Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Why do
Women Choose
a Tummy Tuck
…..
The abdomen is one of the most common areas where excess skin and weakened muscles can linger — even with consistent diet and exercise. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes loose skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and creates a firmer, flatter midsection.
Common reasons patients choose a tummy tuck include:
- Loose or hanging abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Stubborn fat deposits in the midsection
- Stretch marks or skin laxity in the lower abdomen
- Difficulty achieving core definition despite exercise
- Wanting a smoother, more contoured silhouette
What to Expect (Procedure Overview)
At Selarom, every tummy tuck is carefully designed to meet your goals, proportions, and recovery timeline. Whether you’re addressing post-pregnancy changes or refining your shape after weight loss, we provide a personalized plan from start to finish.
Consultation & Planning
Your consultation includes a physical exam, review of your goals, and discussion of any muscle separation or skin laxity. Dr. Schmelzer will walk you through incision options, surgical technique, and whether to combine the tummy tuck with liposuction or other procedures.
Surgery Day
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited surgical suite. A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen (usually within the bikini line), excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is redraped for a smoother contour. The belly button may be repositioned for a natural look.
Recovery
Most patients return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions and a compression garment. Swelling and tightness are expected in the first 1–2 weeks. Light activity usually resumes in 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in 6–8 weeks depending on the extent of surgery.
Your Safety, Always
Your safety is always our first priority. We ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery, that your goals are realistic, and that recovery expectations are clear and achievable.
Techniques & Customization Options
We tailor every tummy tuck to fit your anatomy and goals, offering a variety of techniques depending on the degree of correction needed and whether other procedures are involved.
Techniques We Offer:
- Full Tummy Tuck – Removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and repositions the belly button
- Mini Tummy Tuck – Targets skin and fat below the belly button only, with no muscle tightening
- Extended Tummy Tuck – Removes excess tissue around the flanks and lower back
- Tummy Tuck with Liposuction – Combines muscle repair and skin tightening with fat reduction for a more sculpted result
Personalized Choices Include:
- Extent of correction – Mini vs. full vs. extended based on your needs
- Muscle repair – Addressing abdominal separation (diastasis recti) for core strength and flatness
- Combination planning – Often paired with breast surgery, liposuction, or mommy makeover
- Scar placement – Incisions are placed low and strategically to be concealed by underwear or swimwear
Tailored Techniques
We approach each tummy tuck with both artistry and precision, ensuring that results are natural-looking, balanced, and long-lasting. Your surgical plan is based on your anatomy, goals, and how you want to feel in your body.
Dr. Schmelzer will guide you through every decision — helping you understand what’s possible, what’s realistic, and what will help you feel your best.
Your Experience
at Selarom
Choosing Selarom means choosing an elevated experience:
- Private, boutique setting with discreet care
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of expertise
- State-of-the-art surgical techniques and materials
- Concierge-level pre- and post-operative support
Our patients come to us for world-class results — and stay with us for the level of care they can’t find elsewhere.
FAQs
Please click on any of questions below to view their answer!
Will I lose weight from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure, but it can significantly improve body contour and comfort. Most patients lose inches, not pounds.
Can a tummy tuck fix separated abdominal muscles?
Yes — if you have diastasis recti (a common post-pregnancy condition), the abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened during the procedure.
What about stretch marks?
Stretch marks located on the skin that’s removed during surgery (usually the lower abdomen) will be eliminated. Stretch marks above the belly button will remain but may appear lower or less noticeable after surgery.
How long do results last?
With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, tummy tuck results are long-lasting. The skin and muscles will continue to age naturally, but the improvements are permanent.
Meet Dr. Schmelzer
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Welcome—
At Selarom Plastic Surgery, my focus is simple: to help you feel confident in your own skin. Whether you’re considering surgery or exploring non-surgical options, I believe in creating personalized treatment plans that align with your goals and your lifestyle.
With advanced training in craniofacial plastic surgery and years of experience in aesthetic procedures, I bring a careful balance of precision, innovation, and artistry to every case. I’m here to guide you through the process with honesty, care, and the kind of results that speak for themselves.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your goals—safely, beautifully, and with lasting confidence.
—Dr. Rodney Schmelzer
Book a Free Consultation
Dr. Schmelzer is dedicated to achieving the results his patients desire in the safest way possible. During a consultation, he will review all options, risks, and procedure steps in detail to ensure you feel completely comfortable with the process.
Dr. Schmelzer often performs other procedures in conjunction with breast implant exchange, such as liposuction or tummy tuck surgery, to provide an overall aesthetic improvement.
If you are interested in breast implant revision/exchange procedures, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmelzer by calling (801) 447-1073. If you prefer, we also have an online contact form available to fill out. We look forward to hearing from you!