Tampa Tummy Tuck Surgery

Sculpt, Tighten, and Reclaim Confidence

Warm weather is a way of life in Florida, and when you live near some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, it’s only natural to want to look and feel your best. But for many people, no amount of crunches or clean eating seems to make a difference in the stubborn abdominal area—especially after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished you could finally get rid of loose skin or regain a firmer silhouette, a tummy tuck may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

At Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery, we’ve helped countless men and women regain their confidence and achieve lasting results with abdominoplasty. This transformative procedure is about more than just looks—it’s about feeling more like yourself again. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gerard C. Mosiello brings decades of surgical experience and a refined eye for detail to every procedure, helping each patient reveal their ideal shape with care, precision, and artistry.

Tummy Tuck Surgery: It Isn’t Just Cosmetic

Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasties, are often misunderstood as a quick fix or luxury procedure. In reality, they can restore both physical form and emotional wellbeing—especially for patients who’ve worked hard to lose weight or recover from childbirth but are left with excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or lingering fat that doesn’t respond to traditional methods.

Even with a dedicated fitness routine, the abdominal area can be one of the most difficult to tone once skin loses elasticity. The tummy tuck procedure not only removes excess skin and fat, but it also tightens the muscles underneath, which can be stretched or separated (a condition known as diastasis recti). The result is a flatter, firmer midsection and a dramatically improved contour.

When Exercise Isn’t Enough: Understanding What a Tummy Tuck Can Do

Some people think they just need to work harder in the gym—but tummy tuck candidates are often already active and health-conscious. What they’re dealing with isn’t just fat—it’s excess skin and muscle laxity that no amount of sit-ups can fix.

This is especially common in:

• Women after pregnancy
• People who’ve lost significant weight (either through diet or bariatric surgery)
• Individuals who experience sagging skin due to aging or genetics

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. It’s a refinement procedure—a way to address what diet and exercise alone can’t.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

We meet a wide variety of patients at Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery, but the most satisfied tummy tuck patients tend to have something in common: they’ve reached or are near a stable weight and have realistic expectations about what surgery can accomplish. If your weight still fluctuates frequently, or if you’re planning future pregnancies, we may recommend waiting until your body is more settled.

That said, ideal candidates often include:

• Individuals with loose or sagging abdominal skin
• People with weakened or separated abdominal muscles
• Those with lingering fat deposits that aren’t responsive to lifestyle changes
• Women who want to reclaim their pre-pregnancy shape as part of a mommy makeover

If you’ve had liposuction and still have loose skin, a tummy tuck is often recommended to maintain smooth, taut contours and prevent irregularities.

How the Procedure Works—Step by Step

Every tummy tuck begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Mosiello, where we’ll talk about your goals, assess your anatomy, and map out a personalized surgical plan. During the procedure itself, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure you’re completely comfortable.

A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, typically below the bikini line so it can be discreetly hidden by underwear or swimwear. If there’s excess skin above the belly button, a second incision may be made around the navel.

From there:

• The skin is lifted, and the underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened with sutures.
• Excess skin is trimmed away.
• The remaining skin is pulled taut for a smoother contour.
• The belly button is repositioned if necessary.
• The incisions are carefully closed to promote minimal scarring.

The entire surgery usually takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the work being done.

What Recovery Really Looks Like

Recovery from a tummy tuck is a process, and it’s important to give your body the time it needs to heal. Right after surgery, we’ll apply bandages and a compression garment to help control swelling and support your new shape. In some cases, small surgical drains are placed to help remove fluid buildup.

Most patients can expect:

• Moderate discomfort and tightness for the first few days, managed with prescribed medications
• Initial swelling that gradually decreases over the first 1-2 weeks
• Stitches removed within 10 to 14 days
• Return to light activities within 2 weeks
• Full recovery, including core strength and flexibility, between 6 to 8 weeks

We’ll be with you every step of the way to monitor healing and guide your return to normal activities. Following all post-op instructions is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

What About Scarring?

Scarring is one of the most common concerns, but it’s also one of the most manageable aspects of the procedure. Dr. Mosiello places incisions strategically to ensure they’re well hidden—typically low on the abdomen and within natural creases of the skin. Over time, scars fade and flatten significantly, and with proper care (including sunscreen, scar creams, and massage), they can become barely noticeable after a year.

Our team also discusses scar care protocols with you before and after surgery to ensure you’re fully prepared for long-term maintenance.

View Gallery         

Schedule an Appointment