Tummy Tuck
Flatten and tighten the abdomen, remove excess skin, and repair muscle separation with an individualized abdominoplasty designed around your anatomy, safety, recovery, and long-term result.
A Flatter, Tighter Abdominal Contour
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to make the abdomen flatter, tighter, and more youthful in appearance.
It addresses concerns that diet and exercise cannot always correct, including excess or sagging skin, persistent subcutaneous fat, and separation of the abdominal muscles known as rectus diastasis.
These changes are especially common after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Dr. Slack approaches abdominal contouring with an emphasis on long-term results, recovery, safety, and scar placement.
Could a Tummy Tuck Be Right for You?
Good candidates generally have abdominal changes that remain despite stable weight, healthy habits, and regular exercise.
Excess Skin
Loose or hanging lower-abdominal skin that remains despite stable weight and regular exercise.
Muscle Separation
Rectus diastasis after pregnancy can create a persistent rounded or protruding abdomen.
C-Section Shelf
An overhang of skin above a C-section scar may be improved as part of abdominal contouring.
Lower Stretch Marks
Stretch marks located within skin that needs to be removed will also be removed.
Stable Weight
The best candidates are not planning substantial weight loss or pregnancy in the near future.
Non-Smoker
Smoking and nicotine significantly increase wound-healing risk and must be stopped before surgery.
Not Every Tummy Tuck Is the Same
The appropriate procedure depends on how much skin needs to be removed, where that skin is located, and whether abdominal muscle repair is needed.
Mini / Modified Abdominoplasty
Removes a limited amount of skin below the belly button. No incision is made around the navel.
- Scar similar to or slightly longer than a C-section scar
- Best for modest lower-abdominal skin excess
- Not suited for significant skin laxity above the navel
Full Abdominoplasty
Removes the skin from just above the navel down to the pubic area, with muscle repair when needed.
- Most commonly performed tummy tuck
- Hip-to-hip lower abdominal scar
- New belly-button opening
- Comprehensive correction of laxity, fatty excess and diastasis
Extended Abdominoplasty
Extends the standard procedure around the sides to address additional excess skin along the flanks.
- Addresses abdominal and flank skin
- Longer scar extending around the sides
- Often useful after significant weight loss
Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
Adds a vertical abdominal incision to the standard horizontal incision when excess skin exists in both directions.
- Reserved for significant skin excess
- Often considered after massive weight loss
- Trades a more visible scar for greater skin removal
What a Tummy Tuck Won't Correct
A tummy tuck treats excess skin and subcutaneous fat — the tissue between the skin and abdominal wall.
It does not remove visceral fat, which is located inside the abdominal cavity around the organs.
Significant visceral fat can create a firm, rounded upper abdomen that improves only minimally with surgery.
Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat
Located beneath the skin and may be addressed during body-contouring procedures.
Located around the internal organs and is reduced through weight loss, diet, and exercise — not tummy tuck surgery.
Upper Abdominal Liposuction: Why Timing Matters
During a tummy tuck, the lower abdominal skin and fat are lifted from the abdominal wall as a single tissue flap. That tissue depends on an intact blood supply to heal safely.
Aggressive upper-abdominal liposuction performed at the same time can disrupt those blood vessels and increase the risk of wound-healing problems.
For this reason, Dr. Slack prefers to keep extensive upper-abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty separate when both procedures are needed.
Two Procedures. One Safer Plan.
Allow approximately 3–4 months of healing before abdominoplasty.
Complete liposuction later after the abdominal tissues have fully healed.
The Drainless Tummy Tuck
Traditionally, tummy-tuck patients went home with drains placed beneath the skin to remove fluid from the space created during surgery.
Dr. Slack uses progressive tension sutures instead. These internal dissolving sutures anchor the elevated skin and fatty tissue back to the abdominal wall in multiple rows.
By eliminating the space where fluid can collect, drains are unnecessary.
No external drains to empty or monitor at home.
No drains means no puncture site scars.
Progressive tension sutures secure the tissue internally.
The technique has been used for decades and is supported by clinical evidence.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
A full tummy tuck has a significant recovery period. The first five to seven days are typically the most demanding.
Most patients spend much of that time in a recliner or bed with the back supported and knees elevated to reduce tension on the abdominal repair.
Rest & Short Walks
Rest with the abdomen supported. Short walks inside the house are encouraged. Walking slightly bent forward is normal.
Posture Improves
Most patients begin standing more upright. Temporary lower-back stiffness is common.
Driving & Desk Work
Many patients return to driving and desk-based work. Walking is generally more comfortable.
Gradual Activity
Light gym activity may begin around week three. Heavy lifting and direct core exercises remain restricted.
Most Restrictions Lifted
Most normal activity resumes, although swelling can continue improving for six to twelve months.
A Non-Narcotic Recovery Option
For selected patients who prefer to avoid opioid pain medications, Dr. Slack offers a non-narcotic recovery protocol.
The foundation of this recovery regimen is Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic administered as a nerve ( TAP ) block during surgery that can provide approximately 72 hours of sustained local pain relief.
This option is not appropriate for everyone, and Dr. Slack discusses candidly whether it makes sense for each patient.
Approximate duration of sustained local anesthetic effect from Exparel.
Scar Planning & Belly-Button Design
A tummy tuck leaves permanent scars. Thoughtful surgical planning can influence how naturally those scars and the belly button blend into the final result.
The Belly Button
In a full or extended tummy tuck, the original belly button remains attached to the abdominal wall. A new opening is created in the repositioned skin.
Dr. Slack's goal is a natural vertical oval or teardrop shape with a subtle hood and without a prominent circular “bullseye” scar.
The Abdominal Scar
A full tummy tuck creates a permanent hip-to-hip scar, but its height relative to underwear and swimwear can be planned.
Patients wear the bikini bottom or underwear they most want to wear after surgery so Dr. Slack can mark the planned incision with that garment in place.
Preventing Blood Clots After Surgery
Abdominoplasty, as with any procedure that reduces mobility during recovery, carries a risk of developing deep vein thrombosis which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Dr. Slack uses a layered approach focused on early mobility, mechanical compression, individualized risk assessment, and selective medication when appropriate.
Outpatient Surgery
Patients go home the same day and begin moving rather than remaining immobilized in a hospital bed.
Sequential Compression Devices
Pneumatic leg compression sleeves maintain lower-leg circulation and continue to be used during rest at home.
Early Ambulation
Short periods of walking begin early in recovery to reduce blood stasis.
Selective Lovenox
Anticoagulation is used selectively for higher-risk patients.
Delayed Compression Garment
Abdominal compression is delayed during the earliest recovery period to avoid unnecessary reduction in femoral blood flow.
Expected Trade-Offs vs. Complications
Every operation has specific trade-offs ( these will happen ) as well as potential complications ( We don’t want these to happen ).
Scarring
A tummy tuck produces permanent scars. They typically fade substantially over 12–18 months but do not disappear.
Permanent Numbness
Reduced sensation across the lower abdomen will occur. It will improve somewhat over time but will never completely return.
Swelling
Swelling and tissue settling continue for months. The final contour and scar appearance may take a year or longer.
Wound Healing Problems
Inadequate blood flow can lead to delayed healing and open wounds. Smoking is one of the most important preventable risk factors
Mons Pubis Lift
One change many patients do not anticipate is improvement in the position of the mons pubis — the soft tissue over the pubic bone.
As abdominal skin is pulled downward and excess tissue is removed, the tissue below is naturally drawn upward.
A full or extended abdominoplasty generally creates a greater lifting effect than a mini procedure.
A More Complete Lower-Abdominal Transformation
The mons lift occurs naturally as part of the abdominal tissue repositioning rather than as a separate procedure.
What Happens Over Time?
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight, although substantial weight changes or future pregnancy can alter the result.
Scars initially appear pink and somewhat raised, then begin to flatten and fade during the remodeling process. Full scar maturation generally takes 12–18 months.
Stretch marks located within removed skin are eliminated. Stretch marks above the excised area may shift downward but remain present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions Dr. Slack hears from patients considering tummy tuck surgery.
Will I have drains after a tummy tuck?
Not in the vast majority of cases with Dr. Slack's technique. He uses progressive tension sutures that anchor the elevated abdominal tissues back to the abdominal wall, eliminating the space where fluid would otherwise collect.
Will I need narcotic pain medication after surgery?
Not necessarily. Dr. Slack offers a non-narcotic recovery option for selected patients using Exparel, a long-acting local anesthetic that provides approximately 72 hours of sustained local pain relief.
Does a tummy tuck cut or repair the abdominal muscles?
The muscles themselves are not cut. When rectus diastasis is present, the fascial layer surrounding the abdominal muscles is tightened to bring the separated muscles back toward the midline.
What will my belly button look like?
The belly button remains attached to the abdominal wall while a new opening is created in the repositioned skin. Dr. Slack aims for a natural vertical oval or teardrop shape with subtle hooding and minimal visible scarring.
Where will my tummy tuck scar be placed?
A full tummy tuck scar runs across the lower abdomen. Dr. Slack uses the patient's preferred underwear or bikini bottom as a guide when marking the incision, with the goal of keeping the scar beneath the garment line.
Is tummy tuck surgery inpatient or outpatient?
Dr. Slack performs abdominoplasty as outpatient surgery at an accredited surgical center, and patients return home the same day.
How does Dr. Slack help prevent blood clots?
His protocol combines outpatient surgery, sequential compression devices, early walking, individualized risk assessment, selective Lovenox for higher-risk patients, and delayed use of abdominal compression garments.
Does a tummy tuck lift the pubic area?
Yes. As the abdominal tissues are repositioned, the mons pubis is naturally lifted. The effect is typically greater with full or extended abdominoplasty than with a mini procedure.
Can I have a tummy tuck if I smoke?
Nicotine significantly increases the risk of wound-healing problems because it constricts blood vessels. Dr. Slack requires patients to stop smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products well before surgery and throughout recovery.
When can I return to work?
Patients with desk jobs often return in approximately two weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require four to six weeks, depending on individual recovery.
Your Consultation Is a Conversation
Dr. Slack begins by listening. He evaluates your anatomy, explains what surgery can and cannot accomplish, and walks through the trade-offs between your options.
You should leave your consultation with a clear understanding of the procedure, recovery, risks, and realistic expectations.
Ready to Discuss Your Abdomen and Goals?
Meet personally with Dr. Slack in Allen, Texas to determine which abdominal-contouring approach may be appropriate for you.
1105 Central Expressway N · Building One, Suite 370 · Allen, Texas