Nellie Movtchan, MDPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Body / Tummy tuck

Tummy tuck.Explore changes to your abdomen.

Pregnancy and weight changes can leave loose abdominal skin and affect the muscles beneath it. Explore what a tummy tuck can address, how it differs from liposuction and what to plan for during recovery.

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Illustrative concept photograph of a consultation; not the practice or a patient

Understanding the procedure

Skin, fat and abdominal muscles.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess abdominal skin and fat and may include repair of weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is not a weight-loss treatment. Future pregnancy or significant weight changes can affect results and may influence when surgery makes sense.

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Is it right for you?

Could a tummy tuck be right for you?

A consultation considers your medical history, anatomy, healing risks, and expectations. Bring your questions and discuss whether surgery fits your health and plans.

  • Discuss conditions or medications that may affect healing.
  • Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
  • Describe your own goals, rather than another person’s expectations.
  • Understand both the possibilities and the limitations.

Talk through your options

Your consultation with Dr. Movtchan.

Meet with Dr. Movtchan to discuss your options. Bring your medical history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.

Illustrative consultation scene; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your goals

    Describe the changes you notice and what you hope to preserve.

  2. Your options

    Discuss skin, fat, muscle separation, scar placement, future pregnancy plans, and practical support during recovery.

  3. Your preparation

    Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.

  4. Your decision

    Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Benefits & limitations

Risks and limitations.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

Your health and the planned operation affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Fluid collections
  • Persistent swelling or pain
  • Changes in sensation
  • Poor healing or unfavorable scars
  • Revision surgery
  • Blood clots
  • Heart, lung, or anesthesia complications

Recovery planning

Planning for your recovery.

Plan for help at home and time away from your usual activities. Your instructions will address work, driving and exercise according to your operation and how you are healing.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about transport, help at home, and time away from responsibilities.

  2. Early recovery

    Follow your care instructions

    Understand dressings, any drains, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Returning to routines

    Check before increasing activity

    Discuss separate milestones for work, driving, lifting, and exercise. Arrange help with household tasks and caring responsibilities.

Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.

Questions

Questions about tummy tuck.

Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss procedure?

No. It addresses contour and excess tissue. Discuss weight stability and your longer-term plans before considering surgery.

Is it the same as liposuction?

No. Liposuction addresses fat, while a tummy tuck also addresses excess skin and may involve the abdominal muscles. The appropriate approach depends on the tissues involved.

Where will the scars be?

Incision placement depends on the operation. Ask about the lower abdominal scar and whether an incision around the navel would be needed.

How much recovery time should I plan for?

Plan around your operation, your work and the help you have at home. Driving, lifting and exercise may each have different restrictions. Dr. Movtchan will discuss when to resume them as you heal.

What should I ask about the cost?

You’ll receive a written estimate after your consultation. Review the surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, follow-up and any additional care before deciding.