Body · Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Mayo Clinic–Trained
A firm, sculpted abdomen
Tummy tuck surgery by Dr. Humberto Palladino. The core you worked for, restored with precision that lasts.
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What is abdominoplasty?
Reclaim a firm, confident silhouette
Pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuation can leave behind loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles that diet and exercise cannot address. A tummy tuck works below the surface, at the muscle wall itself.
Tummy tuck surgery, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is designed for men and women who have excess abdominal fat and skin and/or weakened abdominal muscles. Often the last bit of abdominal fat will not come off, and no lotion or expensive product does anything for sagging skin.
The operation runs in sequence: the abdominal muscles are tightened first to give the area a firmer structure, then excess fat is removed, then the skin is re-draped over that new foundation. Afterward, the effects of pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations will be virtually undetectable in the abdominal area.
What patients ask for
- A firm, slender abdomen
- Improved abdominal contours
- Increased confidence in clothing, and without it
All surgery carries risks and every patient is different. Candidacy, realistic expectations, and your personalised surgical plan are established during your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Palladino.
The tummy tuck procedure
Precision, step by step
Each tummy tuck is tailored to the individual patient. The muscle repair and the skin re-draping are done with a sculptor's eye and a surgeon's discipline.
Anaesthesia
Either intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia is administered for your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Palladino will discuss the most appropriate option with you in advance.
The incision
A horizontal incision is placed between the pubic hairline and the navel, positioned so it can be concealed beneath most swimwear and undergarments.
Muscle repair
The skin is lifted to expose the underlying abdominal wall. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired, creating a firmer internal structure and a flatter, more toned appearance.
Upper abdomen correction (if needed)
When correction of the upper abdomen is indicated, a second small incision is made around the navel, allowing the skin to be released and repositioned for optimal contour.
Skin re-draping & closure
The skin is drawn smoothly over the newly contoured foundation. Excess skin is removed, and the incisions are approximated with absorbable sutures, which minimizes visible scarring and supports a clean, long-lasting result.
Your care with Dr. Palladino
Preparing for your surgery
Preparation is part of the operation. Dr. Palladino takes the time to understand your goals and to walk you through every detail of the surgical day.
Those who experience the best results with the tummy tuck are near their ideal weight and have excess skin and stubborn fat in the abdomen. Ideal patients are also in good health and do not smoke.
To prepare for the surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours prior to the procedure. When you arrive at the surgery center, you will be escorted to the pre-operative suite where Dr. Palladino will make marks on your abdomen to guide him during the surgery.
A family member or friend should accompany you to the surgery center and remain available for updates on your progress. The tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay; after the procedure and a short recovery period at the surgical center, you may be able to go home the same day. You can also opt for overnight observation, which is recommended in some cases.
Free Evaluation
Tummy tuck options
Full or mini, tailored to you
Not every patient needs the same operation. Dr. Palladino evaluates your anatomy and your goals, then recommends the approach that fits.
Full Tummy Tuck
For full upper and lower correction
- Addresses both upper and lower abdomen
- Tightens and repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Removes the greatest amount of excess skin and fat
- Repositions the navel for a natural appearance
- Horizontal scar discreetly placed along the natural hip-to-hip line
- Ideal for patients with significant laxity following pregnancy or major weight loss
Mini Tummy Tuck
For targeted lower-abdomen refinement
- Focuses exclusively on the lower abdomen, below the navel
- Does not tighten or repair the abdominal muscles
- Shorter incision: the scar sits in the same place but is considerably smaller
- Quicker recovery compared to a full tummy tuck
- Best suited for patients with mild to moderate lower-abdominal laxity
Common questions
Tummy tuck, answered
Those who experience the best results with the tummy tuck are near their ideal weight and have excess skin and stubborn fat in the abdomen. Ideal patients are also in good health and do not smoke. Dr. Palladino will evaluate your anatomy, health history, and goals during a personal consultation to determine whether this procedure is right for you and which technique will best address your concerns.
The tummy tuck procedure will get rid of stretch marks if they fall on the area of skin that is to be removed during surgery. If stretch marks are a main concern, Dr. Palladino offers a variety of skin treatments that will help to minimize their appearance.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and routine activities (except for exercise) after two weeks. Patients can resume exercise and more strenuous activities six to eight weeks after surgery. Swelling may be present for several weeks following the procedure.
As with any surgery that involves skin excision, there will be a resulting scar. The tummy tuck scar is a horizontal line across the hips that can be hidden beneath most styles of swimwear. With Dr. Palladino's advanced suturing technique, the scar will heal quickly and fade significantly over time.
A mini tummy tuck is for patients who only need improvement in the lower abdomen. Unlike a regular tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck does not tighten or repair the abdominal muscles. The scar is located in the same place, but it is much shorter than a regular tummy tuck scar. Dr. Palladino will advise which option is most appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Results from the tummy tuck procedure are permanent unless the patient gains a significant amount of weight or becomes pregnant. The tummy tuck will tighten your abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and provide you with a firm, youthful abdominal contour.
The cost of abdominoplasty varies from case to case. The average tummy tuck procedure costs between $5,000 and $9,000. Your personalised estimate will be provided following your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Palladino, where technique and the extent of correction required are fully assessed.
Related procedures
More body procedures by Dr. Palladino
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Get your confidence back.
Begin with a Free Evaluation. Dr. Palladino will listen first, then build a surgical plan around your body and your goals.
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