Whether due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process, loose abdominal skin and stretched muscles can be difficult to improve with exercise alone. At Zeal Plastic Surgery Clinic, our tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and creates a beautifully contoured navel - helping to restore your core shape so you can feel more balanced and harmonious in your body.
While often chosen for its aesthetic benefits, a tummy tuck can also address functional concerns related to abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti). Beyond enhancing appearance, the procedure can improve core stability, posture, and overall physical comfort in everyday life.
Types of tummy tucks
Mini Tummy Tuck
This procedure is ideal for select patients with hanging skin limited to the lower abdomen, with or without laxity in the pubic region. It is a skin-only lift, meaning it does not involve tightening the abdominal muscles or repositioning the navel. The goal is to create a cleaner, more refined appearance in the lower abdomen, without altering the middle or upper abdominal areas - offering a subtle yet effective improvement.
This approach is commonly chosen to address excess skin confined to the lower tummy, to revise an older tummy tuck, to improve the contour of a C-section scar with overhanging skin, or to relieve hygienic issues caused by skin redundancy after weight loss.
Full Tummy Tuck
The traditional tummy tuck surgery addresses the entire abdominal wall, both above and below the belly button. It involves the removal of all excess lower abdominal skin-from the level of the umbilicus down to the C-section area-resulting in a smoother, firmer contour.
During the procedure, the abdominal muscles that have separated and caused a bulging appearance, often due to pregnancy or significant weight loss, are surgically sutured back together to restore a flat, toned abdomen.
A new navel is carefully recreated to look smaller, taller, and more youthful, enhancing the overall natural appearance of the abdomen.
Additionally, liposuction can be performed to remove excess fat from the love handles, back, and trunk areas, further refining the body’s silhouette.
We use aesthetic-grade suturing techniques to ensure the scar edges heal seamlessly and neatly, leaving a discreet and well-hidden scar at the c-section area.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a more comprehensive version of a traditional abdominoplasty. It targets excess skin and fat in the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and lower back-making it ideal for those with significant weight loss or widespread skin laxity.
This procedure involves a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, allowing for greater tissue removal and resulting in a smoother, more contoured lower torso.
360-Degree Tummy Tuck
Also known as a circumferential abdominoplasty, this procedure is an extension of the extended tummy tuck, but it continues all the way around the body-addressing the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and buttocks. It's especially suitable for individuals who have experienced massive weight loss, resulting in excess skin and tissue that encircles the midsection. By removing loose skin and tightening the entire lower torso, it creates a more balanced, contoured silhouette from every angle.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
The Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty is an advanced form of tummy tuck designed for patients with significant excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal directions, often after substantial weight loss. This technique involves two incisions-one horizontal (along the lower abdomen) and one vertical (from the lower chest to the pubic area)-forming a shape similar to a fleur-de-lis. This approach allows for more extensive skin removal and provides dramatic tightening, especially
What concerns are addressed:
Loose or sagging abdominal skin
Stretched or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
Post-pregnancy body changes
Stubborn fat around the midsection
Excess skin after massive weight loss
Stretch marks (especially below the navel)
You may be a good candidate if you:
Have excess skin and weakened or separated abdominal muscles, often due to weight fluctuations or post-pregnancy changes
Are at or near your ideal body weight
Have completed your family and do not plan near-future pregnancies
Are in good overall health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Do not suffer from severe abdominal bloating, chronic digestive issues, or conditions like severe IBS that could impact results
Have realistic expectations and maintain a positive outlook about the procedure and recovery
Why Choose Zeal Clinic for Abdominoplasty?
Led by expert surgeon Dr. Joe Baroud, Zeal Plastic Surgery Clinic delivers exceptional care and transformative results in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Tailored surgical planning to match your body type and goals
Tension-free closure techniques to minimize scarring
Optional liposuction integration for enhanced contouring
Access to scar treatments, skin boosters, and laser therapy to improve healing and final results
Procedure Overview
Anesthesia: General
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Hospital Stay: Usually 1 night stay
Downtime: 2 to 4 weeks
Final Results: Begin to show after swelling subsides in 6-8 weeks; full results in 3-6 months
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Recovery & Aftercare
Mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first 2 weeks
Wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks
Light walking is encouraged early; avoid lifting for 4-6 weeks
Drainage tubes may be placed and removed within several days
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and results
Scar care protocol with optional CO₂ laser or PRP for optimal fading
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Results & Longevity
A firmer, flatter abdomen and refined waistline
Restored muscle tone and posture improvement
Long-lasting results with stable weight and healthy lifestyle
Scars are carefully placed and fade over time with proper care
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A mini tuck only addresses loose skin below the belly button, while a full tummy tuck treats the entire abdominal wall and often includes muscle tightening.
Yes, but it is placed low along the bikini line, and our closure techniques minimize scarring. We also offer treatments to reduce scar appearance over time.
Certainly. Liposuction is often added to enhance contouring around the back, flanks, waist, or upper abdomen, creating a smoother and more balanced overall result.