Loose abdominal skin, weakened muscles, and stubborn pockets of fat can remain even after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or a healthy lifestyle. An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is designed to restore a flatter, firmer, and more contoured abdomen by removing excess skin, tightening separated abdominal muscles, and improving your overall body silhouette. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Totonchi specializes in personalized tummy tuck procedures that create natural-looking, long-lasting results while preserving your body’s proportions. Whether you’re considering a mini tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Totonchi will develop a customized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals, helping you regain confidence in your appearance.
Real Dr. Totonchi Patient, Before & After Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) *
Patients suffering from excess and loose skin on the lower abdomen of both men and women is very stubborn and resistant to diet and exercise. No amount of discipline or healthy lifestyle can tighten this excess skin for many patients. A slimmer abdominal contour can only be achieved through an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck procedure.
A good candidate for abdominoplasty is one who has loose abdominal skin as a result of pregnancy, drastic weight reduction or normal signs of aging. It is important to note that an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. You should lose the weight you plan on losing and wait until you are done having children before considering a tummy tuck procedure.
During your initial consultation, Dr Totonchi will provide all the information as well as set expectations for patients. He will determine if you are a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck or a full abdominoplasty. Both procedures will improve your contour but you may not be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. The main difference between these two procedures are the length of the incision, the area of the abdomen that you will notice muscle tightening improvement, the belly button, and the recovery time.
A full abdominoplasty has an incision from hip to hip with muscle tightening from just below the rib cage to the pubis, with a scar around the navel. The recovery time is longer with a full abdominoplasty due to more extensive work and surgery. Most people feel ready to return to work in 2-4 weeks and return to full activity in 4-6 weeks. The abdominoplasty procedure starts with an incision that is made on the lower abdomen, above the pubic area, and the excess skin and fat is removed. The underlying abdominal muscles are then tightened by suturing them together to achieve a leaner appearance. The navel is then repositioned prior to pulling down the skin to remove any more excess tissue. Drains are then placed under the skin to help collect any body fluid accumulation after the procedure. You will be given a drain record and will be shown how to empty those drains and keep a log.
The mini abdominoplasty has a shorter surgical incision, with less improvement in muscle tightening and tightening since only the skin below the umbilicus is tightened. There is no scar around the navel since it has not been repositioned. The recovery period is shorter for the mini tummy tuck and people feel ready to return to work in 1-2 weeks with full activity in 3-4 weeks.
You will be required to order a compression garment that Dr Totonchi will choose from Marena Comfort Wear. You will order this to have with you the day of surgery and you will go home wearing your garment. This garment is generally worn for 4-6 weeks.
The results of an abdominoplasty are noticeable immediately after the procedure and people can appreciate their slimmer and leaner appearance. You can and will have some swelling to the abdomen for 4-6 weeks while healing.
Standard postoperative exams are scheduled for all our patient a week after surgery. The wound dressings and drains will remain intact until your first post operative visit. You will keep your compression garment on until seen at that same visit. Dr Totonchi reminds his patients to take it slow and regulate their activities until they have healed completely.
A tummy tuck is more than a body contouring procedure—it’s an opportunity to restore confidence, improve abdominal definition, and achieve the silhouette you’ve worked hard to attain. Whether your concerns stem from pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process, Dr. Totonchi combines advanced surgical techniques with an artistic approach to deliver smooth, balanced, and natural-looking results that complement your body.
If you’re ready to achieve a flatter, more sculpted abdomen, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Totonchi. During your visit, he will carefully evaluate your concerns, explain your treatment options, and develop a personalized surgical plan designed to help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and confidently.
Take the first step toward a stronger, more confident you. Contact Totonchi Plastic Surgery today at (216) 778-2262 for our Cleveland and Westlake locations or (440) 461-7999 for our Lyndhurst location to schedule your personalized tummy tuck consultation.
Real Dr. Totonchi Patient, Before & After Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)*
By removing excess skin and then pulling your remaining skin taut, Dr. Totonchi can eliminate the stretch marks that have appeared between your navel and your bikini line. Any stretch marks above your belly button will not be affected, unfortunately. Dr. Totonchi can recommend other cosmetic treatments if stretch marks are your main concern.
Tummy tuck requires a long incision above the bikini line. This creates a scar that will fade significantly over time, but never completely. The good news is that Dr. Totonchi places his incision low enough that this scar can be concealed by most underwear and swimsuits.
Preparation includes:
Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery to aid healing. Smoking can impair circulation and slow the recovery process.
Medications: Stop certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding. Always check with your doctors before stopping or changing any prescribed medications.
Planning: Arrange time off work, organize help for childcare, and create a recovery space at home. This may include preparing meals in advance and ensuring easy access to essential items.
Diet & Hydration: Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated to support your immune system. Proper nutrition will also aid tissue repair and overall recovery.
While you will notice a flatter abdomen shortly after surgery, final results take time to develop. Swelling and bruising may obscure results for the first 6 to 8 weeks, with continued refinement over several months as the body heals. Wearing compression garments as directed can help manage swelling and improve healing outcomes. Patience is key, as the results will gradually become more noticeable over time.
