About
Procedures
Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit
Traveling to Tijuana Our Approach FAQ
Journal
Contact

Breast & Body

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

Home/Procedures/Breast & Body/Tummy Tuck

AnesthesiaGeneral

Procedure time2–4 hours

Downtime2–3 weeks off work

ResultsRefines over 3–6 months

Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck

Eliminates excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens the underlying muscles for a firmer, flatter midsection.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, restores a firm, flat midsection by removing loose, excess skin and stubborn fat and — importantly — repairing the abdominal muscles that often separate after pregnancy or significant weight change. It addresses what diet and exercise cannot: skin laxity and a weakened abdominal wall.

Dr. Marciales tailors each abdominoplasty to your anatomy, from a focused mini tuck to a full or extended procedure, always placing the incision low so it hides beneath underwear or a swimsuit. The goal is a natural, athletic contour and a smooth, well-concealed scar.

Request a Consultation

Is It Right for You?

Am I a Candidate?

The ideal candidate is at a stable weight and bothered by loose abdominal skin, a stretched or bulging tummy, or separated muscles (diastasis recti) that won't respond to core work. Women who are finished having children often see the most lasting benefit.

Loose or excess abdominal skin
Separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy
A stable weight, at or near your goal
Good general health, and a non-smoker
Finished having children (recommended for lasting results)

Why Patients Choose It

The Benefits

Removes loose skin and excess fat
Repairs separated abdominal muscles
Flatter, firmer, more toned midsection
A more defined waistline
Low, easily hidden incision
Combines well with liposuction or a mommy makeover

What to Expect

The Procedure

Through a low horizontal incision between the hip bones, Dr. Marciales removes excess skin and fat and, where needed, sutures the separated abdominal muscles back together to rebuild a strong, flat core. The remaining skin is re-draped smoothly and the navel repositioned for a natural result.

Where stubborn fat remains, liposuction is often combined for the best contour. Surgery takes two to four hours under general anesthesia at the accredited facility within New City Medical Plaza.

Before Surgery

How to Prepare

Attend a consultation and complete pre-operative labs
Stop smoking and nicotine several weeks beforehand
Pause blood thinners and certain supplements as directed
Arrange help at home for the first week
Prepare loose clothing and your compression garment
Set up a recovery space where you can rest reclined

Healing, Week by Week

Your Recovery Timeline

First week

The most restrictive stage — you'll rest with your torso slightly bent to protect the repair, wear a compression garment, and manage drains if used. Short, frequent walks help circulation.

Weeks 2–3

Discomfort eases and you stand more upright. Many patients return to desk work around two to three weeks. Continue the garment and avoid lifting or straining.

Weeks 4–6

Energy returns and light exercise resumes with clearance. Swelling steadily subsides and the abdomen begins to look flatter.

Months 2–6

Core exercise is reintroduced gradually. Swelling fully resolves and the final, firm contour and softened scar emerge over several months.

The Outcome

Your Results

You'll see a flatter, firmer abdomen right away, though swelling masks the final result at first. Over three to six months the contour refines, the waistline sharpens, and the scar fades and settles low where it stays hidden.

Results are long-lasting when maintained with a stable weight; a future pregnancy or major weight gain can affect the outcome.

Investment

Cost & Personalized Quote

A tummy tuck is individually quoted because plans vary — from a mini to a full or extended abdominoplasty, with or without liposuction. After your consultation you'll receive a clear, written quote.

The extent of the procedure (mini, full, or extended)
Whether muscle repair and liposuction are included
Length of surgery and anesthesia
Accredited-facility and garment costs

Request Your Quote

Real Results

Before & After

Individual results vary. Photographs are of Dr. Marciales' own patients, shared with consent.

Good to Know

Tummy Tuck FAQ

What's the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat only. A tummy tuck also removes loose skin and repairs separated muscles — so it's the right choice when skin laxity or a weakened abdominal wall is the concern. The two are often combined.

Will I have a visible scar?

Yes, a tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar, but Dr. Marciales places it low so it hides beneath underwear or a swimsuit, and it fades significantly over the first year.

Can I get a tummy tuck if I plan to have more children?

You can, but it's usually best to wait until you're finished having children, since a future pregnancy can stretch the repaired muscles and skin again.

How long until I can exercise?

Light walking begins immediately, light activity around four weeks, and full core exercise is reintroduced gradually — typically after about six to eight weeks with your surgeon's clearance.

Will it fix muscle separation (diastasis recti)?

Yes — repairing separated abdominal muscles is a core part of a full tummy tuck, which is why it flattens a stubborn 'pooch' that exercise alone won't fix.

When will I see the final result?

You'll look flatter immediately, but swelling takes months to fully resolve; the final contour and a softened scar settle over three to six months.