Ownership disclosure: This educational information is provided by the team at Hospital Cyntar and The Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
Educational guide
Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and, when needed, repairs separated abdominal muscles to restore a flatter abdominal contour.
A tummy tuck addresses concerns that diet and exercise cannot resolve: redundant lower abdominal skin and rectus diastasis (separation of abdominal muscles). The procedure is commonly considered after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Outcomes are long-lasting when weight is maintained. Substantial future weight changes or pregnancy can affect results.
Examination of skin laxity, muscle integrity, and umbilical position. Discussion of full vs. mini abdominoplasty and whether liposuction is included.
Performed under general anesthesia in a hospital operating suite. Typical duration 3–5 hours. Inpatient stay commonly 1–2 nights.
Surgical drains are often placed and remain for 1–2 weeks. Drain care instructions are reviewed before discharge.
Worn continuously for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the abdominal wall.
Recovery varies by individual. The ranges below describe what many patients experience; your surgical team will provide personalized guidance.
Week 1
Limited activity
Walking with slight forward lean. No lifting. Drain care and pain management.
Week 2
Drain removal
Drains typically removed at follow-up. Most patients can stand fully upright by end of week 2.
Week 3–4
Desk work
Many patients return to non-strenuous work. Continued garment use.
Week 6
Light cardio
Walking and light cardiovascular exercise typically resume.
Week 8–12
Core / heavy activity
Core strengthening and lifting gradually resume.
Month 6–12
Final results
Swelling resolves and scars mature. Final contour becomes apparent.
All surgery carries risk. A qualified surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile during consultation. General risk categories include:
Surgery is not the only option. Reasonable alternatives may include:
Liposuction alone
Suitable when there is excess fat but minimal skin laxity. Does not address muscle separation.
Non-surgical body contouring
Energy-based devices may improve mild skin laxity but cannot remove redundant skin.
Targeted weight loss and exercise
For patients without excess skin, lifestyle measures may be sufficient.
No treatment
Always a reasonable option when surgery is elective.
All-inclusive Mexico pricing is commonly 40–70% lower than US pricing. Itemized quotes should include surgeon fee, anesthesia, hospital, garment, follow-up, and a written complication policy.
Patients researching payment options can review the financing education page for general guidance on monthly payment planning.
A mini abdominoplasty addresses skin and fat below the navel only, with a shorter scar and no muscle repair above the navel. A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen and typically includes muscle repair. Candidacy depends on the extent of skin laxity and muscle separation.
Stretch marks below the navel that are within the removed skin area are eliminated. Stretch marks above the navel may move position but are not removed. A surgeon can review your individual pattern during consultation.
Muscle repair is part of most full abdominoplasty procedures when there is rectus diastasis, commonly seen after pregnancy. It is not always required and is determined during examination.
A full abdominoplasty scar typically runs hip-to-hip, low on the abdomen, designed to be covered by underwear or swimwear. A second small scar around the navel is common. Scar length is proportional to the amount of skin removed.
Walking is encouraged from day one. Light cardiovascular exercise typically resumes around 6 weeks. Core exercises and heavy lifting are restricted longer — usually 8–12 weeks — to protect muscle repair.
Medical reviewer: Dr. Juan Cuellar, MD — Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Last reviewed: 2026-06-09
Request general educational information from the patient coordination team at Hospital Cyntar & The Ariel Center. No obligation. In-person consultation with a qualified surgeon is required before any procedure.
Request informationSurgical Review & Clinical Oversight
The educational content on this website is reviewed for medical accuracy, patient safety, readability, and consistency with accepted plastic surgery principles and current surgical standards.
Primary Reviewer
Board-Certified Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Juan Cuellar is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery, facial rejuvenation, reconstructive surgery, and post-weight-loss body contouring. He completed advanced training in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), with additional training in cosmetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical procedures. Dr. Cuellar serves as part of The Ariel Center and Obesity Control Center surgical team.
View full reviewer profile →All educational content is periodically reviewed to improve accuracy, clarity, patient understanding, and consistency with current medical knowledge.
Provided for educational purposes only. Does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or guarantees of outcome. Individual candidacy requires evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon.
References & Clinical Guidelines
Content reviewed using guidance and educational resources from:
Last reviewed: June 2026