Loose abdominal skin and weakened muscles don’t always improve with diet and exercise alone. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can remove excess skin and create a firmer, flatter midsection. At Mehdi Balakhani MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Newark and New Castle County, DE, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mehdi Balakhani offers personalized body-contouring procedures based on your anatomy and goals.
What Is Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
Abdominoplasty is an abdominal contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal wall to create a smoother, firmer midsection. In many cases, the procedure also includes abdominal muscle repair to address weakened or separated muscles caused by pregnancy, significant weight changes, or aging.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Balakhani may recommend a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. A full abdominoplasty treats the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck addresses concerns limited to the lower abdomen. During your consultation, he will recommend the approach that best matches your anatomy and goals.
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!
What to Expect Before and During Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
How to prepare for the procedure
To prepare for your abdominoplasty, you must first arrange a consultation with Dr. Balakhani. You will discuss any medical conditions and allergies, any past procedures you have undergone, and your expectations from the treatment. An examination will be performed, and pictures may be taken.
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
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2-5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. After making a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, Dr. Balakhani lifts the skin to access the underlying abdominal wall.
If the abdominal muscles have separated, a condition that commonly develops after pregnancy or significant weight changes, the underlying connective tissue is tightened to restore support to the abdominal wall. Excess skin is then removed, and liposuction may be used to improve contour when appropriate.
Once the underlying tissues have been addressed, the remaining skin is gently repositioned over the abdomen to create a smoother, firmer appearance. In a full tummy tuck, the belly button is preserved and brought through a new opening in the repositioned skin so it maintains a natural appearance. The incisions are then carefully closed, and small surgical drains may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid buildup during the early stages of healing.
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 5-6 weeks to provide support, help you 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 2-4 weeks. Avoid physically taxing activities 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, Mehdi Balakhani, D.D.S., M.D., F.A.C.S., 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Personalized Tummy Tuck Consultation Starts Here
If excess abdominal skin or weakened muscles continue to affect your comfort and appearance, we’re here to help. Contact Mehdi Balakhani MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, serving patients in Newark and New Castle County, DE, to schedule your consultation and explore your treatment options.
