Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
At Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana, our experienced plastic surgeon performs tummy tuck surgery with skill and compassion. We are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.
A flatter stomach with tummy tuck surgery
If you’ve lost a lot of weight, had a baby, or are dealing with loose skin and weak belly muscles, you might be thinking about a tummy tuck. Also called abdominoplasty, this surgery removes extra skin and fat and tightens the muscles in your belly to give you a firmer, smoother stomach.
At Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana, our skilled plastic surgeon does tummy tuck surgery with care and focus on your safety. We want to help you feel good in your body again, whether that means boosting your confidence, improving your strength, or helping you recover after weight changes.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a kind of cosmetic surgery that helps improve how your stomach area looks. During the surgery, your doctor removes extra skin and fat and tightens muscles that have stretched or separated. The belly button might be moved to make it look natural.
This surgery might help if you have:
- Loose, sagging skin after weight loss or pregnancy
- Pockets of stubborn fat that don't improve with diet or exercise
- Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
Who is a good candidate?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are generally healthy adults who meet certain criteria to ensure safe surgery and optimal results. Ideal candidates:
- Are at a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations after the procedure can stretch the skin and affect the outcome.
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit: Smoking reduces blood flow and can significantly slow wound healing, increasing the risk of complications like infections and poor scarring. Stopping smoking at least several weeks before surgery improves safety and recovery.
- Do not plan future pregnancies: Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can alter the repaired muscles and skin, potentially reversing the benefits of the surgery.
- Have realistic expectations about the results: Understand that a tummy tuck can improve the shape and firmness of the abdomen but might not achieve perfection or prevent future weight changes.
Not ready for surgery?
Consider CoolSculpting Elite, a nonsurgical treatment that targets and freezes fat cells to eliminate them for good. Our experienced team has performed over 1,000 CoolSculpting procedures and can help you decide if it’s right for you.
Types of tummy tucks
Not every tummy tuck is the same. Your surgeon will recommend the type that fits your needs:
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck might help people who have a small amount of loose skin below the belly button. This procedure involves a shorter incision and quicker recovery.
Full tummy tuck
A full tummy tuck removes a larger amount of skin and fat than a mini tummy tuck. Surgeons can also use it to repair separated muscles. This is the most common form of abdominoplasty.
Extended tummy tuck
People who have lost a lot of weight might need to have extra skin removed. An extended tummy tuck is when a surgeon removes the extra skin in the abdominal area between your ribs and hips and around your lower back.
Is tummy tuck surgery safe?
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck comes with risks. Your surgeon will review your health history, explain all risks, and work with you to minimize complications. The most common concerns include:
- Blood clots — Blood clots are common risk with all abdominal surgeries.
- Infections — Surgical sites can sometimes become infected, requiring prompt treatment to ensure proper healing.
- Scarring — A tummy tuck scar typically runs along the lower abdomen, though surgeons place it where it can be hidden by clothing.
- Wound healing problems — Wounds might heal slower in people who smoke, have certain health conditions, or develop an infection after surgery.
How does a tummy tuck surgery work?
Your tummy tuck surgery takes between two and five hours, depending on which type you have. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, your surgeon will:
- Make an incision along the lower belly.
- Remove excess skin and fat.
- Tighten or repair weakened abdominal muscles.
- Reposition the belly button if necessary.
- Close the incision and cover it with a dressing or bandage.
- Place drains (small tubes) under your skin to prevent excess blood or fluid from collecting.
Recovery after a tummy tuck
Recovery is a gradual process, and each person heals at a different pace. Your surgeon will provide a detailed post-surgical discharge plan with instructions on caring for your incision and drains, managing discomfort, and safely resuming activities.
First few days
You’ll need to rest and limit movement, although gentle walking will help support circulation.
First 2 weeks
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. Your surgeon might give you a compression garment to reduce swelling and protect the incision site.
4 to 6 weeks
At this point, you might be able to return to light activity and work, depending on your recovery.
3 months and beyond
The swelling will continue to go down. Your scar might have started to fade, and it’ll continue to do so over time.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Reid Health for your tummy tuck?
At Reid Health, we know choosing cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal decision. Our team is committed to providing more than just surgical expertise — we deliver comprehensive support before, during, and after your tummy tuck. Benefits of choosing Reid Health include:
- A compassionate care team that values your safety, comfort, and goals
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in abdominal surgery
- Personalized treatment plans that address your unique body and lifestyle
- Advanced surgical facilities designed for optimal outcomes
financial services
Care Credit
Care Credit offers an affordable way to pay for cosmetic surgeries and other health costs. If you qualify, the program gives you a credit card with flexible financing options, so you can receive the procedures or services you need and pay for them over time. Easy, flexible, and accepted at Reid Health.