Tummy Tuck

Overview

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose skin from the lower abdomen, tightens the underlying abdominal wall, and restores a flatter, more defined midsection. It addresses problems that diet and exercise cannot solve on their own: skin that has lost its elasticity, separated rectus muscles (diastasis recti), and stretch marks below the navel.

Dr. Altman’s approach

The right plan depends on how much skin and muscle laxity you have and whether your concerns extend above the navel.

• Mini tummy tuck: for patients with limited lower-abdominal laxity only; smaller scar, no navel repositioning.
• Full tummy tuck: the standard operation, addressing skin from pubis to navel and tightening the entire abdominal wall.
• Extended tummy tuck: for post-massive-weight-loss patients with loose skin extending around the flanks.
• Rectus muscle plication (closing diastasis) is performed when the muscles have separated from pregnancy. This is a structural repair, not a cosmetic one.
• Liposuction of the flanks and lower back is often added to complete the contour.

Who it’s for

The ideal candidate has loose abdominal skin, rectus diastasis, or both, typically after pregnancy or significant weight loss, is at or near a stable weight, in good general health, and a non-smoker (or willing to stop well before surgery). Patients planning future pregnancy should generally wait, since pregnancy can stretch the repaired muscles and skin again.

Recovery, week by week

• Week 1: Rest at home in a slightly bent-forward position; surgical drains in place; walking encouraged from day one for circulation. Most patients are off prescription pain medication within several days.
• Week 2: Drains typically removed; standing more upright; light activity around the house.
• Weeks 3–4: Return to desk work; longer walks; no lifting over 10 pounds.
• Weeks 4–6: Reintroduce aerobic exercise; gradual return to lower-body strength work.
• Weeks 6–8: Resume core and upper-body strength training.
• Months 3–12: Final shape and scar maturation; the lower-abdominal scar fades significantly over the first year.

Results

A flatter, tighter abdomen with a restored waistline. Patients consistently describe it as feeling like their body is finally working with them again, both in clothes and in motion.