Tummy Tuck

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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.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The UT Southwestern plastic surgery team is nationally and internationally recognized for delivering outstanding clinical care in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our board-certified surgeons have advanced training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and they bring that expertise to every tummy tuck.

We care for patients from across North Texas and around the world, offering access to techniques, technology, and innovations that many other centers do not. Every plan is personalized to ensure safety, precision, and results that look natural.

Our patients benefit from:

Surgeons nationally and internationally recognized for their skill and research contributions
A focus on what is safe and effective for each patient
Procedures performed in fully accredited surgical facilities
Comprehensive support before, during, and after surgery

We’re at the forefront of advancements that enhance both outcomes and recovery. This includes research into improving healing, minimizing scarring, and refining body contouring techniques.

Because tummy tucks at UT Southwestern are often performed alongside other procedures, such as liposuction or breast surgery, our experience in complex cases means patients can expect a smoother, safer process with excellent aesthetic results.

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 Should Patients Expect with Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Before recommending the best approach for abdominoplasty, our surgeons consider the individual circumstances of each patient. We evaluate body type, the amount of skin and fatty tissue to be removed, and other factors.

Surgery can last two to four hours, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed. The use of drains depends on the surgeon’s preference and the amount of tissue being removed. Most patients who have an extended abdominoplasty can go home the following day.

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.

"The skin of the tummy and the muscles of the abdominal wall are often altered in women after having babies. A tummy tuck is designed to eliminate these issues and return their appearance to a flatter tummy with improved shape."

Al Aly, M.D.
Professor of Plastic Surgery