Plastic Surgery
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. It is the appropriate treatment for patients with loose abdominal skin, stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise — particularly common after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Types of tummy tuck
Full abdominoplasty: removes excess skin from the entire lower abdomen from hip to hip, tightens the abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button through a new opening. Mini tummy tuck: addresses only the lower abdomen below the belly button; appropriate for patients with limited skin excess. Extended tummy tuck: extends the incision around the flanks for patients with excess skin on the sides and back. Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: adds a vertical incision for patients with large amounts of vertical skin excess, typically after massive weight loss.
What a tummy tuck addresses
Loose, excess abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss, diastasis recti (separated rectus muscles), persistent lower abdominal fat, stretch marks in the lower abdomen (incidentally removed with the excised skin), and overall abdominal contour.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure
Tummy tucks are most effective for patients at or near their ideal weight. Significant future weight loss or pregnancy after a tummy tuck can compromise results. Surgeons generally recommend completing childbearing before undergoing abdominoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery from a tummy tuck?
Recovery involves 2-4 weeks of significant activity restriction. A compression garment is worn for 4-6 weeks. Patients must walk bent forward for the first week to protect the repair. Return to full activity takes 6-8 weeks. Final results are visible at 3-6 months.
Can liposuction be combined with a tummy tuck?
Yes. Liposuction of the flanks and other areas is frequently performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. However, liposuction of the central abdomen at the same time as a tummy tuck increases the risk of wound healing complications due to blood supply considerations.
Will a tummy tuck remove my stretch marks?
Stretch marks below the belly button are typically removed with the excised skin. Stretch marks above the belly button are not removed but may be repositioned downward slightly.
Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?
No. Liposuction removes fat but does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. A tummy tuck addresses excess skin and muscle separation. Both procedures are often performed together.
Get Help Now
Speak with a Haute MD Plastic Surgery physician
Dr. Daniel Careaga
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Coral Gables, FL
View Profile
Dr. Alexandra Condé-Green
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boca Raton, FL
View Profile
Dr. Samuel Lin
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgery · Boston, MA
View ProfileAre you a Plastic Surgery physician?
Join Haute MD Network and have your profile featured alongside these answers.
Apply for the NetworkRelated Guides
Guide · PLASTIC SURGERY
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from specific areas of the body to improve contour. Learn about liposuction techniques, candidates, and recovery.
Read GuideGuide · PLASTIC SURGERY
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring includes surgical and non-surgical procedures that reshape the body by removing fat and excess skin. Learn about the options and who qualifies.
Read GuideGuide · PLASTIC SURGERY
What Is Mommy Makeover Surgery?
A mommy makeover combines breast and body procedures to address post-pregnancy changes in a single surgery. Learn what's included and what to expect.
Read Guide