Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in West Palm Beach, FL

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in West Palm Beach, FL is performed by Dr. Albert Carlotti at BellaNova Cosmetic Surgery's state-registered Level III surgical center at 1261 S Congress Ave in West Palm Beach.

A tummy tuck is frequently described as removing loose skin. That is half of it. The more consequential half is repairing the abdominal wall — specifically the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, called diastasis recti, that occurs after pregnancy and with significant weight change.

That separation is why a fit person with very little fat can still have an abdomen that pushes forward and will not flatten with exercise. Sit-ups do not close a diastasis; they can widen it. Liposuction removes fat but does nothing to the muscle wall or to skin excess. Abdominoplasty is the operation that addresses both.

Am I a candidate for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

You may be a candidate if you have:

• Excess abdominal skin that does not retract, after pregnancy or weight loss
• Separation of the abdominal muscles that persists despite exercise
• A lower abdominal overhang that does not respond to diet
• Stretch marks below the navel (which are removed with the skin excised)
• A stable weight for at least six months, and completed childbearing
• No active nicotine use and reasonable general health

Patients with an isolated small amount of lower abdominal skin laxity and an intact muscle wall may suit a mini abdominoplasty, which uses a shorter scar and leaves the navel alone. Patients with fat but good skin quality and no diastasis may need only liposuction.

What the operation involves

A horizontal incision is placed low, within the line of underwear or a swimsuit, and extended as far laterally as the amount of skin requires. The skin and fat of the abdomen are elevated to the ribs.

Muscle repair. The separated rectus muscles are brought back to the midline and secured with a durable internal suture line running from the sternum to the pubis. This is the part of the operation that flattens the abdominal profile and restores core function, and it is why patients frequently report improved back comfort afterwards.

Skin removal. Excess skin below the navel is excised. Because a large amount of skin is removed, the navel is repositioned through a new opening at its correct anatomical height.

Contouring. Liposuction of the flanks and upper abdomen is commonly performed at the same time to blend the result into the waist rather than leaving a flat front with untouched sides.

Closure and drains. Layered closure with progressive tension sutures, which reduce dead space and, in many patients, the need for drains. Where drains are used they typically come out within the first week.

Educational video

Dr. Carlotti explains abdominoplasty

Dr. Carlotti explains how abdominoplasty addresses loose skin, abdominal wall separation, scar placement, and contouring in one structural operation.

How rectus repair can narrow the waist

The animation shows interrupted sutures approximating the anterior rectus sheath above and below the umbilicus. The waist outline narrows with the repair. This is a teaching schematic, not a prediction of an individual result.

Open the full-size animation

Recovery timeline

Every recovery is individual. This is the pattern most patients follow, and you will receive a written plan specific to your procedure.

When	What to expect
Days 1–3	Walking slightly bent at the waist, by design, to protect the repair. Compression garment continuously. This is the most uncomfortable period. Walking is started the same day to reduce clot risk.
Days 4–7	Drains removed if used. Standing gradually straighter. Off prescription analgesia for many patients.
Weeks 2–3	Standing upright. Many patients return to desk work at two to three weeks. No lifting above guidance.
Weeks 4–6	Light cardio resumed. Core work still restricted — the muscle repair needs time.
Weeks 6–8	Progressive return to full exercise including core, cleared individually.
Months 3–6	Swelling resolves; contour becomes clear. Numbness of the lower abdominal skin is normal and improves slowly.
Months 12–18	Scar matures to a pale line low on the abdomen.

Risks and considerations

Risks include seroma (fluid collection, the most common complication), hematoma, infection, delayed wound healing particularly at the center of the incision, wide or thickened scarring, persistent numbness of the lower abdominal skin, contour irregularity, asymmetry of the navel, recurrence of laxity with weight change or pregnancy, and the need for revision.

Venous thromboembolism is a specific and serious risk with abdominoplasty, particularly when combined with other procedures. Risk is assessed formally, and prophylaxis, early mobilisation and compression are standard. Nicotine substantially increases wound healing complications and complete cessation is required.

Cost and financing

Cost depends on whether a full or mini abdominoplasty is performed, whether liposuction and other procedures are combined, and operative time. Combining with other body procedures in one anesthetic reduces total cost relative to staging. See cost and financing.

Before and after results

Dr. Carlotti maintains a photographic result archive organized by procedure — real patients, consistent lighting and angles, published with consent. View tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) before and after photographs.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): questions patients ask