Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery is designed to address loose lower abdominal skin and improve abdominal contour by tightening the underlying fascia and repositioning tissues for a flatter, more toned appearance.
At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, your consultation and procedure are guided by Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby, both certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Their backgrounds include education and training at leading universities such as Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, and Duke, and they bring extensive experience in body contouring procedures that require careful planning and precise execution. As active members of elite professional societies, including ASPS, ISAPS, and SESPRS, they focus on safety, natural-looking results, and an individualized approach. With the right plan, a tummy tuck can restore proportion, improve clothing fit, and help you feel more confident in your silhouette.
Why Does The Abdomen Change After Pregnancy Or Weight Changes?
Many patients are surprised to learn that exercise can strengthen abdominal muscles, but it cannot correct rectus muscle separation (diastasis). When the abdominal muscles have separated, surgical repair is the only way to bring them back together and restore a flatter, firmer contour.
Skin can also lose elasticity after prolonged stretching. Even after weight loss or lifestyle changes, excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen often remain because stretched skin does not reliably “snap back.”
Concerns A Tummy Tuck Can Address
Patients commonly seek treatment for one or more of the following:
- Excess or loose abdominal skin
- Stretch marks of the lower abdomen (especially below the belly button)
- Lower abdominal protrusion
- An “outie” belly button and/or small hernias
- A sagging or prominent mons pubis
Tummy Tuck Options
Because every abdomen is different, there is no one-size-fits-all procedure. Your goals, anatomy, and scar preferences help guide the right plan.
Mini (Short-Scar) Tummy Tuck With Or Without Liposuction
A mini tummy tuck is typically considered when concerns are more limited and primarily below the belly button. Liposuction may be added depending on the presence and location of excess fat.
Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck With Or Without Liposuction
A full tummy tuck is often appropriate when there is significant muscle separation, skin laxity, and contour concerns that require broader tightening and reshaping.
Extended Tummy Tuck With Or Without Liposuction
An extended tummy tuck may be recommended when correction needs to continue beyond the central abdomen to better address laxity and contour through the sides.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
The Classic Abdominoplasty Approach
A classic tummy tuck uses a lower abdominal incision that is typically placed to be concealed within the “panty line.” During the procedure:
- Excess lower abdominal skin and fat are pulled down and removed
- The separated abdominal muscles are brought back to the midline
- Lower abdominal stretch marks and prior scars in the removed skin (such as cesarean or other abdominal scars) may be improved if they fall within the excision area
- The belly button is brought out through the tightened skin and positioned as an “innie”
- A midline hernia may be corrected if present
Dr. Aldea and Dr. Eby may also use an innovative approach that, in selected patients, can help flatten the abdomen, narrow the waist, lift the mons pubis to a more youthful position, and improve contour in adjacent areas.
Timing, Length, And Anesthesia
- Typical operative time: 3 to 5 hours, depending on how much skin and tissue are removed
- Most surgeons perform tummy tuck surgery under general anesthesia
- A tummy tuck may be combined with other procedures, depending on your plan and priorities, including liposuction and breast procedures
Recovery And Return To Activities
Temporary discomfort is expected and is typically managed with prescribed pain medication. Common early recovery experiences include swelling, soreness, bruising, and areas of numbness.
Typically, you can expect the following timeline:
- Return to work: 2 to 4 weeks (average)
- Strenuous activity (including gym): 4 to 6 weeks (average)
Risks And Possible Complications
Major complications are uncommon, but they can occur. Risks include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Poor healing that can lead to a more noticeable scar
- A small area of numbness above the incision
- The possibility of needing a revision procedure
Costs And Financing
Tummy tuck surgery is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure. The total cost depends on the specifics of your surgical plan, including whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. Our fees are competitive in the Memphis metro area and nationwide.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
The best candidates are healthy women and men who are in relatively good shape but bothered by abdominal protrusion and loose skin that has not improved with diet or exercise. This procedure can be especially helpful after pregnancy, when skin and muscles have stretched beyond the point of normal recovery.
A tummy tuck should be postponed if you plan to lose a significant amount of additional weight or if you plan future pregnancies, since pregnancy can re-separate muscles and reduce the benefits of surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery may not be recommended for individuals who are significantly overweight, have certain chronic medical conditions, or use tobacco products. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and other systemic health concerns can increase the risk of complications and affect healing. Smoking and nicotine exposure, including second-hand smoke, may also interfere with recovery and raise the likelihood of surgical complications. A thorough consultation and medical evaluation are essential to determine whether tummy tuck surgery is a safe and appropriate option for each patient.
Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Of Memphis For Tummy Tuck?
Choosing the right surgeon is central to achieving a flatter, natural-looking abdominal contour. At Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, tummy tuck surgery is performed by Dr. Peter Aldea and Dr. Patricia Eby, both certified and re-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Their training includes education at top universities, including Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, and Duke, and they bring deep surgical experience to body contouring procedures that address loose skin and muscle separation. Drs. Aldea and Eby are members of elite professional societies, including ASPS, ISAPS, and SESPRS, and have been recognized as Top Doctors by Castle Connolly, U.S. News & World Report, and Three Best Rated®. Just as importantly, they take a personalized, family-oriented approach to care, focusing on your anatomy, goals, and safety at every step.
Start Your Tummy Tuck Journey In Memphis.
A tummy tuck can restore a firmer, smoother abdominal contour by removing excess skin and helping correct rectus muscle separation when appropriate, with results that can feel as impactful as they look. By choosing Drs. Aldea and Eby, you place your care with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons known for detail-focused planning and patient-first support. Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, Memphis, TN – (901) 752-1412. Schedule a consultation today.
