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Loose abdominal skin and weakened muscles can be difficult—if not impossible—to address with exercise alone. Whether it's from pregnancy, major weight loss, or the natural effects of aging, these changes can make people feel disconnected from their bodies, no matter how healthy their lifestyle may be. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and firmness of your midsection by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal wall.
At Healy Plastic Surgery in Honolulu, tummy tuck surgery is performed with precision and care, always tailored to your anatomy and goals. Dr. Jeff Healy is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his meticulous technique and calm, personal approach. Every consultation, surgery, and follow-up is done with him. With a private, in-office surgical suite in central Honolulu and lifetime follow-up care included, this is cosmetic surgery designed to last.
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A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance and strength of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. It’s a common solution for people who’ve experienced pregnancy, significant weight loss, or skin laxity due to aging.
During this cosmetic procedure, Dr. Healy creates an incision low on the abdomen, typically from hip to hip, carefully repositions or tightens the muscles, and removes any loose or overstretched skin. The belly button may also be reshaped or repositioned for a natural final result. While it’s often sought for cosmetic reasons, many patients report that they feel physically stronger and more confident after surgery, especially when the procedure addresses muscle separation (diastasis recti) that limits core strength.
Your tummy tuck is performed in our AAAASF-certified surgical suite under general anesthesia. A typical tummy tuck typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on the amount of tissue being addressed.
Dr. Healy begins with a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen, carefully placed to sit beneath most clothing and swimwear. Through this incision, he will remove extra skin and excess fat and tighten loose muscles if needed. Liposuction may also be used to refine the waistline or upper abdomen for smoother transitions. You’ll return home the same day with detailed recovery instructions and a compression garment to support healing. A follow-up schedule is arranged with Dr. Healy directly. He monitors your progress personally at each visit.
A tummy tuck is often the solution when lifestyle changes alone can’t correct certain physical concerns. These may include:
If you’ve worked hard on your health but feel like your midsection still holds you back, a tummy tuck can help realign how you feel with how you look.
The most noticeable benefit from a tummy tuck is a flatter, smoother abdominal area, but many patients also report improved posture, increased core strength, and better fit in clothing.
For women, especially after pregnancy, a tummy tuck can restore a sense of control and confidence by allowing women to address loose skin and tighten muscles.
For men, especially after major weight loss, the procedure helps remove loose skin and redefines the torso for a leaner, more athletic appearance.
Because the results are physical and functional, many patients say they not only look better but feel stronger and more connected to their bodies.
You may be a good candidate if you’re at or near your ideal weight but struggle with loose skin, separated muscles, or a persistent abdominal bulge that doesn’t improve with exercise, and want a flatter abdomen.
It’s important to be in good general health and not planning future pregnancies, as this can affect the long-term outcome. If you’ve had a C-section or prior abdominal surgery, Dr. Healy will review your medical history and tailor your plan accordingly.
This procedure is not for weight loss—it’s for refining what your hard work has already achieved. If you have poor wound healing or a history of blood clots, this may not be the right treatment path for you.
Most patients take 10–14 days off from work or regular activities, with full activity resuming within 6 weeks. You’ll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the healing process. You may have drains placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup, depending on the extent of your surgery.
Discomfort is manageable with pain medicine and improves steadily over the first week. Dr. Healy sees you for all post-op appointments himself and is always available should you have concerns during recovery. With our complimentary lifetime follow-up policy, you’re never on your own.
You’ll see a flatter, firmer abdomen almost immediately, with swelling gradually resolving over a few months. Once healing is complete, the midsection feels smoother, stronger, and more proportional to the rest of your body.
Scars are placed low on the abdomen and fade over time. With stable weight, results can last for decades. Patients often describe it as the final step in a long journey, especially after years of dieting, exercising, or recovering from childbirth. It’s not about changing everything. It’s about finally seeing the effort pay off.
Dr. Jeff Healy is known for his precise technique, calm demeanor, and commitment to personal care. Every tummy tuck is tailored to your anatomy, goals, and healing process—with no pressure and no rush.
You’ll see Dr. Healy at every step, and your procedure will be done in our private, fully accredited surgical suite in central Honolulu—with complimentary parking, financing options, and VIP services available.
Healy Plastic Surgery is also home to a Skinceuticals flagship medspa and medical wellness program, offering additional support before and after surgery. And through the Healy Healthcare Foundation, Dr. Healy gives back through scholarships and global medical missions—underscoring his belief that good care lasts far beyond the operating room.
Does a tummy tuck include liposuction?Yes, liposuction is often included to refine the waistline or remove excess fat in the upper abdomen. Dr. Healy will customize your surgical plan based on your body’s needs.
A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, particularly those located below the belly button. Stretch marks above the navel may remain, but are often improved as the skin is tightened.
A mini tummy tuck addresses only the area below the belly button and may not involve muscle repair. It’s best for patients with a smaller amount of loose skin. Dr. Healy will let you know which option is right for you.
In some cases, yes. Drains help prevent fluid buildup and are typically removed within 5–7 days. You’ll receive detailed care instructions before surgery.
Most patients describe the recovery as sore and tight, especially in the first few days. Pain is manageable with prescribed medication and improves steadily over the first week.
Yes. Many women choose to have a tummy tuck after completing their family. In some cases, the old C-section scar is removed during surgery.
You can resume light activity within 2–3 weeks and return to more strenuous workouts after 6 weeks, depending on how you heal.
You may lose a few pounds from skin and fat removal, but the goal is shape, not weight loss. The results are more about contour than numbers on a scale.
The scar is placed low across the abdomen and can usually be hidden by underwear or swimsuits. With time and proper care, it fades significantly.
Yes. We offer financing plans to make the procedure more accessible. We’ll review options with you during your consultation.
A tummy tuck is often combined with other procedures to enhance overall body contour and deliver more comprehensive results in a single surgery. One of the most common combinations is the mommy makeover, which typically includes a tummy tuck and breast augmentation (with or without a lift) to restore the body after pregnancy or weight loss.
Other popular combinations include:
Dr. Healy will guide you through which procedures can be safely and effectively performed together based on your anatomy, goals, and recovery needs. Combining surgeries can reduce total recovery time and help you achieve more balanced, natural-looking results.
