- Overview
About Tummy Tuck
If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may help you achieve your goals. The procedure removes excess skin and fat and restores weakened or separated muscles, creating a firmer profile.
It’s especially effective after pregnancy or significant weight loss, when skin and muscle no longer respond to diet and exercise alone.
Procedure Time
2-4 hours
Anesthesia
General
Initial Recovery
2-3 week
Results
Long-lasting
Every plan is individualized — the details above are typical ranges and are confirmed during your consultation.
- Why Patients Choose It
Benefits at a glance
- Flatter, firmer abdomen
- Tightened abdominal muscles
- Removal of excess skin
- Enhanced body confidence
- Is It Right for You?
Are you a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck if some of the following apply. The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Guarda.
- You have loose or excess abdominal skin
- Your abdominal muscles have separated (often after pregnancy)
- Diet and exercise haven't restored your midsection
- You are at a stable weight
- You are finished having children
- You are healthy and don't smoke
- What to expect
Your journey, step by step
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Guarda to share your goals, review your health history, and design a plan tailored to you.
Preparation
Receive clear pre-operative instructions — and any needed lab work — so you feel fully prepared for the day of surgery.
Procedure
Your procedure is performed with meticulous care in an accredited surgical setting, prioritizing safety and natural results.
Recovery & Results
Follow a guided recovery with scheduled follow-ups as your final results gradually take shape.
- Recovery
Recovery timeline
A general guide to what recovery looks like. Dr. Guarda provides a personalized timeline based on your body and your plan.
- Preparation
How to prepare
Complete a thorough consultation and any required lab work or medical clearance
Stop smoking well before and after surgery to support healing
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed by Dr. Guarda
Arrange a ride home and help at home for the first few days
Fill prescriptions and set up a comfortable recovery space in advance
- Safety
Risks & Safety
As with any surgery, tummy tuck carries some risks — which may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility significantly lowers these risks. Dr. Guarda reviews your complete medical history and discusses every risk — and how it is minimized — during your consultation, so you can make a fully informed decision.
- Results
Results & longevity
Results from tummy tuck are designed to look natural and last. While aging, pregnancy, and major weight changes can affect your outcome over time, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results for many years.
- Questions & Answers
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Answers to questions patients ask most. Have another? We’re glad to help.
What's the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat but not loose skin or separated muscle. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs the abdominal wall; the two are often combined for the best contour.
Should I wait until after having children?
It's generally best to wait, since future pregnancy can reverse muscle repair. Dr. Guarda will advise based on your plans.
How long until I can exercise?
Light walking begins right away, with a gradual return to full exercise over about six weeks as your muscle repair heals.
Will I have a scar?
Yes — a horizontal lower-abdominal scar placed low so it's hidden by underwear or swimwear. It fades considerably with time and proper care.
- Local Care
Tummy Tuck in Suffolk & Hampton Roads
Dr. Helena Guarda proudly serves patients across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the greater Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our practice is located at 5131 River Club Drive, Suite 110, Suffolk, VA 23435 — convenient to coastal Virginia communities seeking tummy tuck with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Explore More
Related Body Contouring
Considering Tummy Tuck?
Your individual consultation with Dr. Guarda awaits. Call or send a message with any questions you may have.