Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in mini, standard, and hi-lateral technique variants to remove excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Commonly performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Often combined with liposuction for enhanced body contour. Dr. Rodgers and Dr. Nguyen both perform abdominoplasty at the Rose Medical Center surgical suite.

Abdominoplasty at Denver Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics is performed in multiple technique variants to match the degree of correction required to each patient's anatomy. A mini tummy tuck addresses excess skin and loose tissue limited to the area below the navel — the incision is shorter and positioned low near the pubic hairline, and the navel is not repositioned; this is appropriate for patients with minimal to moderate skin laxity below the umbilicus and relatively good skin tone above. A standard abdominoplasty includes both above- and below-navel correction: the skin is elevated from the pubic area to the lower ribs, the abdominal muscles are plicated (sutured together) to repair diastasis recti — the central muscular separation commonly caused by pregnancy that produces the characteristic abdominal pooch even in lean patients — excess skin is resected, and the navel is repositioned through a new opening in the tightened skin to maintain a natural position. The hi-lateral technique extends the lateral skin resection higher on the flanks to address excess tissue wrapping around to the sides, producing a more refined flank contour. Liposuction of the flanks and lower abdomen is frequently combined with abdominoplasty to enhance the overall waistline and body contour result. The procedures are most commonly requested by women following pregnancy or patients who have lost significant weight and are left with an apron of excess skin that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise. Recovery involves wearing an abdominal compression garment for several weeks, activity restrictions for six to eight weeks, and swelling that continues to resolve gradually over three to six months.