A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen and tightens weakened muscles. This creates a flatter, firmer midsection. At The Collins Center, Dr. Beth Collins uses her 25+ years of surgical experience and body contouring training to help patients get realistic results, restoring their body shape. This is particularly useful after pregnancy or significant weight loss, but can be applied to anybody who is looking to improve their shape for any reason. If you’re a new mom wanting to reclaim your body, struggling with abdominal concerns that won’t go away with diet and exercise, or have lost a lot of weight, a tummy tuck can provide a solution for a smooth, sculpted look.
Before / After Gallery:
Tummy tuck patients often see beautiful, natural results that boost their body confidence and improve their lives. Removing excess skin, repairing abdominal muscles, and restoring your body’s natural shape can create impressive improvements, as demonstrated by Dr. Collins, a double board-certified plastic surgeon. Each patient’s experience is different, and Dr. Collins customizes each procedure to your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired look.
Treatable Areas:
- Lower abdomen (below the belly button)
- Upper abdomen (above the belly button)
- Separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Excess skin following pregnancy or weight loss
- Stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Waistline and flanks when combined with liposuction
How Tummy Tuck Works:
During your tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Collins makes a carefully placed horizontal incision just above the pubic area, designed to be easily concealed beneath your underwear or bikini line. Think of the procedure like tailoring a garment to fit perfectly—the excess fabric (loose skin) is removed, and the underlying structure (your abdominal muscles) is repaired and reinforced to create a smooth, strong foundation. If your abdominal muscles have separated due to pregnancy or significant weight changes, Dr. Collins sutures them back together along the midline, which strengthens your core, narrows your waistline, and eliminates the protruding “pooch” that diet and exercise alone cannot fix.
The remaining skin is then gently pulled downward, excess tissue is trimmed away, and your belly button is repositioned through a new opening to maintain a natural, proportionate appearance. The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety. Many patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks to achieve optimal body contouring and create smooth, harmonious results.
Whether you need surgical precision, metabolic wellness, or non-surgical refinement, we look at the big picture. Let’s design a unified treatment plan that addresses your health and beauty under one roof.
Results You’ll Love:
- A flatter, firmer abdominal profile with natural-looking contours
- Tightened core muscles for improved posture and reduced back pain
- Removal or significant reduction of stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- A slimmer, more defined waistline that enhances your overall silhouette
- Relief from stress urinary incontinence caused by weakened abdominal muscles
- Enhanced confidence wearing fitted clothing and swimwear
- Improved quality of life and body satisfaction
- Long-lasting, permanent results when maintained with a healthy lifestyle
Are You a Candidate for Tummy Tuck?
- You have excess, loose skin on your abdomen from pregnancy or weight loss
- You experience separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that create a bulging belly
- You’re at or near your ideal body weight and have maintained stability for several months
- You have stretch marks on your lower abdomen that bother you
- You suffer from back pain or poor posture due to weakened core muscles
- You’ve completed your family or don’t plan future pregnancies
- You’re in good overall health and a non-smoker
- You have realistic expectations and desire natural-looking results
Why Choose The Collins Center:
- Fellowship-trained body contouring specialist – Dr. Collins received specialized training in body contouring and is among the few surgeons in New England using advanced techniques.
- Double board-certified plastic surgeon – Dr. Collins is board certified in general and plastic surgery, trained at Emory University – a leading plastic surgery program.
- 25+ years of surgical expertise – Dr. Collins has 25+ years of surgical experience, bringing solid skills and precise technique to each procedure.
- Physician-led care with medical oversight – Dr. Collins oversees every part of your treatment, guaranteeing the highest safety standards and results based on medical science.
- Empathetic, patient-centered approach – Dr. Collins’ personal experience with surgical recovery and body transformation enables authentic empathy for the physical and emotional aspects of your journey.
FAQs about Tummy Tuck
How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?
Most patients return to work within 7 to 10 days and can resume light activities within 2 weeks. Full recovery takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks, with strenuous exercise and heavy lifting restricted during this time. You’ll see 80% of your final results by 6 weeks, with continued improvement over the following months as residual swelling subsides.
Will I have visible scarring?
You will have a horizontal scar low on your abdomen, strategically placed to be hidden beneath your underwear or bikini line. While the scar is permanent, it’s designed to be discreet and will fade significantly over 12 to 24 months with proper scar care.
How long does the tummy tuck procedure take?
The surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether additional procedures like liposuction are performed at the same time.
What should I expect during recovery?
You’ll need to wear a compression garment for 6 to 8 weeks to minimize swelling and support your new contours. You’ll have some soreness and tightness initially, but pain is well-managed with medication. Walking gently is encouraged from day one to promote circulation and healing.
Can a tummy tuck help with back pain?
Yes, many patients experience significant relief from back pain after tummy tuck surgery because the procedure repairs and tightens weakened abdominal muscles, which strengthens your core and provides better spinal support. This improved core strength also enhances posture.
Are tummy tuck results permanent?
Yes, your results are considered permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can compromise your results, so it’s best to complete this procedure once you’ve reached your weight goals and finished having children.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Absolutely, tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring, or as part of a mommy makeover that includes breast surgery to comprehensively address post-pregnancy body changes. Dr. Collins will discuss the safest and most effective combination approach during your consultation.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Collins today and discover how a tummy tuck can help you achieve the confident, sculpted silhouette you’ve been dreaming of.
