Body Procedures
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty to restore a flat, firm, beautifully contoured midsection.
Understanding the Procedure
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer midsection and a more defined waistline.
Dr. Chen offers both full and mini abdominoplasty depending on the extent of correction needed. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal wall, includes navel repositioning, and is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity or diastasis recti. A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision and focuses only on the lower abdomen below the belly button.
Most tummy tuck procedures are combined with liposuction of the flanks and waist to create a smooth, sculpted contour that looks natural from every angle.
Full & Mini Options
Customized to your anatomy
Is It Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
Excess loose skin on the abdomen that does not respond to diet or exercise
Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) after pregnancy or significant weight change
A persistent lower-belly pouch despite being at or near your goal weight
Desire for a flatter, firmer abdominal profile
Good overall health and realistic expectations for the outcome
Surgical Philosophy
Dr. Chen's Approach
Dr. Chen treats every abdominoplasty as a body contouring procedure, not just a skin removal surgery. He begins with a detailed assessment of your muscle integrity, skin elasticity, and fat distribution to determine whether a full or mini approach will deliver the most natural-looking result.
His progressive-tension closure technique distributes force along the entire incision line, which reduces tension on any single point and leads to thinner, less visible scars. By incorporating liposuction into most tummy tuck procedures, he achieves a smooth transition between the abdomen, waist, and flanks that looks sculpted but never operated on.
For patients with diastasis recti — the abdominal muscle separation common after pregnancy — Dr. Chen performs a meticulous internal muscle repair that restores core strength and eliminates the telltale abdominal bulge that no amount of exercise can fix.
Step by Step
The Procedure
Step 1
Pre-Operative Assessment
Comprehensive health evaluation, lab work, and 3D imaging. Dr. Chen maps your abdominal wall and designs a customized surgical plan.
Step 2
Anesthesia & Preparation
General anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in our AAAHC-accredited surgical suite.
Step 3
Incision & Muscle Repair
A low, hip-to-hip incision follows your natural bikini line. The separated rectus muscles are sutured together to restore a flat, firm abdominal wall.
Step 4
Skin Removal & Contouring
Excess skin is excised and the remaining tissue is redraped for a smooth, natural contour. Liposuction refines the flanks if needed.
Step 5
Closure & Drains
Layered closure with progressive-tension sutures minimizes tension on the scar. Small drains are placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup.
Step 6
Recovery Suite
Optional overnight stay in our private recovery suite with dedicated nursing staff and 24/7 access to Dr. Chen.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Every patient heals differently. This timeline reflects the typical experience for Dr. Chen's tummy tuck patients.
Day 1-3
Rest & Support
Significant swelling and tightness are normal. You will walk slightly bent at the waist. Pain is managed with prescribed medication. A compression garment is worn 24/7.
Day 4-7
Gentle Movement
Short walks around the house encouraged. Most patients begin to stand straighter. First post-operative visit with Dr. Chen to check incisions.
Week 2
Light Activity
Drains are typically removed. Many patients feel well enough for light desk work. Swelling begins to subside noticeably.
Week 3-4
Return to Routine
Most patients return to work and normal daily activities. Driving resumes once off pain medication. The compression garment can be worn during the day only.
Week 6-8
Exercise Resumes
Dr. Chen clears you for exercise, starting with walking and progressing to more strenuous activity. Core exercises are introduced gradually.
Month 3-6
Final Results Emerge
Swelling fully resolves and scar continues to mature and fade. Most patients see their final contour by month six.
Real Results
Before & After
Drag the slider to reveal tummy tuck transformations. These results reflect Dr. Chen's commitment to natural, sculpted outcomes.
Full abdominoplasty + lipo — 6 months
Mini tummy tuck — 4 months
Full abdominoplasty with diastasis repair — 5 months
Individual results may vary. Photos used with patient consent.
Investment
Tummy Tuck Pricing
Final pricing depends on whether a full or mini approach is recommended, whether liposuction is included, and facility and anesthesia fees. You will receive an all-inclusive quote during your consultation.
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Learn MoreCommon Questions
Tummy Tuck FAQ
A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdominal wall from the pubic area to just below the rib cage. It includes muscle repair, excess skin removal, and navel repositioning. A mini tummy tuck focuses only on the area below the belly button, requires a shorter incision, and is ideal for patients with a small amount of lower-belly laxity. During your consultation, Dr. Chen will examine your anatomy and recommend the approach that will give you the best result.
Most patients take two to three weeks off work and can return to light daily activities within 10 to 14 days. You will wear a compression garment for six weeks to minimize swelling and support the repair. Strenuous exercise is typically cleared at six to eight weeks. Dr. Chen provides his personal cell phone number so you can reach him any time during recovery.
The incision is placed low on the abdomen, following the natural bikini line so it can be concealed under swimwear and underwear. Dr. Chen uses layered closure techniques and prescribes medical-grade scar therapy to help the scar fade to a thin, pale line. Most patients find their scars are virtually unnoticeable within 12 to 18 months.
Absolutely. In fact, Dr. Chen combines liposuction with most abdominoplasty procedures to refine the waistline and flanks for a more sculpted overall result. The combination allows him to address both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits in a single surgery and a single recovery period.
Ideally, you should be at or near your goal weight before surgery. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure; it is a contouring procedure designed to address loose skin and weakened muscles that do not respond to diet and exercise. Dr. Chen will discuss realistic expectations and timing during your consultation.
While a future pregnancy will not harm your health, it can stretch the muscles and skin that were tightened during surgery, potentially compromising your results. Dr. Chen generally recommends waiting until you are done having children before pursuing abdominoplasty to ensure the longest-lasting outcome.
Ready to feel confident
in your body again?
Schedule a personalized tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Chen. He will assess your anatomy, discuss full versus mini options, and create a customized surgical plan tailored to your goals. Virtual consultations available for out-of-state patients.