Body
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.
✚ Medically reviewed by Dr. Helena Guarda, MD — Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery. Last reviewed August 2026.
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Procedure Time
2–4 hours
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Anesthesia
General
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Initial Recovery
2–3 weeks
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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
1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Guarda to share your goals, review your health history, and design a plan tailored to you.
2
Preparation
Receive clear pre-operative instructions — and any needed lab work — so you feel fully prepared for the day of surgery.
3
Procedure
Your procedure is performed with meticulous care in an accredited surgical setting, prioritizing safety and natural results.
4
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.
First 24–48 hours
Rest at home with support nearby. Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and managed with prescribed medication.
First 1–2 weeks
Most patients return to desk work and light activity. Follow-up visits confirm you're healing well; avoid strenuous movement and heavy lifting.
Weeks 2–6
Gradually resume exercise as Dr. Guarda clears you. Swelling continues to subside and your new contour becomes more defined.
3+ months
Final results settle as tissues fully heal and any scars continue to soften and fade.
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.
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Considering Tummy Tuck?
Your individual consultation with Dr. Guarda awaits. Call or send a message with any questions you may have.