Body contouring

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Procedure to improve the abdomen when the main problem is excess skin and/or separation of the abdominal wall. The extent, scar and combination with other techniques are defined in assessment.

What is it?

The abdominoplasty is a surgery to improve the contour of the abdomen when there are excess skin and/or loss of abdominal wall support, typically after pregnancy or major weight changes.

It is not a “universal fix” nor is it treated the same for everyone. The assessment will define whether your case requires a mini, full or extended variant, and whether it is appropriate to combine it with other techniques for harmony.

Abdominoplasty: what changes and what doesn't change

What changes

Abdomen with a flatter and firmer appearance (according to anatomy).
Better management of excess skin in the lower abdomen.
Better abdominal support if diastasis is present and corrected.
More harmonious contour in tight-fitting clothes.
Scar planned to be as discreet as possible.

What remains unchanged

It is not a “weight loss” procedure.
It does not eliminate visceral fat (the fat behind the muscle).
It does not erase all stretch marks (depending on where they are).
It does not replace habits or exercise.
Future pregnancies or large changes in weight may change the result.

It is not a “fixed package”. In valuation we define what it does and does not provide.

What does it usually include?

It is defined in valuation according to skin, abdominal wall and the exchange rate you are looking for.

Skin and contour evaluation: where skin is excess and how elastic it is.
Abdominal wall revision: presence and degree of diastasis (if applicable).
Scar planning: location and length according to the actual excess.
Navel (as appropriate): if it requires position adjustments in a complete abdominoplasty.
Combination with lipo (if appropriate): to improve waist and transitions, if safe.
Recovery plan: girdle, mobility, wound and scar care.
Controls: follow-up to monitor evolution and symmetry.

The scope and tools are decided only after medical assessment.

Who is it for?

Anatomy rules here: skin, abdominal wall and the magnitude of the change sought, not the desire for “a minimal scar”.

It could be for you if...

You have excess skin that does not improve with diet or exercise.
You notice “bulging” due to muscle separation (postpartum or weight changes).
You are at a stable weight and are looking for a firmer, cleaner contour.
You accept that there will be scarring and postoperative care.
You can organize support at home and follow directions.

Alternatives should be evaluated if...

Your main problem is internal/visceral volume (hard abdomen), not skin.
You only want to reduce fat with elastic skin (lipo could be enough, depending on the case).
You are planning an upcoming pregnancy or major weight changes.
There is extensive laxity that may require a technique other than “mini”.
You can't comply with girdle, relative rest and controls.

Abdominoplasty assessment: how we define your plan

Assessment is the key step. Here we do not improvise or promise results without prior analysis. It is reviewed during the consultation:

Objective and priorities

What you would like to correct and what result is realistic for your anatomy.

Abdominal analysis

Skin, subcutaneous fat and how the contour is distributed.

Abdominal wall

Presence of diastasis/muscle tone and how much it influences the abdomen.

Scope

Mini, complete or extended, and if it is convenient to combine with lipo.

Logistics

Surgical site, follow-up and control plan.

“A clear plan, with aligned expectations, defined next steps and space to resolve doubts.”

The procedure, explained in simple terms

The goal is to order the abdomen with a proportional plan. The “how” changes from case to case, but the logic is consistent: skin, support y closing well planned.

Planning: is marked to ensure that it can be corrected safely and proportionately.
Low incision: access to remove excess skin in a controlled manner.
Support (if applicable): correction of diastasis to improve the profile.
Navel (as appropriate): may require position adjustment on a complete one.
Layered closure: uniform tension and symmetry are sought.
Controls: follow-up is part of the result, not an extra.

Preparation (before surgery)

Practical checklist to arrive at the operating room with everything under control.

Recovery and follow-up

Typical chronogram: the evolution is progressive.

First days: swelling and tightness; brief and frequent mobility as indicated.
First week: wound control and compression adjustments according to evolution.
Following weeks: gradual decrease of inflammation; progressive reintegration to routine.
Subsequent months: scar maturation and contour definition.

The medical follow-up allows to adjust care and resolve doubts as the patient's evolution progresses.

Risks and considerations

Like all surgery, there are risks and variability of evolution. They are explained in assessment according to your profile and the proposed scope.

Bleeding or hematoma
Seroma
Infection
Unfavorable healing
Asymmetries or need for retouching

These points are explained individually during the appraisal.

Medical Philosophy

Medical tourism in Puerto Vallarta + coordination

If you are coming from another city or country, you can start with a virtual consultation and organize your process with the support of a patient coordinator.

What it does include:

- Flow orientation: steps, agenda and logistical recommendations.
- Support to reach assessment with clarity.

What it does not include:

Flights and direct hotel reservations (we give you the freedom to choose according to your budget).

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Mini or full?

It is not decided by scar preference, but by where the excess is and if there is diastasis. In the evaluation, the extent is defined to avoid “fixing below and leaving the problem above”.

2) Does abdominoplasty remove stretch marks?

It eliminates the stretch marks that are on the skin that is removed. Stretch marks that are outside that area cannot be “erased” with this procedure; they are reviewed in an assessment.

3) Does it correct diastasis?

It can be corrected if present and if the surgical plan includes it. In evaluation it is determined if the abdominal wall is part of the problem or if the main issue is skin.

4) Can it be combined with liposuction?

Sometimes it is convenient to harmonize waist and transitions, but it is not automatic. It is defined in assessment according to safety and objectives.

5) Where is the scar?

It is planned low to be discreet, but the length depends on the actual excess skin. The scar design criteria are shown in the assessment.

6) What happens if I become pregnant or change weight afterwards?

Pregnancy and major weight changes can stretch the skin and abdominal wall, and modify the result. In assessment the plan is aligned with your actual horizon.

Interested?

Security