Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty by Dr. Michele Koo
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a powerful surgical solution to remove stretch marks and excess abdominal skin caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the natural loss of skin elasticity with age. For many of Dr Koo’s patients, the midsection becomes a frustrating area—marked by a thick, heavy fold of skin and fat they can grab, clothing that no longer fits properly, and a figure that feels matronly or disproportionate.
If you’ve ever thought, “I miss my waist” or “I hate how my belly hangs over my pants,” then a tummy tuck may be the transformative solution to restore a more sculpted, youthful waistline.
STANFORD • WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY • BOARD CERTIFIED • 33 YEARS
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals in good physical health who struggle with loose skin or fat deposits that haven’t responded to diet or exercise.
Tummy tuck surgery is also an excellent option for:
- Women with stretched skin and muscle separation from pregnancy
- Older individuals with decreased skin elasticity
- Patients whose abdominal contour has been altered after significant weight loss
Every body is different, which is why Dr. Koo takes time during your consultation to fully understand your goals—both aesthetic and personal. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, she provides completely individualized treatment plans based on your unique anatomy and expectations.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
During abdominoplasty, Dr. Koo repairs the rectus abdominis muscles (your “six-pack”) that may have separated due to pregnancy, aging, or weight changes. This realignment tightens your core, reducing the bulging appearance of the abdomen.
She also removes the panniculus, the overhanging skin and fat between the pubic area and belly button. Most stretch marks in this zone are removed as well. Your natural belly button is preserved, repositioned through a new opening for a natural look.
Key Surgical Details:
- Anesthesia: General
- Duration: Varies depending on skin removal and additional procedures (e.g., liposuction or breast augmentation)
- Recovery: 2–3 weeks for desk work, 4–6 weeks for strenuous activities
- Compression garment: Worn continuously for 2 weeks
- Drains: Typically in place for 10–14 days
- Scar: Hip-to-hip, low enough to be hidden under most bikinis
If most of your excess skin is below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck, which involves a shorter incision and less downtime.
Transparency in Expectations
Dr. koo prioritizes realistic, honest guidance. Many patients request liposuction or non-surgical options but may not achieve the desired outcome without skin removal. She will not recommend a surgery unless it is truly aligned with your goals.
Too often, patients come to Dr. Koo disappointed after spending time and money on non-definitive treatments that didn’t deliver results. Dr. Koo believes in being your advocate, not just your surgeon, and will always recommend the most effective, long-term solution for your body.
Recovery After Abdominoplasty
You may have temporary drainage tubes placed post-operatively. While most patients don’t report significant abdominal pain, you may feel back discomfort from walking hunched over during the first 10–14 days. This is normal and improves as swelling subsides and your muscles relax.
Tummy Tuck Results
With or without liposuction, abdominoplasty offers a dramatically flatter, smoother abdomen. If contouring of the hips or thighs is added, the entire trunk can appear more youthful and proportionate. Scarring is inevitable but planned meticulously to sit low and discreet.
Long-term results are best maintained with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Risks of Abdominoplasty
Complications are rare but can include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Delayed healing or widened scars
Patients with prior abdominal surgeries may notice changes in their old scars. A scar revision may be performed later if needed.
For patients with extreme skin laxity (e.g., after bariatric surgery), an extended abdominoplasty or staged procedure may be required, sometimes involving vertical incisions or addressing both front and back contours.
Optimize Your Healing. Elevate Your Results.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I operate on skin every day. That surgical perspective is exactly why I formulated my medical-grade skincare line — to optimize skin health before and after surgery at the cellular level.
Abdominoplasty involves significant skin removal and a hip-to-hip incision. Patients who optimize their skin health before and after surgery experience faster recovery, more favorable scar maturation, and better long-term contour retention.
Pre-Surgical Skin Prep
THD-Ascorbate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) at therapeutic concentration strengthens collagen architecture and optimizes tissue resilience before your procedure.
Scar Optimization
The required cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase — the enzyme that builds stable collagen triple-helix structures — directly supports how your hip-to-hip incision remodels and matures over time.
Long-Term Skin Health
Medical-grade active ingredients at therapeutic doses — not marketing doses — to maintain your investment in yourself for years to come.
SURGEON-FORMULATED • MEDICAL-GRADE • SCIENCE-FIRST
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