Tummy Tuck

Choose One of America’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgeons

Dr. Anthony Terrasse has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2025” for tummy tuck surgery by Newsweek and Statista, a distinction that reflects his decades of expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. This prestigious award is based on comprehensive research, including peer recommendations and patient satisfaction, highlighting Dr. Terrasse’s standing among the nation’s top plastic surgeons.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a comprehensive body contouring surgery that addresses multiple concerns in the middle and lower abdomen to create a more youthful and toned appearance. Typically, this surgery involves removing excess skin and fat while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Unlike liposuction, which only targets fat deposits, a tummy tuck completely rejuvenates the treatment area by improving muscle structure and removing excess skin. Many patients who qualify opt to combine their tummy tuck with complementary procedures, often as part of a mommy makeover. Popular combinations include liposuction and breast augmentation. If you’re interested in combining your tummy tuck with one of these procedures, ask Dr. Terrasse to see if you’re a good candidate.

Types of Tummy Tucks and What They Treat

Dr. Terrasse offers multiple tummy tuck approaches to provide you with a personalized solution for your concerns and goals:

Full Tummy Tuck (Complete Abdominoplasty)

This is the most comprehensive approach, addressing your entire abdominal region from the ribcage to the pubic area. A full tummy tuck typically involves an incision that extends from one hip to the other, positioned low enough to be concealed underneath your underwear (or swimwear) line.

What It Treats:

• Extensive loose skin after weight loss surgery or significant natural weight loss.
• Significant muscle separation (diastasis recti repair surgery) above and below the navel
• Stubborn fat deposits across the entire midsection
• Stretch marks on the lower abdomen (these are often removed with excess skin)
• Weakened or protruding abdominal wall

The full tummy tuck also includes repositioning the belly button to maintain natural proportions as excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

A mini tummy tuck is mostly focused on the area below the belly button. If you have more localized concerns affecting this area, a mini tummy tuck may offer a less invasive alternative to full abdominoplasty.

What It Treats:

• Mild to moderate loose skin limited to the lower abdomen
• Minor muscle separation in the lower abdominal region
• Small fat deposits below the navel
• Lower abdominal bulging that doesn’t respond to exercise

This approach preserves the belly button’s position and requires less downtime than full tummy tuck recovery, thanks in part to a smaller incision, making it appealing for patients with less extensive concerns.

Extended Tummy Tuck

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, an extended tummy tuck can provide more complete contouring as it removes excess skin around the abdomen, flanks and lower back area.

What It Treats:

• Extensive loose skin that wraps around to the sides and back
• Significant muscle laxity across a broader area
• Multiple areas of stubborn fat deposits
• Body contour imbalance following major weight loss

Physical Health Considerations:

• Good overall health without medical conditions that impair healing
• Stable weight for at least six months
• Non-smoker or willing to quit smoking well before and after surgery
• BMI within a healthy range (typically under 30)

Specific Abdominal Concerns:

• Excess skin that cannot be improved through diet and exercise
• Separated or weakened abdominal muscles
• Stubborn fat deposits resistant to lifestyle changes
• Abdominal contour irregularities affecting self-confidence

Lifestyle Considerations:

• Completion of childbearing (pregnancy after a tummy tuck can compromise results)
• Ability to take time off for proper recovery
• Commitment to following post-operative care instructions
• Realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and scarring

Preparing for Tummy Tuck

From more than a month out to the day of your procedure, preparation is essential for minimizing risks and optimizing your results. Dr. Terrasse will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your procedure. The following is a general blueprint that most patients follow when preparing for a tummy tuck.

Four to Six Weeks Before Surgery

• Complete any required medical clearances or lab work
• Begin taking recommended vitamins or supplements as directed
• Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine to optimize healing
• Arrange for assistance during your recovery period

• Stop smoking completely, as nicotine significantly impairs healing
• Limit alcohol consumption to promote better recovery
• Avoid excessive sun exposure to the treatment area

Two Weeks Before Surgery

• Discontinue blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and certain supplements
• Review all medications and supplements with Dr. Terrasse
• Fill prescribed post-operative medications in advance

• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours
• Set up a comfortable recovery space with essentials within easy reach
• Purchase recommended compression garments and supplies

One Week Before Surgery

• Attend your pre-operative appointment with Dr. Terrasse
• Complete any remaining pre-surgical requirements
• Prepare healthy, easy-to-prepare meals for your recovery period
• Avoid any new skincare products or treatments

Day of Surgery

• Follow specific fasting instructions provided by our team
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that opens in the front
• Remove all jewelry, nail polish and makeup
• Arrive at the designated time with your designated driver

What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your tummy tuck is performed as an outpatient procedure usually with an overnight stay. Dr. Terrasse’s approach varies based on the specific type of tummy tuck you’re receiving:

Procedure Steps

Anesthesia: Once you are comfortably positioned, you will be given general anesthesia to support your comfort throughout the procedure.

Incision: Dr. Terrasse will carefully make the required incision(s), using your body’s natural folds and other landmarks as appropriate to conceal the incision as much as possible while allowing optimal access to the treatment area.

Tissue Manipulation: Excess skin and unwanted fat are removed as the underlying muscle tissues are tightened and repositioned for a firmer and more defined contour.

Closure and Finishing: Incisions are meticulously closed in layers using advanced techniques to minimize scarring and optimize healing.

Key Differences Between Tummy Tuck Approaches

Full Tummy Tuck: Extensive muscle tightening and fat removal takes place from the ribcage to the pubic area. The belly button is repositioned.

Mini Tummy Tuck: Skin removal and tissue manipulation is limited to the area beneath the belly button and is less extensive. Procedure and recovery times should be shorter.

Extended Tummy Tuck: In addition to a portion of the abdomen, the flanks and lower back are contoured, requiring more surgical time but providing more comprehensive results.

Dr. Terrasse may place temporary drains to prevent fluid accumulation and will apply compression garments to support your healing tissues and minimize swelling.

The Tummy Tuck Recovery Process

Patience and sticking to your post-op recovery instructions is key to a safe and effective recovery. Dr. Terrasse and the rest of our team at Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery are here to provide support as you rest and recover from your surgery.

First Week After Surgery

Immediate Recovery:

• You’ll wake up wearing a compression garment that should be worn as directed
• Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort
• Temporary drains may be in place to prevent fluid buildup
• Movement should be limited to essential activities only

Daily Care:

• Take prescribed medications as directed
• Keep compression garments on except when showering (if cleared by Dr. Terrasse)
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds
• Walk short distances several times daily to promote circulation

Weeks Two to Four

Increasing Activity:

• Drains are typically removed during this period
• You may return to light, non-strenuous work if you have a desk job
• Short walks can be extended, but avoid vigorous exercise
• Sleep with your upper body elevated to reduce swelling

Healing Progress:

• Swelling begins to subside, though some may persist for several weeks
• Incision sites should be kept clean and dry
• Follow-up appointments with Dr. Terrasse monitor your healing progress

Weeks Four to Eight

• Most patients can return to normal daily activities
• Light exercise (like walking) may be gradually increased
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous abdominal exercises
• Continue wearing compression garments as directed

Three Months and Beyond

• Most swelling has resolved, revealing your final contours
• You can typically resume all normal activities, including exercise
• Scars continue to fade and mature over the following year
• Results continue to improve as tissues settle into their new position

What Results Can I Expect?

Immediately after surgery, swelling and your compression garment will partially obscure your results, but you will likely notice an immediate improvement in your abdominal contours. Your midsection will be flatter and more defined.

As swelling subsides over the following weeks, your results will become more and more apparent. Within three to four months of your treatment, swelling should be mostly or fully resolved, and your new contours emerge. Scars will continue to fade and flatten during this time.

By the one-year mark, scarring frequently is visible, but will be fading and softening. Your results are permanent with the proper maintenance. Factors that affect your results include weight, diet, future pregnancies and sun exposure. Attending regular follow-ups with Dr. Terrasse will help to safeguard your results in the long term.