Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck / Core Restore)
Key Takeaways
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat and tightens weakened abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Ideal candidates have loose abdominal skin, muscle separation, or core weakness that do not improve with diet and exercise.
Mirror Plastic Surgery focuses on safety, functional core restoration, and natural-looking contour through tailored abdominoplasty techniques.
Recovery usually takes several weeks, with gradual return to full activity and long-term results supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Patients in the Tampa Bay area can work directly with Dr. Akash at Mirror Plastic Surgery by scheduling a consultation at this link.
Abdominoplasty Basics: Tummy Tuck and Core Restore Explained
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. Many patients refer to it as a core restore because it can reinforce the abdominal wall in addition to improving contour.
This procedure addresses abdominal protrusion, loose skin, and rectus diastasis, which is separation of the abdominal muscles. Common causes include aging, heredity, pregnancy, prior surgery, and significant weight changes. Abdominoplasty can improve core strength, reduce discomfort related to muscle separation, and restore a more toned appearance.
Why Choose Mirror Plastic Surgery for Your Abdominoplasty?
Focused Care on Safety, Function, and Aesthetics
Mirror Plastic Surgery limits daily surgical volume so each abdominoplasty patient receives unhurried, detailed attention. This approach supports thorough planning and communication at every step.
The treatment plan prioritizes safety through careful pre-operative evaluation, then addresses core function by repairing muscle separation before refining the skin and fat layer. The goal is a flatter, stronger abdomen that fits the patient’s body type and lifestyle.
Meet Dr. Akash: Board-Certified Abdominoplasty Surgeon
Dr. Akash is a Harvard-educated physician and Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Newsweek recognized him on the America’s Best Plastic Surgeons list in 2024 and 2025, and he completed specialized aesthetic surgery fellowship training at the Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital.
His technique focuses on precise restoration of the abdominal muscles from the chest to the pubic region to support core strength and natural contour. He also serves on advisory boards for Motiva and Tiger Aesthetics, helping advance techniques and technology in plastic surgery. Patients meet directly with Dr. Akash for evaluation, education, and planning. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to discuss your goals.
Procedure Details and Techniques
Who Is a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Good candidates have abdominal protrusion, loose skin, or muscle separation that persists despite a stable weight and healthy habits. These changes may follow aging, pregnancy, heredity, prior surgery, or significant weight fluctuations. Candidates should be in overall good health, at or near their goal weight, and interested in both functional improvement and aesthetic enhancement of the core.
Abdominoplasty Techniques at Mirror Plastic Surgery
Traditional Abdominoplasty
Traditional abdominoplasty addresses excess skin and fat from the pubis to the umbilicus or higher and often includes fascial plication for rectus diastasis and reshaping of the belly button. This method restores the abdominal wall while tightening and smoothing the overlying skin.
Circumferential Lipectomy or Torsoplasty
Circumferential lipectomy combines abdominoplasty with lifting of the flanks and back and can include liposuction. This approach suits patients with significant weight loss who need contouring around the entire torso.
Mirror Plastic Surgery generally avoids mini tummy tucks that only treat the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck uses a smaller incision to tighten limited excess skin below the belly button. This can be useful for very select cases but may leave a “pooch” or unbalanced contour if used when a full repair is needed.
What Your Abdominoplasty Procedure Involves
The incision usually runs horizontally from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. Excess skin and fat are lifted, and the abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired in a process called rectus plication. When needed, a new opening is created for the belly button so it sits in a natural position.
For circumferential lipectomy, the incision extends around the sides and back. Advanced drain-free abdominoplasty and layered suturing can simplify recovery and place the scar lower for easier concealment. Careful tissue handling supports smoother healing.
Expected Outcomes and Long-Term Results
Most patients notice a flatter, more supported abdomen and improved core strength once swelling subsides. Scars typically fade over time and are placed so they can be covered by most underwear or swimwear. Many patients report better posture, less back discomfort, and more comfort during exercise. Results tend to last when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Preparing for Abdominoplasty
Personalized Consultation at Mirror Plastic Surgery
The consultation usually lasts about an hour and includes a full medical review, physical examination, and discussion of goals. When appropriate, ultrasound or other tools help assess muscle separation and tissue quality. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to receive a tailored plan and clear explanation of recommended options.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before surgery, patients receive written instructions that may include:
Stopping blood thinners and certain supplements as directed by the surgical team
Stopping smoking or nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery
Focusing on balanced nutrition, hydration, and weight stability
The practice provides a checklist so patients know how to prepare medications, clothing, and their home for recovery.
Timeline Leading Up to Surgery
In the weeks before surgery, patients review consent forms, undergo any required lab tests, and confirm logistics such as transportation and support at home. The team reviews fasting instructions and post-operative expectations at a pre-operative visit so the day of surgery feels organized and predictable.
Recovery After Abdominoplasty
Post-Operative Care and Comfort
After surgery, patients receive detailed instructions for wound care, showering, and compression garment use. The team also reviews pain control options and strategies to limit swelling and bruising. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Akash to monitor healing and answer questions as recovery progresses.
Recovery Timeline and Activity Guidelines
Most patients need 2 to 4 weeks before returning to desk work and light daily activities. Swelling continues to improve over several months, and the final contour usually settles between 6 and 12 months.
Light walking begins soon after surgery to support circulation. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and targeted abdominal workouts remain restricted for several weeks to protect the muscle repair. The team provides a stepwise activity plan based on individual healing.
Key Safety Considerations
Common Misconceptions About Tummy Tucks
Abdominoplasty is not primarily a fat-removal procedure. Its main role is tightening loose skin and repairing the abdominal wall. Liposuction can complement abdominoplasty but cannot correct significant skin laxity or muscle separation on its own. Many patients also assume that a mini tummy tuck is always preferable, but a full abdominoplasty often provides better function and appearance for moderate to severe muscle or skin changes.
Importance of a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon helps ensure appropriate training and experience. Patients benefit from a thorough consultation that explains anatomical findings, procedure options, and potential risks in plain language. Mirror Plastic Surgery emphasizes safety, realistic expectations, and long-term follow-up. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to review your candidacy and treatment options.
Understanding the Cost of Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty pricing depends on the specific technique, surgical time, anesthesia, and facility fees. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon allows for a personalized quote based on your anatomy and goals. This investment reflects comprehensive evaluation, customized planning, and follow-up care to support a durable, natural result.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abdominoplasty (FAQ)
Q1: Will abdominoplasty help with weight loss?
A1: Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method. It removes excess skin and some fat and tightens muscles once a stable weight has been reached.
Q2: What is rectus diastasis and how does abdominoplasty address it?
A2: Rectus diastasis is separation of the vertical abdominal muscles, often after pregnancy or weight changes. Abdominoplasty brings these muscles back toward the midline and secures them, which can improve core strength and reduce some types of back discomfort.
Q3: How long do abdominoplasty results last?
A3: Results can be long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy habits. Large weight changes or future pregnancies may affect the outcome and could require further treatment.
Q4: Will I have a scar after abdominoplasty?
A4: Yes. The incision usually extends from hip to hip above the pubic area. The scar is placed low so most underwear and swimwear can cover it, and it typically fades with time and proper scar care.
Q5: Can abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?
A5: Abdominoplasty is often combined with breast procedures or circumferential body contouring after weight loss. Mirror Plastic Surgery balances combination surgery with safety and may recommend staging procedures if too many changes at once would increase risk. The safest approach is discussed in detail during consultation.
Schedule a Consultation for Core Restoration
Patients considering abdominoplasty can meet with Dr. Akash at Mirror Plastic Surgery to review anatomy, goals, and treatment options in detail. Schedule your consultation online or contact the practice using the information below.
Contact Information:
Address: 780 4th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-361-6515
Email: hello@mirrorplasticsurgery.com
Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.