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Whitlock Cosmetic Center
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Body Contouring

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Remove loose abdominal skin and repair separated muscles, the changes that diet and exercise cannot fix.
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Anesthesia

General, outpatient

Procedure time

About 2–3 hours

Back to desk work

Typically about 2 weeks

Often combined with

Liposuction, mommy makeover

Overview

After pregnancy or significant weight loss, the abdomen often changes in ways that cannot be reversed through exercise. Loose skin does not tighten on its own and separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) cannot be closed through exercise.

A tummy tuck removes the excess skin, repairs the muscle separation and creates a flatter and firmer abdomen. The goal is not to change your appearance but to achieve a body that reflects the efforts you have already made.

Is it right for you?

You may be a good candidate if the following describe you:

  • You have loose skin on your abdomen or persistent softness that does not respond to exercise.
  • Your abdominal muscles have separated during pregnancy and have not fully returned.
  • You are at or near your stable weight and have completed your family.
  • You are in good general health and do not smoke.

How the procedure works

Dr. Whitlock will remove excess skin, repair the separation in the abdominal muscles and reposition the remaining tissue to achieve a smooth and natural result. The incision is placed low, below the line of underwear or a swimsuit to allow for concealment.

A tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction to improve the waist and flanks in the same procedure and is often central to a mommy makeover when breast surgery is also included.

Recovery

First weekMany patients return to desk and light activities.
2 weeksMany patients return to desk work and light daily activity.
6 weeksSwelling continues to subside, and the final contour keeps improving over time.
Several monthsSwelling will continue to subside. The final result will gradually continue to improve over time.
Common questions

Tummy Tuck questions

Answers to questions patients ask most about this procedure.
What's the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat in localized areas but does not tighten skin or repair muscle separation. A tummy tuck addresses the skin and muscle separation which are changes that cannot be accomplished through exercise. The two procedures are often performed together if both concerns exist.
Should I wait until I'm done having children?
Generally yes. A future pregnancy can re-separate the abdominal muscles and stretch the repaired skin which would undo the result. Most patients are advised to complete their families before moving forward.
Where will the scar be?
The incision is placed low across the lower abdomen specifically so that it is placed below the line of underwear or a swimsuit. Scars will continue to fade and flatten over 12–18 months.
Can I combine this with other procedures?
Yes, and it is common. Liposuction of the flanks or waist is often done at the same time. If you also want to address breast changes after pregnancy, a mommy makeover combines everything into one surgery and one recovery.

Recovery guide

What to expect, week by week

Healing timelines vary. Use this as a general reference and follow your specific post-operative instructions from Dr. Whitlock.

What to Expect

  • Significant swelling, managed discomfort
  • Surgical drains in place if used

Your Routine

  • Rest in a slightly bent position to reduce tension
  • Begin compression garment immediately

Talk it through before you decide.

Cost, scars, time off, photos, and whether or not the results will be worth it are all part of the same conversation. These trade-offs will be discussed during the consultation.

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