The skin on the lower abdomen becomes stretched beyond the capacity of the collagen and elastin fibers to recoil and stretch marks and extra skin persist despite rigorous diet and exercise.

Provided one is not planning to have more children, is healthy, and does not have any contraindications, she is ready for an abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. Women are usually very satisfied with the results of a tummy tuck surgery.

Traditionally, I prefer all patients to walk the night of surgery and every day after that. I tell all patients to allow 4-6 weeks for full recovery until they can be back at the gym.

A full tummy tuck is for patients with a significant amount of excess skin or both lower and upper abdominal fullness and requires a larger incision. Often, patients with significant abdominal laxity that require greater abdominal placation require a longer recovery time.

Dr. Dickinson will evaluate if your abdominal muscles require more tightening and recommend which abdominoplasty procedure is best for you.