Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

You may be a great candidate for abdominoplasty if you:

• Have loose or sagging skin around your abdomen due to pregnancy
• Have experienced significant weight loss and are left with excess skin
• Have had fluctuations in weight that have stretched the skin and abdominal wall
• Are noticing signs of aging that have impacted abdominal tone and skin elasticity
   

It’s important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Ideal candidates are at or near their goal weight and are looking to contour and tighten the midsection after body changes. At VedaNu Wellness, we help you take that final step toward feeling truly comfortable and confident in your body.

At VedaNu Wellness, we understand that no two bodies—or goals—are alike. That’s why we offer several tummy tuck techniques tailored to your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and desired results. Whether you’re looking for a subtle improvement or a full midsection transformation, our expert surgical team will guide you in selecting the right approach for your body.

Full Tummy Tuck

The full (or traditional) tummy tuck is the most comprehensive option. It targets both loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles above and below the belly button. This technique is ideal for individuals with significant skin laxity or muscle separation, often resulting from pregnancy or major weight loss. The incision typically runs from hip to hip, placed low enough to be hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Perfect for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen only. It involves a smaller incision and shorter recovery time compared to a full tummy tuck. While it doesn't address concerns above the navel, it's a great option for those needing only a subtle midsection refinement.

Modified Tummy Tuck

Also known as the umbilical float or hybrid technique, the modified tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles without removing as much skin. It’s often recommended for women who have minor skin laxity but significant muscle separation after pregnancy. The incision is shorter than in a full tummy tuck, making it a less invasive alternative with noticeable core benefits.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have excess skin that stretches beyond the abdomen to the flanks, hips, and lateral thighs—often after major weight loss. This technique uses a longer incision that wraps around the hips, allowing for more extensive body contouring and muscle repair.

Body Lift

Also called a belt lipectomy or circumferential abdominoplasty, this procedure is the most comprehensive of all tummy tuck options. It removes excess skin around the entire waistline and includes lifting the buttocks and outer thighs. A body lift is best suited for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin around the midsection and lower body.

Not every tummy tuck yields the ideal results—and that’s okay. At VedaNu Wellness, we offer revision abdominoplasty for patients who are dissatisfied with their original outcome due to aesthetic concerns or structural issues. A revision procedure can address:

• Excessive or raised scarring (hypertrophic or keloid scars)
• Scars that are positioned too high
• Irregular, asymmetrical, or uneven scarring
• "Dog ears" or puckering at the ends of the incision
• Unnatural belly button appearance or placement
• Visible abdominal wall asymmetry
   

Our experienced surgical team will assess your specific concerns and create a customized surgical plan to refine and improve your results.

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) carries potential risks and complications. At VedaNu Wellness, patient safety is always our top priority. While rare, the following issues may occur:

• Wound healing complications – Some areas may take longer to heal and require additional wound care.
• Seroma – Fluid buildup under the skin that may require draining.
• Infection – Though uncommon, any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection.
• Bleeding – Excessive bleeding is rare but may require medical intervention.
• Loss of umbilical blood supply – This uncommon risk may affect belly button viability and could require revision.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism – Blood clots may form in the legs and travel to the lungs, requiring urgent medical attention. Preventative measures include mobility and compression garments.
• Need for revision surgery – In some cases, further surgery may be necessary to correct complications or improve outcomes.
   

Our highly skilled surgical team takes every precaution to minimize these risks and support a smooth, successful recovery. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and attentive follow-up to ensure your best possible result.

At VedaNu Wellness, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. To help ensure the best possible outcome, your surgical team will guide you through a set of pre-operative instructions customized to your needs. General preparation guidelines include:

• Refrain from smoking for at least four weeks before surgery to support optimal healing.
• Avoid medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve), or other blood thinners for two weeks prior, as they may increase bleeding risk. Tylenol is generally permitted.
• Do not take diet pills or herbal supplements for at least two weeks before surgery.
• Ensure all prescriptions are filled ahead of time for post-op care.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
• On the day of your procedure, avoid wearing wigs, makeup, jewelry, false eyelashes, or contact lenses. Choose loose, comfortable clothing and pull your hair back.
• Inform our team immediately if you develop any signs of illness before your procedure.
   

These steps are essential to promote a smooth surgical experience and a safer recovery.

A tummy tuck at VedaNu Wellness typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on your customized surgical plan and the areas being addressed. During the procedure, your surgeon will create a low horizontal incision—usually placed just above the pubic bone—to allow for discreet scar placement beneath undergarments or swimwear.

The skin is then lifted to access and repair the abdominal muscles, which may have weakened or separated due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. These muscles are tightened and sutured to restore core strength and contour. Excess skin is removed, and if needed, liposuction may be performed to enhance shaping and eliminate stubborn fat.

In a full tummy tuck, your surgeon will also reposition the belly button to match the newly contoured abdomen for a natural appearance. Once the procedure is complete, the incision is carefully closed and dressed, and you’ll begin your journey to a flatter, firmer midsection.

Recovery after a tummy tuck will vary depending on your individual procedure and healing process. Most patients should expect to rest for the first 1 to 2 weeks, avoiding activities that place strain on the abdomen. Some tightness, swelling, or discomfort is normal during this time and will gradually improve as the body heals.

Your VedaNu Wellness care team will guide you through recovery with personalized aftercare instructions. Patients are typically encouraged to take short walks several times a day starting within the first 48 hours to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Light activity may resume in 3 to 4 weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 to 8 weeks.

A compression garment is usually recommended for 2 to 4 weeks to reduce swelling and help shape your new contour. If surgical drains are placed, they are generally removed within 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll be closely monitored during recovery to ensure you're healing safely and comfortably.

Top Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Before heading home, you’ll receive detailed post-op instructions. Here are a few key tips to support a smooth recovery and long-lasting results:

• Take all medications as prescribed, and avoid taking them on an empty stomach.
• Expect bruising to last several weeks—topical arnica may help reduce it.
• Avoid driving for at least 3 weeks or until you're no longer on prescription pain medications.
• Do not submerge in water or take a full shower until cleared—typically after 6 weeks.
• Avoid swimming or soaking in a tub for at least 8 weeks, or until incisions are fully healed.
• Protect the incision from sun exposure and avoid tanning until the scar has matured.
• Sleep in a reclined position for the first few weeks; extra pillows or a recliner can help with comfort.
• Stay in touch with our team for questions, progress updates, or if any concerns arise.
   

Tummy Tuck Results

Initial results from a tummy tuck are often visible right away—especially the flatter, tighter appearance of the abdomen. However, swelling is normal and can temporarily obscure the final outcome. Over the next several weeks, swelling will continue to decrease and your results will become more refined.

Your body will keep improving for 6 months to a year as the tissue settles and scars begin to mature. While scarring is part of the healing process, most patients find their incisions fade significantly over time, especially with proper scar care.

With a healthy lifestyle, stable weight, and no future pregnancies, tummy tuck results can be long-lasting—helping you feel stronger, more confident, and comfortable in your body.