Tummy Tuck Abdomino-plasty
A flatter, firmer abdomen that is contoured to your body. Restore your confidents with results that are curvy, feel like you, and last.
For many patients, diet and exercise simply cannot address the changes that pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process leave behind. Loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and stubborn pockets of fat in the midsection often require a surgical solution — and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is one of the most effective and transformative procedures available.
Dr. June Yoo approaches every abdominoplasty with the same philosophy that defines her practice: results should look refined, proportional, and entirely natural. Your midsection will look like yours, just smoother, firmer, and more defined.
What is Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter, curvier, midsection with improved contour and a more defined waistline.
Abdominoplasty is commonly sought by patients who have experienced significant changes to their abdominal area — whether from pregnancy, major weight loss, or simply the passage of time. It is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure; it is a body contouring procedure designed to address excess skin and muscle laxity that cannot be resolved through lifestyle changes alone.
Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction for more comprehensive contouring, or incorporate it as part of a broader Mommy Makeover — pairing it with breast procedures to address multiple areas of concern in a single surgery.
Full Abdominoplasty
The most comprehensive option, a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen — both above and below the belly button. Excess skin is removed, the abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened, and the belly button is repositioned for a natural-looking result. This is the most common approach and is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity or muscle separation.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini abdominoplasty targets the lower abdomen only — below the belly button. It involves a shorter incision, and a faster recovery. This option is well-suited for patients who have mild to moderate excess skin confined to the lower abdominal area, and do not need muscle repair.
Extended Abdominoplasty
For patients who have undergone major weight loss or have excess skin that extends beyond the abdomen onto the flanks, an extended tummy tuck may be recommended. This approach uses a longer incision that wraps around the sides to address the hips and lower back, creating a more circumferential improvement in contour.
Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
Liposuction is frequently performed alongside abdominoplasty to refine the waist, flanks, and hips — areas that may not be fully addressed by skin removal alone. Dr. Yoo carefully evaluates the vascular anatomy of each patient to determine where liposuction can be safely combined for the most comprehensive result.
Tummy Tuck Options
About the Procedure
The Incision
In a full abdominoplasty, the incision is placed low on the abdomen — typically within or below the natural bikini line — so that it remains hidden beneath underwear and swimwear. Dr. Yoo takes great care in incision placement and closure, with the goal of keeping your scar as discreet and well-healed as possible.
A second small incision is made around the belly button to allow for its repositioning. Dr. Yoo pays particular attention to belly button aesthetics — a natural-looking navel is one of the hallmarks of a well-executed tummy tuck.
Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti Correction)
One of the most meaningful components of a tummy tuck is the repair of the rectus abdominis muscles. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations can cause these muscles to separate — a condition known as diastasis recti. During the procedure, Dr. Yoo sutures the separated muscles back together along the midline, restoring core strength and a flatter, curvier abdominal profile.
Skin Removal and Contouring
Once the muscles are repaired, the overlying skin is re-draped and the excess is carefully excised. Dr. Yoo uses precise measurements and an eye for proportion to ensure that the remaining skin lies smoothly and naturally — without the pulled or overly tight appearance that can result from less tailored technique.
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck if you:
Have excess or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise
Experience muscle separation (diastasis recti) following pregnancy
Have achieved a stable weight but struggle with persistent skin laxity in the midsection
Are in good overall health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery)
Are not planning future pregnancies (pregnancy after a tummy tuck can compromise results)
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients who are significantly above their goal weight are generally encouraged to reach a stable, healthy weight before proceeding with surgery.
Recovery & Results
A tummy tuck requires more recovery time than many other cosmetic procedures, and planning ahead is key to a smooth healing process.
In the first few days, you can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. We will place you on a multi-modal regimen to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You will start with abdominal compression immediately following surgery, and then be fitted for a garment which you will wear for several weeks.
Most patients are encouraged to walk around (carefully and bent at the hip) within the first day or two. Light activity can typically resume within two to four weeks, though most patients return to desk work around that same timeframe. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for six to eight weeks.
Swelling is the most common reason patients feel their results are not yet visible. Full resolution of swelling — and the final contour of your result — typically takes three to six months. The patience is worth it. Once healed, results are long-lasting, particularly for patients who maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Drain tubes may be placed during surgery to remove excess fluid and are typically removed within one to four weeks at a follow-up visit. Dr. Yoo will provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions and monitor your healing closely at each visit.
Your consultation with Dr. Yoo
Your tummy tuck consultation at June Plastic Surgery is a detailed, thorough conversation. Dr. Yoo will review your medical history, assess your abdominal anatomy, and take the time to understand what outcome you're hoping for.
Key decisions you'll make together include:
Which surgery will best suit your anatomy and goals
Whether liposuction should be incorporated for enhanced contouring
Incision planning and scar placement
Whether combining procedures (e.g., Mommy Makeover) is appropriate for you
You'll leave with a clear, personalized surgical plan and a full understanding of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Dr. Yoo places the incision within or lower than the natural bikini line so that the scar is concealed beneath underwear and swimwear. Scar appearance continues to improve over the course of 12 to 18 months.
-
Yes, depending on your aesthetic goals. Many patients would like to incorporate tummy tuck into a Mommy Makeover. Dr. Yoo will assess whether combination surgery is safe based on your overall health and scope of procedures planned.
-
Dr. Yoo encourages patients to walk around the day after surgery, and usually patients can return to work around 2-3 weeks as well as light activity. Strenuous activity and exercise can usually continue around 2-3 months.
-
It is generally recommended to wait until you have completed building your family prior to undergoing abdominoplasty. Future pregnancies can stretch the repaired muscles and loosen the skin.
-
Because each procedure is individualized, pricing varies based on surgical plan. Our team will provide a detailed estimate following your consultation. June Plastic Surgery has financing options available.
A stronger core, smoother silhouette, designed for you.
Dr. June Yoo brings surgical precision and a commitment to natural, proportional outcomes to every procedure she performs. If a tummy tuck has been on your mind, we invite you to take the first step and schedule a consultation to discover what a truly tailored result looks like.