeries should disclose this history, as prior incisions may affect flap vascularity.
Abdominoplasty recovery requires the most diligent adherence to postoperative instructions of any body procedure. Patients walk in a slightly flexed position for the first week to reduce tension on the closure. Drains are removed at one to two weeks when output is minimal. An abdominal binder is worn for four to six weeks. Most patients get back to desk work at two to three weeks. Lifting restrictions, especially for young children, are enforced for six weeks. Full results including complete resolution of swelling are appreciated at six to twelve months.
Drains managed. Abdominal binder worn. Ambulate in flexed position. Significant swelling and tightness expected.
Drains typically removed. Return to desk work. Posture gradually straightens. Lifting restrictions strictly observed.
Swelling substantially diminished. Light lower body exercise permitted. Abdominal contour improving. Scar management begins.
Full activity resumed. Final abdominal profile visible at 6–12 months. Scar fades to a thin, low horizontal line.
Abdominoplasty carries a higher risk of thromboembolic complications than most procedures due to the combination of lengthy operative time, abdominal compression, and patient positioning; sequential compression devices, early ambulation, and when indicated, pharmacologic anticoagulation are employed routinely. Wound dehiscence at the midline or lateral corners is possible and managed with conservative wound care. Skin flap necrosis is rare but more common in smokers. Seroma, the most common complication, is reduced by progressive tension suture techniques and the use of closed-suction drains.
Patients with isolated localized abdominal fat but no skin laxity or muscle separation may be well served by liposuction alone. A mini-abdominoplasty addresses excess skin and fat limited to below the umbilicus in patients with no supraumbilical laxity and no significant diastasis. Non-surgical body contouring devices cannot address skin redundancy or muscle separation. For patients who need both skin tightening and fat removal, a full abdominoplasty with concurrent liposuction of the flanks provides the most comprehensive result.
Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California