Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Philadelphia & New Jersey
A sculpted, toned abdomen can have a powerful impact on both confidence and overall body balance. Yet many people struggle with loose skin, stretched muscles, or areas of stubborn fat that remain even after maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At Becker Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. David W. Allison, perform abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery to restore smoother contours, strengthen the abdominal wall, and help patients look and feel their best.
Serving patients from Philadelphia and throughout New Jersey, our practice combines advanced surgical skill with individualized artistry to produce natural, long-lasting results. Each tummy tuck procedure is customized to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and comfort — ensuring safety, proportion, and confidence from consultation to recovery.
The Transformative Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty offers both cosmetic and functional improvement. Beyond creating a flatter, smoother profile, this procedure can restore strength and support in the core muscles, reduce discomfort from lax tissue, and improve posture and balance.
Common benefits include:
- Removal of stretched or excess skin resistant to exercise
- Tightening of weakened abdominal muscles
- Improved waist definition and overall proportion
- Relief from skin irritation caused by overhanging folds
- Enhanced confidence in clothing and swimwear
- A more stable, supported core and upright posture
For many patients, these physical changes lead to emotional renewal. Feeling comfortable in one’s own body often restores self-assurance and motivates ongoing wellness and fitness habits — an integral part of maintaining results over time.
Understanding Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a surgical body-contouring procedure designed to firm and flatten the abdomen by addressing multiple layers of tissue — skin, fat, and muscle. While diet and exercise can reduce fat volume, they cannot correct stretched skin or separated muscles. A tummy tuck resolves these deeper structural issues by:
- Removing redundant skin and fat across the lower and upper abdomen.
- Tightening the abdominal wall to correct diastasis recti (muscle separation).
- Re-draping the skin for a smoother, youthful contour that complements the entire body.
Many individuals seek abdominoplasty after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or natural aging. At Becker Plastic Surgery, Dr. Allison carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy and lifestyle to recommend whether a full, mini, or extended abdominoplasty — or a combination with liposuction — will best meet their goals.
The Procedure: Step by Step
Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility for maximum safety and comfort. The surgery generally takes two to three hours depending on complexity.
Incision placement
A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen between the hip bones, concealed beneath most clothing and swimwear.
Muscle repair
The surgeon gently lifts the skin and fat layer to expose the abdominal wall. Separated or weakened muscles are tightened and sutured together, restoring a strong, supportive core.
Fat removal and contouring
When appropriate, liposuction refines the surrounding areas for smooth transitions.
Skin re-draping
Excess skin is removed, and remaining tissue is carefully smoothed downward to create a firm contour.
Navel repositioning
In most full abdominoplasties, the belly button is brought through a new, natural-appearing opening.
Closure
Incisions are closed in multiple layers to minimize tension and promote a fine-line scar.
Patients return home the same day with compression garments and detailed post-operative care instructions. Drains may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup and are usually removed within a week.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Each technique is planned with meticulous precision, balancing aesthetic goals with safe surgical execution.
With stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits, abdominoplasty results can last for many years. Skin elasticity naturally changes with age, but patients who maintain consistent nutrition, hydration, and exercise typically enjoy lasting definition and comfort. Future pregnancies or major weight fluctuations can alter the results, so many women choose to postpone surgery until family plans are complete.
Longevity of Results
What to Expect During Recovery
Healing after abdominoplasty takes time, but most patients find the process manageable and highly rewarding.
- First week: Expect swelling, tightness, and mild to moderate discomfort. Prescription medication and rest are important. Walking short distances helps maintain circulation.
- Weeks two to four: Swelling decreases, and most patients return to desk work or non-strenuous activity after about two weeks. Compression garments continue to support healing.
- Weeks six to eight: Exercise and lifting restrictions are gradually lifted. The abdomen feels firmer, flatter, and more natural in motion.
- Long-term: Final results become visible over several months as residual swelling fades and tissues settle.
Dr. Allison and the Becker Plastic Surgery team monitor each patient’s progress through scheduled follow-up visits, ensuring recovery remains on track and results develop as intended.
Risks and Considerations
As with all surgeries, abdominoplasty carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), numbness, or delayed wound healing. These risks are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility.
At Becker Plastic Surgery, patient safety is paramount. Our surgeons use refined techniques and advanced monitoring to minimize complications. Clear pre- and post-operative instructions help ensure optimal healing and the smoothest possible recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Have loose or sagging abdominal skin
- Experience separated or weakened muscles following pregnancy or weight changes
- Maintain a stable, healthy weight
- Are non-smokers or can abstain before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations and understand the recovery process
Dr. Allison conducts a thorough medical evaluation and discusses every aspect of the procedure so patients feel fully informed before deciding to proceed.
Why Choose Becker Plastic Surgery and Dr. David W. Allison?
Dr. David W. Allison is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his precise surgical technique and commitment to natural, proportionate enhancement. His extensive training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery allows him to blend artistry with technical mastery, achieving balanced results tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.
At Becker Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from the collective expertise of a renowned team of plastic and facial plastic surgeons serving Philadelphia and New Jersey. Our practice provides advanced care in a supportive, patient-centered environment where safety, transparency, and trust guide every step.
From consultation through recovery, our entire staff ensures that patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their surgical journey.
Pick one of our 6 convenient locationsfor Your Plastic Surgery Needs
If you’re ready to restore a flatter, stronger, and more defined midsection, schedule a consultation at Becker Plastic Surgery today.
Dr. David W. Allison and our expert surgical team proudly serve Philadelphia and New Jersey, offering advanced techniques, compassionate care, and results that look natural and feel empowering. Contact us to begin your personalized treatment journey and rediscover confidence in your body.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
Does insurance cover part of the rhinoplasty surgery cost?
Results are considered permanent, though natural aging and lifestyle changes can affect the outcome. Maintaining a stable weight and active lifestyle helps preserve long-term improvement.
Will there be visible scars?
Yes, but incisions are placed strategically below clothing lines. Scars flatten and fade with time, and our surgeons provide guidance on scar care and sun protection to optimize results.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to pair abdominoplasty with breast surgery or liposuction for a comprehensive body rejuvenation. This combination, sometimes called a “mommy makeover,” can deliver harmonious results with one recovery period.
Is a tummy tuck safe after pregnancy?
Yes, once childbearing is complete and the body has stabilized, abdominoplasty is a safe and effective option to address stretched muscles and skin laxity.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks located on skin that is removed — generally below the navel — will be eliminated. Remaining marks may appear smoother and less noticeable after tightening.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most patients resume light work within two weeks and return to exercise after six to eight weeks. Dr. Allison provides personalized guidelines based on your healing progress.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in a fully accredited surgical facility for maximum comfort and safety.
What can I do to prepare?
Preparation includes maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, arranging help at home during early recovery, and following all pre-surgical guidelines provided during your consultation.