A flatter abdomen, restored confidence, and tighter abdominal contour.
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten weakened muscles for a flatter, more contoured midsection. At our Aventura, Florida practice, Dr. Tran performs customized tummy tuck procedures focused on natural results, improved core strength, and long-term body contouring.
We proudly serve patients from Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Sunny Isles, Hallandale Beach, and throughout South Florida.
Many patients also choose to combine their tummy tuck with breast surgery as in a mommy makeover, liposuction, or fat grafting during the same surgical session. See before and after photos of tummy tuck surgery.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. This procedure is commonly chosen after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging when diet and exercise alone cannot correct abdominal laxity.
A tummy tuck can:
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Flatten and firm the abdomen
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Repair abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
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Remove loose or hanging skin
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Improve waistline definition
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Full Tummy Tuck
Addresses the entire abdominal area, including muscle repair and skin removal above and below the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Targets excess skin and laxity below the belly button for select candidates with mild concerns.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Removes excess skin extending to the flanks for more comprehensive contouring.
The most appropriate approach is determined during consultation.
Patients frequently combine tummy tuck with breast procedures.
Can Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Surgery?
Tummy tuck can be combined with other surgeries including liposuction, breast surgeries, arm tuck, fat transfer, breast lift and more. A surgical plan will be customized to your specific need after evaluation. Liposuction specifically should only be done in the flank and back areas and only minimally in the abdomen at midline to reduce the risk of tissue necrosis.
Am I a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
You may be a good candidate if you:
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Have loose or excess abdominal skin
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Experience abdominal muscle separation
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Are near a stable weight
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Are finished with childbearing
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Are in good overall health
- Ideal candidates are non-smoker, healthy individuals who have maintained an active lifestyle but are unable to get rid of the excess skin mainly and some fat of the lower abdomen. If you do smoke/vape or use any nicotine product, you need to stop using for at least 2-3 months prior to surgery and remain nicotine free for 3 months after surgery to optimize healing. It’s essential to have your diabetes controlled and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued. Hypertension must also be well controlled because of high risk for bleeding and hematoma after surgery if blood pressure remains high.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Most patients take 2–3 weeks off work. Swelling improves gradually over several months.
Typical recovery milestones:
Week 1
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Walking slightly bent forward
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Drains if used removed around day 7
Week 2–3
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Standing fully upright
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Swelling decreases
Week 4–6
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Low-impact workouts
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Scar care begins
Month 3–6
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Final contour becomes visible
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Swelling nearly resolved
Patients should avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
👉 Recovery often overlaps with breast and lower-body procedures.
Compression garments are usually worn to support healing.
Can I Have a Tummy Tuck and BBL at the Same Time?
🔗 Read our guide here → “Tummy Tuck AND BBL — Can you do both safely?”
What are the complications of a tummy tuck?
As with any surgery, there is risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, fluid collection despite drain placement and after drain removal, tissue necrosis, open wound, contour deformity, scarring, asymmetry, decrease or no sensation in the surgical area, and need for further surgery. One of the most serious complications is blood clot forming in the legs and traveling to the lungs. Hence, it is extremely important to mobilize and walk immediately after surgery to reduce this risk. It’s essential to have your diabetes controlled and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Tummy Tuck, and How Does It Work?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes loose, sagging, or draping skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure creates a firmer, flatter midsection. It is often chosen by people who have lost weight, experienced pregnancy changes, or struggled with sagging skin that won’t tighten with diet and exercise.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Good candidates are healthy adults with a stable weight who have loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles. Women with children and individuals with excess skin after major weight loss often benefit. Smokers should quit before surgery, and patients should have a realistic understanding of what procedure and recovery involve.
How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?
A standard tummy tuck takes about two to three hours. More complex cases, such as those involving muscle repair or extensive skin removal, may take longer. The exact time depends on the patient’s anatomy and the type of tummy tuck performed, whether full, mini, or extended.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients go home that same day. Many patients feel back to normal in a week or so, but it may take longer for others. Time off work can vary with the job, with many people taking a couple of weeks. You must avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Swelling and tightness are common but improve over time. Wearing a compression garment helps heal, and following Dr. Tran’s post-op instructions ensures the best results.
Will I Lose Weight With a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks aren’t intended for weight loss. It removes excess skin and some fat, but the primary goal is body contouring, not reducing body weight. Patients should be at a healthy weight (or very close to it) before surgery to achieve the best results. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain the outcome.
How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
A tummy tuck can last a lifetime with proper care. Maintaining a stable weight and staying active helps preserve a flat stomach. Future pregnancies or significant weight gain can stretch the skin again, so patients should plan surgery when they are done having children and close to their goal weight.
What Are the Risks or Complications of a Tummy Tuck?
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck carries infection, bleeding, and poor healing risks. Other possible complications include fluid buildup, numbness, and scarring. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Tran reduces risks, and following post-surgical instructions helps with a smooth recovery.
Do Tummy Tucks Leave Scars?
A tummy tuck scar runs low on the abdomen, usually from hip to hip. The scar fades over time and is easily hidden under clothing or swimwear. Scar treatments and proper care help minimize its appearance. Dr. Tran places incisions strategically to achieve the best cosmetic outcome.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck and Another Surgery?
Yes, combination procedures are common and very popular. For example, many women add liposuction to their tummy tuck to eliminate extra fat. Mommy makeovers, which include breast surgery and a tummy tuck, are another popular choice. Combining procedures saves recovery time and enhances overall body contouring results.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost varies based on the complexity of the surgery and your unique needs. Factors like anesthesia, facility fees, and post-surgical care also affect pricing. If you can’t cover the whole procedure at once, there are financing options to help make the procedure more affordable. Dr. Tran provides a personalized cost estimate after your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Tran for Tummy Tuck in Aventura?
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Board-trained plastic surgeon
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Precision-focused surgical planning
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Emphasis on natural body contours
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Personalized patient care
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Serving Aventura & South Florida
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Aventura
If you are considering a tummy tuck in Aventura, FL, schedule a consultation to explore a personalized treatment plan with Dr. Tran.
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