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Tummy Tuck

Offered at our McLean Location

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A Smooth, Toned Waistline

Tummy Tuck at Sculpt Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

The abdomen can be notoriously tricky to sculpt, no matter how many sit-ups you do. Pregnancy, aging, and significant weight loss stretch the abdominal wall, leaving behind sagging skin, excess fat, and separated abdominal muscles that exercise can’t fully correct. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a customized surgical approach to removing excess skin and fat, tightening the rectus abdominis muscles, and contouring the stomach area for a smoother, more sculpted midsection.

Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons emphasize personalized, patient-focused care. They specialize in precision abdominoplasty techniques that deliver harmonious, refined results. Whether you need a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck, we customize each procedure to fit your body and goals. Schedule your preoperative consultation today if you're ready to restore your confidence with a contoured waistline.

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Tummy Tuck at a Glance

  • Purpose: Removes excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and sculpts the abdomen
  • Best for: Treating loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within two to three weeks, with full recovery taking several months
  • Results: Long-lasting toned appearance when maintaining a consistent weight
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Precision Abdominal Contouring

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It enhances the abdominal contours while restoring core strength for a smoother, sleeker waistline. Our team specializes in various tummy tuck techniques and crafts treatment plans personalized to each patient's needs.

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Types of tummy tucks

Full Tummy Tuck

The standard approach to a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, tightens separated abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button for a natural look.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Patients with mild skin laxity and no muscle separation may be candidates for a mini tummy tuck, which targets the lower abdomen and uses a smaller incision.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck tightens the entire waistline, addressing excess skin and fatty tissue on the abdomen, waist, and lower back. This approach is often recommended for patients who have achieved significant weight loss.

During your pre-op consultation, we’ll determine which abdominoplasty technique best aligns with your goals.

Personalized to Your Goals

What is the tummy tuck procedure like?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed using general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours to perform, depending on the extent of correction.

What to expect on surgery day:

  1. Incision Placement: A horizontal incision is created low on the abdomen near the pubic hairline.
  2. Muscle Repair: The abdominal muscles are tightened to restore core strength and eliminate a protruding stomach.
  3. Excess Skin & Fat Removal: The surgeon removes excess skin and, if necessary, uses liposuction to eliminate extra fat for enhanced contouring.
  4. Belly Button Repositioning: In a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is reshaped and repositioned for a natural appearance.
  5. Closure & Recovery Support: The incision site is closed, and drainage tubes may be placed to remove fluid and prevent fluid buildup.

After a monitoring period, most patients return home the same day to begin their healing process.

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Redefine Your Silhouette

What areas can a tummy tuck address?

Tummy tuck surgery can reshape multiple areas of the abdomen and midsection for comprehensive sculpting:

  • Upper & Lower Abdomen: Removes extra skin and tightens the abdominal wall
  • Waistline & Flanks: Creates a sleeker, more defined waist
  • Hips & Lower Back: An extended tummy tuck improves the contours of the entire waistline.

Strong and Sculpted

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

A Flatter, More Toned Abdomen

The tummy tuck procedure restores a smooth, firm stomach by addressing loose skin and abdominal muscle separation.

Improved Core Strength & Posture

Tightening weakened abdominal muscles enhances posture, stability, and strength, which no amount of sit-ups alone can achieve.

Elimination of Excess Skin & Stretch Marks

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks from the lower abdomen and hanging skin left after weight loss or pregnancy.

Long-Lasting, Natural Results

With a stable weight, tummy tuck results are long-lasting, providing a smoother, more toned silhouette.

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Invest in Your Confidence

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you:

  • Have loose skin, excess fat, or separated abdominal muscles
  • Maintain a stable weight and are near your ideal weight
  • Are not planning future pregnancies, as pregnancy can affect tummy tuck results
  • Are in good health with realistic expectations

A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss solution and is not recommended for individuals with poor wound healing, blood clots, or significant weight gain concerns post-surgery. Your surgeon will learn about your goals and medical history to recommend the best approach for your needs.

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A Smooth, Supported Recovery

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness in the first week following surgery. Compression garments are worn during early recovery to minimize swelling and support healing.

What to expect after surgery:

  • Return to light activities within two weeks
  • No heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for six weeks
  • Most swelling improves by three months post-op, with final results appearing within six to twelve months

We prioritize ongoing care and support throughout your tummy tuck recovery. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare guidelines and check your healing at follow-up appointments. Adhering to all recovery guidelines ensures optimal healing and results.

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Elegant, Lasting Results

Tummy Tuck Results

Initial improvements are noticeable as swelling begins to subside within a few weeks, but final results develop over three to six months as the body fully heals. Tummy tuck patients enjoy a smoother, firmer midsection, improved core strength, and better posture. Many patients find that clothing fits better and they feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance. By maintaining a stable, healthy weight, patients can preserve their refined, contoured silhouette for years to come.

Dedicated to Excellence in Patient Care

Why Choose Sculpt Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery for a Tummy Tuck?

We understand that choosing to have a tummy tuck is a big decision. From your first consultation to your final results, our team provides an attentive, patient-first experience designed to make you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for.

Your procedure is customized to match your goals, whether that means a mini tummy tuck for subtle refinement or a full abdominoplasty for a complete transformation. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored just for you. If you’re ready to feel confident in your skin again, we’re here to help you take the next step with expertise, compassion, and world-class care.

Tummy Tuck

Frequently Asked Questions

With proper weight management, tummy tuck results remain long-term.

Yes, scarring is an inevitable part of surgery. However, the tummy tuck scar is placed low on the abdomen, which remains easily concealed under clothing or swimwear. With proper care, the tummy tuck scar can fade significantly over time.

Yes, a tummy tuck will not alter your ability to carry a pregnancy. However, future pregnancies may alter your results, so waiting until after childbirth is recommended.

A tummy tuck primarily involves removing excess skin and repairing stretched abdominal muscles. However, liposuction can be incorporated into the procedure to target fat reduction.

Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss solution, but it can remove excess skin and fat to create a smoother, more toned abdomen. Patients should be at or near their ideal weight before surgery for the best results.

Yes. A complete tummy tuck repairs separated abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis muscles), restoring core strength and reducing the appearance of a protruding stomach.