Tummy Tuck
Pregnancy, weight loss, and the natural aging process can leave behind stretched abdominal muscles, loose skin, and stubborn pockets of fat that don't improve with diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is designed to restore a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall.
At Couture Plastic Surgery, every tummy tuck is carefully tailored to your body and your goals. Dr. Ashley Jordan combines advanced surgical techniques with attentive, personalized care to create natural-looking results that complement your figure while helping you feel more confident in your appearance.
Removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles.
Typically 2-4 hours, depending on the extent of surgery.
Most patients return to light activities within 2-3 weeks.
Results can last for many years with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated muscles. It’s an ideal solution for those who have experienced changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging and are ready to restore a smooth, toned, and confident silhouette.
At our Jacksonville Beach, FL, plastic surgery practice, our board-certified surgeons specialize in advanced tummy tuck techniques that create natural-looking, long-lasting results tailored to your body and lifestyle.
Several tummy tuck options are available depending on your anatomy and goals. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button and is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area, including muscle repair and repositioning the belly button when needed. Patients with more extensive skin laxity following major weight loss may benefit from an extended tummy tuck, which also improves the flanks and hips.
During your consultation, Dr. Jordan will recommend a customized treatment plan based on your body, lifestyle, and desired outcome.
Transform Your Confidence
The Consultation & Tailored Approach
Every woman’s body is unique, and so is every Abdominoplasty. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate skin quality and aesthetic goals to develop a customized surgical plan.
We tailor our approach to match your anatomy and preferences whether you want a subtle lift or a more dramatic rejuvenation. Our goal is to deliver results that look and feel natural, complementing your overall figure and lifestyle.
Abdominoplasty goes beyond surface appearance—it helps restore core strength and balance while eliminating loose or sagging skin.
Your tummy tuck begins with a comprehensive consultation, where Dr. Jordan reviews your medical history, examines your abdominal wall, discusses previous surgeries, and determines which tummy tuck technique is best suited for your needs while also covering safety considerations and pre-op planning, including when to temporarily avoid blood-thinning medications. She will explain the expected incision placement, recovery timeline, and realistic expectations so you can make an informed decision. Choosing a board-certified surgeon is an important part of making that decision well.
What to Expect With Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure and takes between two to four hours, depending on the extent of the correction. Once you are comfortably asleep, Dr. Jordan carefully makes a low incision that can typically be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. The exact length depends on whether you are having a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck.
After lifting the skin, she repairs separated abdominal muscles by bringing them back together with internal sutures. This creates a stronger abdominal wall and a flatter appearance. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is gently repositioned for a smooth, natural contour. If needed, the belly button is carefully repositioned to maintain a balanced appearance.
Small drainage tubes may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid buildup and help remove fluid during early healing, and the incisions are closed with meticulous attention to healing and scar placement. Careful drain management and incision care also help prevent infection. Before returning home the same day, you'll be fitted with an abdominal binder to support your healing tissues and minimize swelling. As with any surgery, there are standard risks (including infection, bleeding, delayed healing around the incision, and blood clots) but thoughtful planning and attentive aftercare are designed to keep recovery as safe as possible.
During your procedure:
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a comfortable recovery and optimal healing.
A tummy tuck can improve several common concerns affecting the midsection and stomach area, including:
Although a tummy tuck can dramatically improve body contours, it is not intended as a weight loss procedure.
Many patients choose tummy tuck surgery because it addresses concerns that exercise simply cannot correct:
Beyond cosmetic improvements, many patients report feeling more comfortable in fitted clothing, swimsuits, and activewear. Removing loose skin can also reduce irritation and chafing, making everyday movement more comfortable.
For patients who have completed childbearing or reached a stable weight after significant weight loss, tummy tuck surgery often provides lasting improvements that help restore confidence and make maintaining a healthy lifestyle even more rewarding. In certain medically necessary cases, a panniculectomy may be covered by insurance, unlike a standard tummy tuck.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good overall health who maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery. Patients should stop smoking at least one month before surgery, since nicotine can interfere with healing.
Patients planning future pregnancies or significant weight loss are generally encouraged to postpone tummy tuck surgery, since both can affect long-term results. During your consultation, Dr. Jordan will determine whether abdominoplasty is the right option based on your goals and what the surgeon performs.
Thank you for visiting our site. Call (904) 249-2580 to schedule your complimentary consultation or contact us at info@facesonly.com for more information.
We offer two convenient locations in Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island. Financing is also available through CareCredit, making it easier to move forward with the care you want.
Interested in our services? We’re here to help!
We want to know your exact needs so we can provide the perfect solution. Look and feel better today!
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of your procedure, but most patients should plan to take approximately two weeks away from work and avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks. During the first several days, swelling, tightness, and soreness are expected and are managed with prescribed medications and supportive garments, and patients may feel sore for up to two weeks after surgery. Swelling typically improves gradually, but it can last for up to three months.
Typical recovery timeline:
As swelling subsides, your abdomen will appear flatter, firmer, and more sculpted. Results are long-lasting, especially when paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
You'll wear an abdominal binder to support the healing muscles, protect the surgical area, and reduce swelling. If drainage tubes are placed, they are typically removed during an early follow-up appointment. Gentle walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation, while heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Jordan.
Following your postoperative instructions, maintaining proper nutrition, and attending scheduled follow-up visits all help support a smooth recovery and optimal healing.
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in their abdominal contour once swelling begins to subside. As healing progresses over several weeks and months, the abdomen becomes flatter, firmer, and more defined. Final results typically continue to refine over six months to a year as tissues fully settle.
While the natural aging process continues, tummy tuck results are considered long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your new abdominal contour for many years, while weight gain or significant weight gain can alter the longevity of your results. Many patients also find renewed motivation to stay active and continue healthy habits after seeing their transformation.
Choosing tummy tuck surgery is a personal decision, and because it is cosmetic surgery, your choice of provider matters just as much as your results. At Couture Plastic Surgery, you'll receive attentive, individualized care from your initial consultation through every stage of recovery.
Dr. Ashley Jordan is a plastic surgeon who combines advanced surgical training with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach that reflects the practice's boutique philosophy. Every treatment plan is personalized to your anatomy and goals with patient safety guiding each step, and our team is committed to making you feel informed, comfortable, and genuinely cared for throughout your entire journey.
Yes. Every tummy tuck requires an incision, but Dr. Jordan carefully places it low on the abdomen whenever possible so it can typically be hidden beneath underwear or swimwear. Scars continue to fade over time.
Most patients wear their abdominal binder or compression garment for several weeks after surgery. Your exact timeline depends on your healing progress and Dr. Jordan's recommendations.
Yes. One of the primary benefits of a full tummy tuck is repairing separated abdominal muscles, also called diastasis recti, which commonly develops after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
Light walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are generally restricted for four to six weeks. Dr. Jordan will let you know when it is safe to gradually return to your regular fitness routine.
A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, where excess skin is removed.
While not a weight-loss procedure, a tummy tuck refines and tightens your midsection for a more sculpted, fit appearance.
Yes. Many patients combine their tummy tuck with liposuction or breast surgery as part of a Mommy Makeover for more comprehensive results.
With stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, tummy tuck results can last many years, maintaining a smooth, toned midsection.
