Conveniently located to serve Newark and New Castle County, DE
If you have excess skin or flab in your abdominal area and are tired of trying to get rid of it through diet and exercise, an abdominoplasty in Delaware with Dr. Mehdi Balakhani might be right for you. Also called a tummy tuck, this body-contouring procedure can be performed on men and women looking for a firm and flat midsection.
What Is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Abdominoplasty surgery is one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic medicine. The procedure involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightening the stomach muscles with sutures. The remaining skin is repositioned to achieve a toned look.
Whether you’ve experienced significant weight changes, pregnancy, or natural aging, this procedure can address those lingering concerns. Dr. Mehdi Balakhani offers both full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck options, depending on how much correction is needed.
Are You a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
You are an ideal candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure if you:
- Have experienced dramatic weight changes
- Have had one or more pregnancies
- Are at or near your ideal weight
- Are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen due to excess skin, stubborn fat, sagging abdominal muscles, and stretch marks
A tummy tuck surgery is not an alternative to weight-loss procedures and is not recommended if you want to lose weight. Moreover, this procedure is not for you if you plan to get pregnant in the future since this can affect abdominoplasty results.
You should talk to Dr. Balakhani if you smoke, have a BMI over 30, or suffer from diabetes or heart disease. You may need to make certain lifestyle changes before a tummy tuck is right for you.
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, smoking habits, blood clotting disorders, or the use of certain medications like blood thinners may require additional evaluation before proceeding with surgery. Discuss your medical history with Dr. Balakhani to determine the best approach for your situation.
I wanted to write a note of thanks to all of you for being so wonderful during the surgery process. I love the change in my body already, and can’t wait to see the final results in a few months. I’m so excited to wear the clothes I never would have looked good in before, especially bathing suits!
How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
You must also do the following:
- Stop smoking for at least two weeks
- Avoid taking herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Maintain a stable weight
- Take the medication prescribed by Dr. Balakhani
- Arrange for help from a friend or family member after the procedure
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Procedure
The tummy tuck procedure takes around two to five hours. General anesthesia will be administered to help you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Sometimes, local anesthesia with sedation can be administered instead of general anesthesia.
Dr. Balakhani will make a curving horizontal incision from one hipbone to the other. Another incision may also be made around the belly button.
Excess skin will be trimmed away with a scalpel. Stubborn fat will be suctioned away using liposuction, and the drooping muscles will be rejoined and tightened with internal sutures. The remaining skin will be tightened, and the incisions will be closed with stitches.
Tummy Tuck Recovery and Healing Timeline
After the procedure, the incisions will be appropriately dressed. Small tubes may be placed to drain excess fluid and blood, helping to avoid seromas and hematomas.
You will have temporary swelling and bruising, which is completely normal. Pain medications will help with the pain or discomfort during recovery, and antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection. You will need to wear an abdominal binder for five to six weeks to provide support and enable you to heal quickly, encourage tighter skin, and control swelling. Avoid positions and movements that put pressure on your incision lines to prevent strain on the area.
You will need to stay home from work for two to four weeks. Physically taxing activities should be avoided for four to six weeks or longer. Full results should be visible once all swelling has gone down. If you maintain a stable weight, tummy tuck results can last a long time.
You can see what these results look like in our tummy tuck before-and-after photo gallery.
Here are some more things you can expect during recovery:
- Week 1: Swelling and tightness; walking is encouraged in short bursts
- Weeks 2–3: Drain removal (if used); swelling begins to ease
- Weeks 4–6: Most discomfort subsides; gradual return to normal activities
- Month 3 and beyond: Visible results continue to improve. Outcomes often appear by six months.
If you maintain a stable weight, tummy tuck results can last for many years. Following Dr. Balakhani’s post-op instructions will help ensure a smoother recovery and long-term satisfaction with your results.
Key Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck offers several practical benefits that go beyond cosmetic improvement.
By removing excess skin and fat, the procedure helps create a flatter, more toned abdominal area. For many patients, tightening the underlying abdominal muscles can also lead to better posture and reduced back discomfort, especially if weakened muscles contribute to strain. When paired with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, abdominoplasty results can be long-lasting, offering a more balanced and firmer midsection for years to come.
How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost in Delaware?
The details of each tummy tuck procedure determine its price. The cost of a tummy tuck for our Newark and New Castle County patients is based on factors like the amount of tissue removed, the exact techniques performed, and the type of anesthesia used. It will also be affected by whether abdominoplasty is combined with other treatments.
Dr. Mehdi Balakhani: Your Trusted Surgeon
With over 30 years of surgical experience, Dr. Mehdi Balakhani is a double board-certified specialist in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Patients see him as a trusted plastic surgeon in Delaware for his expertise, advanced training, and personalized care in every procedure.
Dr. Balakhani is known for his skill in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and post-bariatric surgery, including butt lift surgery in Delaware, tummy tuck, and hand surgery in Delaware, among others.
