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Discover flatter abs and a smaller waist at StarkMD in Philadelphia
The abdomen is a problem area for many women — not only those who are overweight. Over time, fluctuations in weight, aging and childbirth cause the muscles to weaken and stretch leading to droopy skin and protrusion. No amount of exercise or dieting is able to correct this or restore the appearance of a tight, contoured abdomen. That's where our Philadelphia tummy tuck comes in.
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Get a customized video series on this treatment from StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. These videos will walk you through the process and help you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
A tummy tuck creates a firm and contoured abdomen. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stark regularly performs this popular procedure at the StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center, transforming the bodies and lives of his patients. During your personal consultation with Dr. Stark at our Philadelphia plastic surgery office, he will help you identify the safest and most effective surgical plan individualized for your needs.
Quick Facts
A tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—isn’t just about looking better in a swimsuit. It’s a deeply personal decision for many people who feel frustrated by loose skin, stretched muscles, and stubborn belly fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Whether you’ve had kids, lost a significant amount of weight, or are simply noticing changes that come with age, a tummy tuck can help restore both your midsection and your confidence.
At StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center in Philadelphia, PA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Stark takes the time to understand your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Each procedure is fully customized—designed not just to remove excess skin and tighten muscles, but to rebuild how you feel in your body. The result? A smoother, stronger, and more naturally contoured abdomen that feels like it fits you again.
After pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply due to age, the abdomen can develop loose skin, weakened muscles, and stretch marks that don’t respond to diet or exercise. A tummy tuck can:
Many women are turned off by pictures of tummy tuck scars they have seen in before and after images. Dr. Stark likes to make his incisions as low as possible so that they remain unseen even when wearing low-cut garments. The length of the scar depends on the amount of excess tissue that has to be removed.
Dr. Stark will determine whether you are a candidate for a mini tummy tuck or require a traditional or extended tummy tuck when he sees you during your personal consultation appointment. A tummy tuck is a lifelong commitment, so you should be sure this is the best procedure for you.
Ideal candidates should have one or more of the following:
A tummy tuck is often combined with other kinds of procedures, particularly a Mommy Makeover. "Mommy Makeover" is an umbrella phrase referring to various body contouring procedures done together to resolve physical changes hanging over from pregnancy. It can include breast reduction, breast lift, and breast augmentation - with a tummy tuck as the central part. Liposuction is an especially effective procedure to combine with a tummy tuck, as it focuses on removing fat, while the tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles.
A tummy tuck and liposuction might seem like they produce similar results, but in fact, they are very different. Liposuction typically only removes excess fat, but a tummy tuck does much more than that. Liposuction cannot repair damaged abdominal muscles that have been weakened throughout life. A tummy tuck can repair and tighten those muscles in the abdomen while removing excess skin. A liposuction procedure cannot do much for excess or loose skin. In most cases, liposuction is added to a tummy tuck procedure to offer significant contouring in problem areas.
If you plan to have more children, you should definitely wait to get a tummy tuck. This is because you may gain significant weight during pregnancy, your skin may loosen and stretch, and tears may form in your abdominal walls.
If these happen, the effects of your tummy tuck will be reversed, and you will need to undergo another tummy tuck - which includes another round of recovery and expenses. However, if you know you are finished having children, it may be the right time to get one done.
Because a tummy tuck involves incisions on your body, there will be scars after you heal. Fortunately, Dr. Stark is an expert at minimizing the appearance of your tummy tuck scar by making them as inconspicuous as possible, depending on the type of abdominoplasty you get.
Fortunately, as with any scars, your abdominoplasty incisions will heal and then fade over time. The scar will usually start off pink on lighter skin types before fading into a thin, faint white line. Darker skin types may first heal darker than the surrounding skin but will also lighten and fade.
However, if you're still worried about how your tummy will look afterward, there are several methods available to improve the overall appearance of your scar(s). For one, you want to avoid exposing it to the sun as much as possible and always use sunscreen if it is. It would be best if you also kept it moisturized - there are several types of gels, creams, and even medicated sheets that work to nourish and repair your skin. Finally, avoid irritating the scar while it's healing.
The specific price of an abdominoplasty depends on various factors. These factors include the type of tummy tuck, whether you're combining procedures (as in a Mommy Makeover), and how much skin and tissue should be removed.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Philadelphia varies depending on your anatomy and the extent of the procedure:
Financing Available: StarkMD offers financing options to make your procedure more accessible. Ask about CareCredit and payment plans during your consultation.
Not everyone needs or should have a full tummy tuck. For some, a mini tummy tuck is the optimal choice for their needs. So, what's the difference between them? A mini tummy tuck is usually best for someone whose excess fat, loose skin, and weak muscles are primarily concentrated in the lower abdomen. It's also beneficial for someone with sagging skin in the abdomen as a natural result of aging. Finally, a mini tummy tuck can really tighten and tone the area below the belly button and get rid of stretch marks in this area.
A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, addresses loose skin and muscles over your entire abdominal area. It's often used by patients who have experienced extreme weight loss within a short period, leaving them with excess skin. It's also commonly part of a Mommy Makeover, particularly if pregnancy has left you with weak or distended tummy muscles and excess fat that won't resolve with diet and exercise. A full tummy tuck is so commonly used in this procedure because it surgically corrects weak abdominal muscle while also removing extra fat and skin.
| Feature | Mini Tummy Tuck | Traditional Tummy Tuck | 360 Tummy Tuck |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Treatment Area
|
Below the navel only | Above and below the navel | Full torso (front, sides, and back) |
| Ideal Candidates | Minimal loose skin, mild lower belly bulge | Postpartum, moderate to severe loose skin | Massive weight loss, significant loose skin |
| Incision Size | Smallest | Medium | Longest |
|
Muscle Repair
|
Rarely | Yes, full muscle repair | Yes, full muscle repair |
| Skin Removal | Minimal | Moderate to extensive | Extensive |
| Recovery Time | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Scarring |
Minimal, hidden in bikini line | Hidden in bikini line | Circumferential scar, strategically placed |
| Combination Options | Rarely combined | Often with liposuction or breast surgery | Yes, with full body lift or lipo |
| Goal | Refine lower abdomen | Flatten and contour full abdomen | Comprehensive torso reshaping |
During your private consultation with Dr. Stark, you’ll have the opportunity to talk openly about what you’re hoping to achieve. Dr. Stark will begin by examining your abdomen to assess the skin’s elasticity, muscle condition, and areas of excess fat. He’ll listen to your concerns and goals, and help you understand what’s realistically possible based on your anatomy. Together, you’ll review before-and-after photos of previous patients to help visualize potential results. Dr. Stark will also walk you through the available surgical techniques and answer any questions you have. The goal is to create a plan that feels aligned with your expectations and tailored to your body.
Dr. Stark makes sure the time leading up to your procedure is as stress-free as possible. Making sure you are in overall good health before your tummy tuck helps make the overall operation successful. This includes maintaining a good diet and lifestyle. Dr. Stark and his team tailor every surgery to the patient, so you can rest assured that decisions will be based on your needs.
Many women are turned off by pictures of scars they have seen after a tummy tuck. Dr. Stark likes to make his incisions as low as possible so that they remain unseen even when wearing low-cut garments. The length of the scar depends on the amount of excess tissue that has to be removed. Dr. Stark will determine whether you are a candidate for a mini tummy tuck or require a traditional or extended tummy tuck when he sees you during your personal consultation appointment.
During the actual tummy tuck procedure any muscles that have separated are brought together and tightened. Finally, excess skin is removed and the incisions are carefully and meticulously closed to minimize the appearance of the scar. While performing his abdominoplasty, Dr. Stark uses a unique method of placing internal dissolvable sutures which enhances contouring and allows a drainless recovery (also referred to as a "drainless tummy tuck").
After surgery, you will be fitted with a compression garment which must be worn for six to eight weeks. Although most patients can return to work after about a week, you will feel some discomfort for several weeks as you heal. You should be prepared to avoid vigorous activities for at least four to six weeks. Swelling will begin to resolve about two to three weeks after surgery. The difference will already be impressive, but the full extent of your results will not be visible until after your complete recovery, about three to six months after surgery.
Dr. Stark will ensure you feel comfortable the minute you walk into StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center. His friendly staff, comfortable exam rooms and warm bedside manner will immediately put you at ease.
We understand surgery can be emotionally difficult and ultimately the key to a successful surgery is alignment of your goals with those of your doctor. Your abdominoplasty consultation at StarkMD Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery allows the time and comfort you deserve to discuss your desired outcome. As with any surgery, health is of the utmost importance and Dr. Stark will ensure you are taking any necessary supplementation and stop any medications that may interfere with surgery. In addition, Dr. Stark's considerable skill and finesse come through to minimize scarring with every closing suture.
Meet Dr. Stark
A tummy tuck is a big decision—not just in terms of surgery, but in trusting someone with your body and your confidence. That’s why choosing the right plastic surgeon matters just as much as choosing the procedure itself. You want a surgeon who understands your goals, respects your boundaries, and has the training and experience to deliver the results you’re envisioning.
Start by looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon. This means they’ve gone through rigorous training, passed national exams, and are held to the highest safety and ethical standards in the field. Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the gold standard. But beyond credentials, pay attention to their patient results. Review before-and-after photos of actual patients—not stock images—and look for bodies similar to yours. The best surgeon won’t promise perfection but will show consistent, natural-looking results across different body types.
You also want someone who listens. During your consultation, the surgeon should take time to understand not just your anatomy, but your lifestyle, your motivations, and your comfort zone. They should give you a realistic picture of what’s possible and walk you through the risks just as clearly as the benefits. Transparency builds trust.
Finally, ask about the patient experience—what recovery is like, what support is available after surgery, and how follow-ups are handled. Read reviews, ask around, and go with someone who patients consistently describe as caring, attentive, and detail-oriented.
Dr. Ran Stark is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who brings both surgical mastery and a personal touch to every procedure. With years of specialized training and a deep understanding of anatomy and aesthetics, he helps patients achieve results that feel not only beautiful but uniquely theirs. At StarkMD in Philadelphia, patients appreciate his ability to balance technical precision with compassionate care—he listens closely, explains everything clearly, and treats every patient like an individual, not a checklist. His goal isn’t just a flatter stomach or smoother contour—it’s helping you feel like yourself again, only more comfortable and confident in your skin.
There will be mild to moderate pain or discomfort following the procedure. Dr. Stark utilized Exparel, a long-acting numbing medication that provides up to 72 hours of pain relief after the procedure. Rest assured that Dr. Stark and his team will take every step possible to make you as comfortable as possible. Most discomfort can be easily treated and alleviated with pain medication.
Because abdominoplasty is usually a cosmetic procedure, most insurance companies will not cover it. However, it may be partially covered if it is needed for medical reasons, such as cutting out extra skin to avoid possible rashes or infections.
To fully heal and get the best results, strenuous activity will not be recommended after your procedure. Along with avoiding intense exercise, you will be wearing a compression garment for about four to six weeks. This is to ensure the best results. While the process might cause a temporary disruption in routine, patients can start to walk around as they start to heal. This will be a slow process at first, but as your body properly heals, you will gradually get back to normal, with your great results starting to show. You can return to work as you continue to heal after approximately one to two weeks.
Noticeable results will start to show after about four weeks. However, the process of completely healing will take much longer than that because of the nature of the procedure. Getting complete results after 3 to 6 months may seem like a long time to wait, which is why Dr. Stark and his team emphasize comfort and understanding throughout the process.
During your abdominoplasty, you will be under sedation, so you will not feel anything. Afterward, you will likely feel bruised, sore, and swollen. However, as your incisions heal, that will improve. Prescription medications can ease this discomfort as well.
There will be some swelling after your tummy tuck, so the results will not be immediately visible. As you heal, your abdomen will become noticeably flatter and tighter with smoother skin.
Not really. There are some non-surgical ways to reshape your abdomen. However, none of them can deliver the dramatic results that a surgical tummy tuck can.
An umbilicalplasty is a surgical refinement of the belly button, often performed during a tummy tuck to ensure a natural appearance after skin tightening.
Non-surgical options like skin tightening lasers or body contouring devices offer modest improvements but do not remove excess skin or repair muscles.
Tummy tucks aren’t weight loss procedures, but most patients lose 2-5 pounds of excess skin and fat.
There’s no ideal age, but most patients are in their 30s to 50s and done having children or losing significant weight.
Most patients return to light activity in 1–2 weeks and full activity in 4–6 weeks. Wearing your surgical garment and following aftercare is key.
Yes, but Dr. Stark places incisions low and uses meticulous techniques to minimize visibility. Most scars fade over time and are easily concealed.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Stark will initially consult with you, as it's the best way to ensure all of your questions about getting a tummy tuck are answered and the easiest way for you to know you're in good hands with your decision. Schedule a private tummy tuck consultation with StarkMD by calling the office, making an appointment, and taking the first steps towards a more confident version of your best self. Your health and comfort are our top priorities.
Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Stark brings decades of experience and training to each consultation. When you meet with Dr. Stark, he takes the time to give you information and options, so you can have confidence in your decision to move forward with the best procedure for you. Confidence. Personalized care. Impeccable results. That’s the Stark Difference. Discover that difference yourself by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stark today.
135 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 220, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
