Tummy Tuck

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a significant body contouring procedure that addresses what diet and exercise simply cannot fix: loose, excess abdominal skin and separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can stretch the skin beyond its ability to bounce back and separate the vertical abdominal muscles, creating a protruding belly that no amount of crunches can flatten. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying rectus abdominis muscles are repaired and tightened through a technique called plication, essentially creating an internal corset that restores core strength and a flat abdominal profile. The result is a dramatically flatter, firmer midsection with a natural-looking waistline. Dr. Kurtzman approaches each tummy tuck with attention to both function and aesthetics, understanding that patients want not just a flat stomach but also restored core strength, improved posture, and reduced back pain that often accompanies diastasis recti. With proper technique, tummy tuck results can last for decades, making it one of the most satisfying procedures for appropriate candidates.

Ideal Candidates

Tummy tuck surgery delivers the most satisfying results for patients who meet certain criteria. During your consultation, we will evaluate your abdominal laxity, muscle separation, and goals to determine if you are a good candidate:

• Have loose, excess abdominal skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, often after pregnancy or major weight loss
• Experience diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles) causing a protruding belly, back pain, or core weakness
• Are at a stable weight within 10-15 pounds of your goal, tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure
• Have completed childbearing (pregnancy after tummy tuck can reverse muscle repair and stretch skin again)
• Non-smoker or willing to quit at least 4-6 weeks before and after surgery (smoking severely impairs healing)
• In good overall health without conditions that increase surgical risk (uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, etc.)
• Have realistic expectations, understanding that tummy tuck creates a flatter abdomen, not perfection
• Committed to maintaining results through healthy diet and regular exercise after recovery

The Procedure

Your tummy tuck is planned based on the amount of excess skin, degree of muscle separation, and your overall goals. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility:

Recovery & Results

Your recovery begins in our recovery suite, where you will rest until anesthesia wears off. Most patients go home the same day with a companion. The first week requires the most care: you will walk in a slightly bent-over position to reduce tension on the incision, gradually straightening over 7-10 days as tissues relax. Pain is well-controlled with medication, and you should walk short distances several times daily to promote circulation. Drains (if used) are typically removed within 1-2 weeks. By week 2, most patients feel significantly better and can return to desk work, though you should continue wearing your compression garment and avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds. Weeks 3-4 bring continued improvement, you can drive, resume light daily activities, and begin to see your new contour emerge as swelling decreases. By week 6, most patients return to exercise (starting with walking and gradually adding core work as cleared by your surgeon). Full recovery, including internal muscle repair healing, takes approximately 3 months.

Your flatter, firmer abdomen is visible as soon as swelling subsides, with continued refinement over 3-6 months. The incision scar, while permanent, fades significantly over 12-18 months and is positioned to be hidden by underwear or swimwear. Most importantly, the muscle repair creates lasting core strength, many patients report reduced back pain and improved posture. Results are long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Future weight gain or pregnancy can affect results, which is why we recommend completing childbearing before surgery.