Tummy Tuck

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our Dallas-based plastic surgeons have expertly performed thousands of tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasty surgeries.

Many Dallas and Frisco patients we see want flatter, firmer abdomens for a variety of reasons, such as to counter the effects of natural aging, changes to the body after pregnancy, and excessive skin after weight loss.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck – also called abdominoplasty – is surgery to remove extra skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten muscles. Patients have several surgical options for a tummy tuck:

Traditional Abdominoplasty

Standard, or traditional, abdominoplasty may be performed in people who have a weak abdominal wall or extra fat and skin in the area around the belly button. This can result from pregnancy, aging, abdominal surgery such as a C-section, or dramatic changes in weight. In the procedure, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region and often tightens abdominal fascia (connective tissue) with sutures. The patient’s remaining skin is then adjusted to create a more toned appearance.

Extended Abdominoplasty (Belt Lipectomy)

In this type of tummy tuck, the surgeon makes incisions around the waist to remove fat and sagging skin circumferentially. The remaining skin is then flattened over the abdomen, and the hip region is reduced. Muscles are tightened during the procedure. We also make sure the belly button is positioned appropriately. Patients can expect a flatter abdomen and smaller waist size with this procedure.

Mini Abdominoplasty

This procedure can be an option for patients with a high torso and smaller amounts of excess skin and adipose tissue, particularly above the belly button. The procedure allows for a minimal incision just above the pubis area, along the bikini line. The incision then continues laterally to the hip. The surgery provides more impact than liposuction and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

With a tummy tuck, our board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the contour of the abdomen by removing fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. For people who have lost a large amount of weight or experienced changes from pregnancy, it can create a flatter, more toned midsection.

Beyond cosmetic benefits, a tummy tuck can also:

• Repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which may ease lower back pain and improve core strength
• Remove loose, excess skin that can cause chafing, rashes, or hygiene issues
• Improve posture by tightening the abdominal wall and supporting the spine
• Help patients feel more comfortable in clothing, engage in physical activity more easily, and gain confidence

A tummy tuck can also be combined with other procedures, such as breast surgery or liposuction, to achieve broader body contouring goals.

Can a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks that are located on the skin being removed, usually in the lower abdomen below the belly button. Stretch marks above this area generally will not be removed, but they may be less noticeable after the skin is tightened.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck generally:

• Are in overall good health
• Do not smoke
• Have maintained a stable weight for at least several months
• Are not planning future pregnancies, as pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again
• Do not have certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or a high risk of blood clots

For the best results, it’s important to be within a healthy weight range. A tummy tuck should never be a replacement for weight management. If a patient is significantly overweight, we might recommend various diet and exercise plans in addition to other surgical and nonsurgical weight loss methods available at UT Southwestern.

How Should Patients Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Preparation starts with a consultation and medical evaluation. Patients may need to:

• Stop smoking for a set period before and after surgery
• Avoid certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk
• Maintain a stable, healthy weight
• Eat a nutritious diet and stay active
• Arrange for help at home during the first days of recovery
• Prepare their home for comfort and safety, such as placing essentials within easy reach and arranging a ride to and from surgery

What Is the Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Most patients can return to normal activity within one to two weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks or until cleared by the surgeon. It can take several months for swelling to fully resolve.

Wearing an abdominal binder during recovery can help reduce swelling and support healing. Scars will fade over time, often improving for up to a year.

How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?

The results of abdominoplasty are permanent. However, the body (including the abdomen) changes over time. Major weight changes or pregnancy after surgery can alter the results. To preserve the results of the surgery, regular exercise and healthy eating habits are key to long-term success.