Dr. Freedland Translates His Notes
From the Surgeon’s Desk — a plain-English explanation of how Dr. Freedland approaches a full tummy tuck, what to expect, and how we prioritize safety and natural results. (Read Original Notes)
From the Surgeon’s Notes
“A full abdominoplasty involves a horizontal incision typically extending from hip to hip, positioned low enough to be concealed beneath most underwear and swimwear. The dissection extends upward to the costal margins, which necessitates relocating the umbilicus to its natural-appearing position on the tightened abdominal wall. A critical component is plication of the rectus abdominis muscles to repair diastasis recti.”
What That Means for You (Plain English)
In a full tummy tuck, Dr. Freedland places one low incision that is designed to hide under most underwear and swimwear. He tightens the abdominal muscles that commonly separate after pregnancy or weight changes (diastasis recti) and removes extra skin for a smoother contour. Your belly button stays attached to its blood supply the entire time—it’s simply brought through the newly tightened skin so it looks completely natural.
If you’re exploring options and want to compare approaches, start here: FreedlandMD | Request a Consultation | View our Before and After Gallery.
Who It’s For
- Loose skin or stretch-related laxity after pregnancy or significant weight loss
- Bulging in the midline from muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- Stable weight and realistic expectations for scar placement and recovery
How Dr. Freedland Performs a Full Tummy Tuck
- Low, Concealed Incision: Placed low on the abdomen to tuck beneath most undergarments and swimwear.
- Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti): The “core” muscles are carefully tightened to restore a flatter, stronger abdominal wall.
- Natural Belly Button: The umbilicus is preserved and brought out through a new opening so it sits naturally on the tightened skin.
- Skin Redraping: Excess skin is removed; remaining skin is smoothed to fit your new contour.
Why He Limits Fat Removal During a Tummy Tuck
Over-aggressive fat removal directly under the tummy-tuck skin can reduce blood flow and compromise healing. Dr. Freedland may perform selective liposuction on the flanks if it’s safe and helpful for shaping—but he avoids techniques that could increase risk or harm skin circulation. Safety first, beautiful results second—and they go hand in hand.
Scar Placement & Appearance
The incision is designed to sit as low as possible and typically spans hip to hip. Scars soften and fade over 12–18 months but never disappear entirely. We’ll review scar care together during your follow-ups.
Recovery Timeline (Typical)
- Days 1–14: Light walking at home; drains usually 1–2 weeks if used; compression for comfort.
- Weeks 2–3: Desk work is often possible if energy allows; avoid heavy lifting.
- Weeks 6–8: Gradual return to full activity and exercise after medical clearance.
Every patient heals differently—your plan will be customized and reviewed in detail.
Setting Realistic Expectations
- A tummy tuck provides a permanent change in abdominal contour; maintaining a stable weight helps preserve results.
- Future pregnancies or significant weight changes can alter your outcome—timing matters.
- Scars are permanent (though they fade); we plan their position, tension, and aftercare to optimize healing.
Risks & Safety
All surgery carries risk. Potential issues include fluid buildup (seroma), infection, delayed wound healing, changes in skin sensation, blood clots, and contour or scar irregularities. Dr. Freedland minimizes risk through careful patient selection, meticulous technique, and close post-operative follow-up. We’ll review your individual risk profile during consultation.
Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck (Quick Snapshot)
- Full: Addresses muscle laxity and excess skin above and below the belly button; preserves the umbilicus and repositions it on the tightened skin.
- Mini: Best for extra skin and mild laxity below the belly button; shorter incision; no belly-button repositioning; limited muscle tightening below the navel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need drains?
Often yes, for 1–2 weeks, to limit fluid buildup. We’ll explain how to care for them and when they’re removed.
Can I combine procedures?
Yes—in the right candidate. Many patients pair a tummy tuck with breast surgery or targeted flank liposuction for comprehensive shaping. Your plan will be individualized after examination.
How long until I see my result?
You’ll notice an immediate change in silhouette, with swelling improving steadily over the first 6–12 weeks and scars maturing over 12–18 months.
Next Step
Ready for a personalized plan and incision “mapping” for your body? Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Freedland in Bloomfield Hills and review options tailored to your goals.
