Tummy
Tuck

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck — also formally known as abdominoplasty — is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and unwanted fat from the midsection and tightens the underlying muscles to sculpt a more toned appearance. This procedure is particularly beneficial after childbirth or weight loss, which can cause loose, sagging skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. A tummy tuck can improve your body contours and help you achieve a flatter stomach.

A tummy tuck also repairs the abdominal muscles following pregnancy, which can separate and lead to a stubborn belly “pooch” that remains after you’ve returned to your pre-baby weight. Known as diastasis recti, this condition affects more than half (60%) of postpartum women.  

At PURE Plastic Surgery, our team specializes in performing tummy tucks with precision and care, tailoring each procedure to meet the unique needs of our patients. Whether you're looking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure, achieve more youthful contours or address changes after weight loss, a tummy tuck can help you reach your goals with lasting results.

What a Tummy Tuck Can Address

• Excess abdominal skin
• Separated abdominal muscles
• Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
• Skin irritation from excess skin
• A protruding abdomen

Ideal candidates for a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are an excellent option for patients bothered by excess skin and fat in the midsection that hasn’t responded well to diet and exercise. If you’re in optimal health, at a stable weight and finished having children, a tummy tuck is a great procedure to consider. At PURE, ideal candidates for abdominoplasty meet the following criteria:

• Bothered by excess skin and fat above or below the belly button
• Have weakened or separated abdominal muscles that cause the stomach to bulge
• Uncomfortable in certain types of clothing styles or bathing suits
• In good overall health with no medical problems that could complicate recovery
• Non-smokers, or willing to quit before surgery for optimal healing
• Are at or near your weight loss goals; healthy BMI

A tummy tuck is also a great option for those who have undergone bariatric surgery or lost weight through diet and exercise and are looking to improve their body contours. If you meet these criteria and are considering abdominoplasty, the next step is to schedule a consultation at PURE Plastic Surgery. Our team will assess your needs, concerns and goals to determine the best approach for achieving a firmer, more toned midsection.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

It’s important to understand that abdominoplasty is a major surgery, but there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and ensure a safe, effective outcome. Our team recommends completing the following steps before coming to Miami for your tummy tuck procedure:

• Having a consultation with one of our care coordinators or board-certified plastic surgeons. Consultations can be done virtually or in person at our Miami office. 
• Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to complete lab work and ensure that you’re healthy enough for surgery. 
• Finish losing weight and maintain a healthy BMI to ensure the best results.
• Arrange your travel plans if you’ll be visiting us from out of town. This includes packing any supplies you may need for your recovery.
• Find a ride to and from surgery, as the effects of anesthesia can cause drowsiness, and you’ll be unable to drive in the hours after your procedure.‍
• Stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure to ensure optimal healing.

What should I expect at my consultation?

If you’re thinking about undergoing abdominoplasty, it’s imperative that you meet with our team to discuss the details of the procedure and your expected results. We will listen carefully to your concerns and goals during this time to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. If you opt for an in-person consultation, we may also take measurements of your midsection. We recommend coming prepared with a list of questions to get the most out of this initial meeting.

At your consultation, you’ll also receive the following: 

• A breakdown of the different types of tummy tucks and how they work‍
• Before and after photos to help you understand the expected results

What to expect during a Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility in Miami, Florida. Since it is a major surgery, general anesthesia is used. However, for less invasive techniques like the mini tummy tuck, local anesthesia with sedation may be an option. 

On the day of your surgery, you’ll meet with your anesthesia team and be given instructions for pain management. Once the anesthesia has been administered, your surgeon will make an incision low on the abdomen so it can be easily concealed by clothing or swimwear. Then, excess skin, fat and tissue will be removed from the midsection to create firmer contours.

Next, the abdominal muscles will be tightened in their new position. If your belly button needs to be relocated, it will be moved at this time. Depending on your treatment plan, liposuction may also be performed for additional sculpting and contouring of the flanks. Once an optimal amount of correction has been achieved, your surgeon will close the incision with sutures. Finally, you’ll be wrapped in a compression garment and brought to the recovery area for monitoring.

If your surgery is more involved, like with an extended tummy tuck, it could take up to three hours to finish. Other less-invasive tummy tucks techniques will take considerably less time.

Tummy Tuck recovery

Your tummy tuck recovery should go very well. It’s normal to experience some bruising, discomfort and swellness after your surgery. Surgical drains may be placed in the abdomen to prevent excess fluid from accumulating unless your surgeon performs a drainless tummy tuck. At PURE, Dr. Wegerif is known for his drainless tummy tucks, a technique that involves layering the sutures in a specific way to eliminate the need for post-operative drainage tubes.  

After your procedure, you’ll be wrapped in bandages and a compression garment to promote healing and reduce swelling. Most patients are ready to return to work seven days after surgery but you should expect the full recovery process to take up to six weeks or more. Our team will send you home with aftercare instructions and advise you on resuming normal activities.

It is extremely important that you don’t lift anything until cleared by your surgeon. If you have young children, we recommend planning for a full-time caretaker while you heal. Older children can be cared for normally about a week after the procedure. It can also be helpful to have someone assist you with household chores and other tasks during your recovery. 

As with any surgery, you’ll want to monitor for various side effects that can occur after a procedure like a tummy tuck, including:

• Leg pain, swelling or soreness, which may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding
• Post-op fever
• Heart palpitations/chest pain
• Excessive pain
• Strange drainage from the incision sites
• Pain in other parts of the body
• Incisions that don’t heal completely
• Shortness of breath

If you experience any concerning symptoms, seek emergency help at your nearest hospital. If you have any non-emergency-related questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at any point during your recovery. Our goal is to ensure you have the best experience possible!

Tummy Tuck Aftercare

• Follow medication directions carefully: Take prescribed medications exactly as instructed, including pain management and antibiotics if provided. Avoid adding over-the-counter supplements unless we approve them first.
• Prioritize hydration and balanced nutrition: Drinking enough fluids and eating protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods can help your body recover and support tissue repair.
• Keep incision areas clean and dry: Make sure to avoid soaking in tubs or pools until cleared.
• Maintain the recommended posture while resting and walking: Slightly bending at the waist when standing or moving can reduce tension on the abdominal area during early healing.
• Avoid smoking and nicotine products: These products interfere with circulation and slow the healing process.
• Protect healing skin from sun exposure: Direct sun can darken scars. Cover the area or use sun protection once allowed to help scars heal more evenly.

If questions come up during your aftercare period, we encourage you to contact us.

Maintaining Your Tummy Tuck Results

Maintaining your tummy tuck results involves supporting your body with healthy, consistent habits after surgery. A stable weight, regular physical activity once cleared and a balanced diet can preserve your outcome by reducing stress on the abdominal area and making sure you don’t regain fat. While natural aging and lifestyle changes can affect the body, the right aftercare and wellness choices can help you enjoy your results for years to come.