Tummy Tuck in Miami
Restore a flatter, tighter abdomen — with results that look like you, only better.
Diet and exercise cannot fix loose skin or separated muscles. If your abdomen still doesn't reflect the effort you've put in, a tummy tuck may be the answer.
In-person & virtual consultations available Coral Gables / Miami
You've done everything right.
Your abdomen still doesn't show it.
After pregnancy, weight loss, or years of effort — many patients are left with loose skin, muscle separation, and a midsection that just won't respond. This isn't a failure of discipline. It's a structural problem that surgery is specifically designed to solve.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- Loose or hanging skin in the lower abdomen
- A stubborn pooch that doesn't go away no matter what
- Separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy
- Excess skin after significant weight loss
- An abdomen that looks out of proportion with the rest of your body
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck — or abdominoplasty — removes loose skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles, and creates a flatter, firmer midsection. It is not a weight loss procedure. It is a contouring procedure that addresses structural changes no amount of gym time can reverse.
What it can improve:
- Loose or hanging abdominal skin
- Lower abdominal pooch that persists despite a healthy weight
- Muscle separation and core weakness after pregnancy
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- A belly button that has become stretched or distorted
- Overall abdominal contour after weight loss
Many patients combine a tummy tuck with liposuction for more complete waistline definition. We'll discuss what makes the most sense for your anatomy during your consultation.
Choosing the right surgeon makes all the difference.
A tummy tuck is a significant procedure. The outcome depends heavily on the surgeon's judgment, technique,
and aesthetic eye — not just the procedure itself. Here's why patients choose Dr. Careaga:
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Certification |
Double board-certified plastic surgeon |
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Experience |
16+ years in aesthetic surgery |
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Procedures |
More than 12,000 aesthetic surgeries performed |
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Facility |
Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility |
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Anesthesia |
MD anesthesiologists — not CRNAs |
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Consultations |
Honest, no-pressure consultations |
What patients say:
"I had avoided this for years because I was afraid of looking unnatural. Dr. Careaga's result looks like me — just as I always
wanted to look." — Patient review
"I traveled from New York specifically for this procedure. The entire process, from virtual consultation to recovery, was seamless." — Patient review
Do you need a tummy tuck, liposuction — or both?
This is one of the most common questions in our consultations. Here's a simple way to think about it:
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Liposuction |
Tummy Tuck |
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Skin is still firm and elastic |
Skin is loose or hanging |
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Main issue is localized fat deposits |
Muscle separation present (especially post-pregnancy) |
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No lower abdominal pooch when at stable weight |
Persistent pooch even at or near goal weight |
In many cases, combining both procedures gives the most complete and natural result. We'll evaluate your anatomy and recommend the right approach during your consultation.
What recovery looks like — week by week.
Recovery is more manageable than most patients expect. Most describe the sensation as tightness and pressure rather than sharp pain.
Days 1–3 — Rest and protection
Tightness, swelling, and limited mobility. Pain is well-managed with medication. Rest is the priority.
Week 1 — Light movement begins
Short, gentle walks encouraged. Most patients can handle light daily tasks from home by day 5–7.
Weeks 2–3 — Progressive return
Increasing comfort and mobility. Many patients return to desk-based work by week 2. Swelling continues to improve.
Months 2–3 — Final results emerge
Swelling largely resolved. The abdomen takes on its final, flatter contour. Results are long-lasting with stable weight.
YOUR SAFETY
All procedures are performed in a Joint Commission-accredited facility with MD anesthesiologists. We follow rigorous protocols before, during, and after surgery to minimize risk and support a smooth recovery.
TRAVELING TO MIAMI
FOR SURGERY
We regularly work with patients from across the United States and internationally. Virtual consultations, structured pre-operative guidance, and clear post-operative follow-up make the process straightforward — even from a distance.
- Virtual consultations available
- Pre-op guidance provided well in advance
- Structured recovery plan and follow-up
- Coral Gables location — easy airport access
Ready to find out if a tummy tuck is right for you?
If loose skin, muscle separation, or a persistent lower abdominal bulge is holding you back from feeling confident in your body — let's talk. There's no commitment, no pressure. Just a clear, private conversation about your options.
Careaga Plastic Surgery | Coral Gables / Miami | In-person & virtual consultations available
FAQ
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
No. A tummy tuck is a contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution. It removes loose skin and repairs muscle separation, but it does not remove significant amounts of fat on its own. The best candidates are at or near their goal weight.
Will I have a visible scar?
Yes — all tummy tucks leave a scar. It is placed as low as your anatomy allows, typically at or below the bikini line, so it can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. Scar appearance improves significantly over the 12–18 months following surgery.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are moving comfortably within 7–10 days and return to desk work by week 2. Physical activity and exercise are gradually reintroduced over 6–8 weeks. Final results are visible by months 2–3.
Do stretch marks go away?
Stretch marks in the lower abdomen — below the navel — are often removed along with the excess skin. Stretch marks above the navel may improve in appearance as the skin is repositioned, but they are not removed.
How long do the results last?
Results are long-lasting. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle will preserve your results over the long term. Future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations can affect the outcome.
Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?
It depends on your anatomy. Liposuction is best suited for patients with firm skin and localized fat. A tummy tuck is designed for patients with loose skin and/or muscle separation. Many patients benefit from both. We'll determine the right approach during your consultation.
Is a tummy tuck safe?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, a tummy tuck is a well-established and safe procedure. Dr. Careaga operates in a Joint Commission-accredited facility with MD anesthesiologists and follows strict safety protocols throughout.
Can I travel to Miami just for this procedure?
Yes. Many of our patients travel from other states or countries specifically for surgery. We offer virtual consultations, structured pre-operative guidance, and post-operative follow-up to make the process seamless regardless of where you live.
When will I see final results?
The abdomen looks noticeably flatter within the first few weeks. As swelling resolves over 2–3 months, the final contour becomes fully visible. Scar maturation continues for up to 18 months.
What is the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, repairs the abdominal wall, and repositions the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is a more limited procedure focused on the lower abdomen, suited for patients with minimal skin laxity and no muscle separation above the navel. During your consultation, we'll determine which approach is appropriate for your anatomy.
