Tummy Tuck in Metro Detroit

Abdominoplasty for Loose Skin and Muscle Repair

If your midsection still looks stretched after pregnancy, major weight loss, or years of weight changes, a tummy tuck can help. Many patients work hard in the gym and still cannot fix loose skin, lower belly overhang, or a rounded abdomen caused by separated abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat and can repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer profile.

At DeRosa Plastic Surgery, we plan tummy tuck surgery around your anatomy and your goals. We serve patients across Metro Detroit, with many coming from communities close to our West Bloomfield office, including Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Bloomfield Township. Your consultation focuses on what is driving your shape, what surgery can change, and what your recovery will look like.

Schedule your tummy tuck consultation

Call 248-688-7597 or request a consultation online. You will get a plan built for your body and your timeline.

What a tummy tuck does

A tummy tuck improves the abdomen in three key ways. It removes excess skin, it tightens the abdominal wall when muscles have separated, and it reshapes the lower belly for a smoother contour. This matters because muscle separation, often called diastasis recti, will not respond to crunches alone. When the abdominal wall has weakened, surgery may be the only way to restore a flatter abdomen.

Common concerns a tummy tuck addresses

  • Loose abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss.
  • Lower belly overhang, also called an apron.
  • Stretch marks on the lower abdomen, depending on location.
  • Abdominal bulge caused by muscle separation.
  • Skin irritation and rubbing under the fold.
  • Poor fit in clothing, especially around the waistline.

What a tummy tuck does not do

  • It is not a weight loss procedure.
  • It does not replace a healthy nutrition plan.
  • It does not prevent future weight gain.
  • It cannot guarantee a specific clothing size.
  • It cannot eliminate all stretch marks, since it depends on where they sit.

Types of tummy tuck. Full, mini, and extended options.

There is more than one type of abdominoplasty. The best approach depends on where you carry loose skin, how much muscle repair you need, and whether you have laxity above the belly button. During your consultation, we examine skin quality, fat distribution, and abdominal wall integrity. Then we recommend the safest approach that meets your goal.

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck addresses loose skin and muscle separation across a larger portion of the abdomen. It often helps patients who have significant laxity both above and below the belly button. It can create a flatter abdomen when muscle repair is part of the plan.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses more on the lower abdomen. It may fit patients who have mild to moderate lower belly skin laxity with less need for upper abdominal correction. The right candidate has a specific lower belly concern and stable weight.

Extended tummy tuck

If loose skin extends toward the hips or along the sides, an extended approach may be recommended. This is common after major weight loss. The goal is to reduce skin excess that affects the waistline and flanks, not only the front of the abdomen.

Tummy tuck with liposuction

A tummy tuck removes skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Liposuction focuses on fat reduction and contour. In many cases, combining techniques can improve the overall silhouette, especially around the waist and flanks. Your plan depends on safety, skin quality, and the amount of contour change you want.

If you want to learn more about body contouring options on our site, visit our Body page. For fat reduction options, review Liposuction.

Mommy makeover planning

Many postpartum patients want to address the abdomen and another area at the same time, often the breasts. A tummy tuck can be part of a larger plan, depending on your health and goals. Your consultation should focus on a staged plan versus a combined plan, based on safety and recovery needs.

If you are also exploring breast surgery, you can review Breast Procedures, and options like Breast Lift.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck

Good candidates have stable weight, realistic expectations, and a clear concern that surgery can address. The best time for a tummy tuck is when you are done with major weight changes and, if applicable, done having children. Pregnancy can stretch skin and muscle again.

  • You have loose abdominal skin that does not improve with exercise.
  • You have an abdominal bulge from suspected muscle separation.
  • You have stable weight and want better contour and comfort.
  • You can take time for recovery and follow activity restrictions.
  • You do not use nicotine, or you are willing to stop before and after surgery.

What to expect at your consultation

Your consultation should be direct and specific. We review your goals, your medical history, and the changes you want in clothing, posture, and overall shape. We evaluate muscle separation, skin laxity, and fat distribution. Then we outline the approach that fits your anatomy.

What we evaluate

  • Skin excess and where it sits, front, sides, and lower belly.
  • Muscle separation and abdominal wall strength.
  • Prior scars and how they affect incision planning.
  • Weight stability and long term maintenance plan.
  • Whether liposuction should be part of the plan.

How to prepare

  • Bring your medication and supplement list.
  • Be ready to discuss pregnancy history and weight changes.
  • Plan for time off work and help at home early on.
  • Review surgical prep details on our Patient Forms page.
  • Use our FAQ page to build your question list.

Tummy tuck recovery and downtime

Recovery takes planning. Expect swelling and tightness early. You will have activity restrictions so the muscle repair and incision lines can heal properly. Most patients return to many normal routines in stages, then gradually increase activity over several weeks. Your specific timeline depends on the procedure type and whether additional contour work is included.

Recovery themes most patients experience

  • Early swelling and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen.
  • Walking encouraged, heavy lifting restricted.
  • Support garment use as directed for swelling control and comfort.
  • Follow up visits to monitor healing and guide next steps.
  • Scar care guidance over the months after surgery.

Results and long term maintenance

A tummy tuck can create a flatter abdomen and a more defined waistline, especially when muscle repair is included. Results hold best when you keep a stable weight and maintain healthy habits. You will still age, and your body will still change, but the structural improvement from muscle repair and skin removal can be long lasting.

Patients often report better fit in clothing, less skin irritation, and more confidence in daily life. Many also notice improved posture because the core support is stronger after repair. Your results should look natural for your frame, not over tightened.

Post weight loss body contouring

If you lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin in multiple areas, you may want a broader contour plan. Options can include targeted abdominal contouring or more extensive procedures depending on your anatomy and goals. You can review our Post Bariatric Reconstruction page for related planning considerations. For patients with lower body skin laxity that wraps around the waist, you may also review Lower Body Lift.

Tummy tuck near West Bloomfield. Local areas we serve.

Our office is in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Many tummy tuck patients come from nearby communities within about five miles, including Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Bloomfield Township. We also serve the broader Metro Detroit area.

Contact info

Phone: 248-688-7597

Address: 33200 W. 14 Mile Road, Suite 180, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

Office Hours: M to F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Fax: 248-498-6060

FAQ. Tummy tuck surgery.

Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?

No. Liposuction removes fat. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and can repair abdominal muscle separation. Some patients benefit from both, based on exam and safety.

Can a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?

Many tummy tuck procedures include abdominal muscle repair when muscles have separated. This can improve core support and create a flatter abdominal profile.

Will I have a scar?

Yes. Any tummy tuck leaves a scar. We plan incision placement based on your anatomy and clothing preferences, and we provide scar care guidance during follow up.

How long is recovery?

Recovery varies. Most patients need a staged return to normal activity. Your exact timeline depends on your procedure type and whether additional contour work is included.

How do I get started?

Call 248-688-7597 or request a consultation on our contact page. You can also review preparation details on Patient Forms and common questions on FAQ.

Quick links

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Individual outcomes vary.

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