Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles, often after pregnancy or major weight loss. It creates a firmer, flatter abdominal profile but leaves a scar and is not a weight-loss method. Results vary and are best maintained at a stable weight.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Abdominoplasty addresses excess, loose skin and fat across the lower abdomen and can repair abdominal muscles that have separated or weakened, commonly after pregnancy or significant weight loss. It restores a firmer, flatter contour that stubborn skin laxity and diet cannot correct. It is not a weight-loss procedure and is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
A qualified plastic surgeon removes surplus skin and fat, tightens the muscle wall where needed, and repositions the belly button. The procedure leaves a scar across the lower abdomen, usually placed low so it can be hidden by underwear; scars are permanent but typically fade over time. The best candidates are at a stable weight, have completed their families, and hold realistic expectations.
For international patients, a coordinator helps arrange your consultation and plan the visit. A surgeon can review your photos and history remotely for general guidance, but the final plan requires an in-person assessment. Because this is a larger operation with a higher clot risk, it is important not to fly too soon afterward; your coordinator advises on length of stay and safe travel timing.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults at a stable weight with excess lower-abdominal skin and fat, often after pregnancy or weight loss
- People with separated or weakened abdominal muscles who want them repaired
- Those who have finished having children, as future pregnancy can reverse the result
- In good general health, non-smoking or willing to stop, with realistic goals and acceptance of a permanent scar
What happens
- 1
Consultation & assessment
Your surgeon examines your abdomen and skin quality, reviews your health, pregnancies, and weight history, and explains the technique, scar position, risks, and what the operation can realistically achieve.
- 2
Planning & preparation
You receive guidance on stopping smoking, adjusting medications, and preparing for anesthesia and recovery. The incision and scar location are discussed and marked, and the plan is confirmed before surgery.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia, excess skin and fat are removed through a low incision, separated muscles are tightened where needed, and the belly button is repositioned. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid collection.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
You wear a support garment and are encouraged to walk gently early to reduce clot risk, while avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks. Swelling settles over months, and your team reviews healing and scar care at follow-up.
Benefits
- Removes excess, loose abdominal skin that diet and exercise cannot address
- Repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles for a firmer core profile
- Creates a flatter, smoother lower-abdominal contour
- Scar is usually placed low to be concealed by underwear and tends to fade over time
Risks & considerations
- A permanent scar across the lower abdomen
- Asymmetry, delayed wound healing, or need for revision surgery
- Blood clots — why early movement and safe travel timing after surgery matter
- Changes in skin sensation around the abdomen, which may be temporary or lasting
- Fluid collection (seroma), bleeding, or infection
- Risks associated with general anesthesia
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) — frequently asked questions
No. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat and tightens muscle to improve contour; it is not a weight-loss method. It is best suited to people already at a stable, healthy weight, and results are most reliable when your weight stays steady.
Yes. A tummy tuck leaves a permanent scar across the lower abdomen, usually placed low so it can be hidden by underwear. Scars are typically red or firm at first and tend to fade over many months, though they never disappear completely.
Generally yes. Pregnancy can stretch the skin and separate the muscles again, which may reverse your result. Many surgeons recommend completing your family before an abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will discuss timing with you.
A coordinator arranges your consultation and prepares a plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before you travel. A surgeon can review photos and your history remotely, but the final plan needs an in-person assessment. Because this operation carries a higher clot risk, your coordinator advises on length of stay and when it is safe to fly.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after a consultation and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Recovery usually means several weeks away from strenuous activity, with gentle walking encouraged early and swelling settling over months. Your coordinator confirms recovery and safe travel timing.
Considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
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