Tummy Tuck in West Palm Beach, FL
Reshape your midsection with a tummy tuck at Aqua Plastic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons serve patients across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County.
Meet David Rankin, MD
Dr. David Rankin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach and brings a deep reconstructive background to body contouring procedures. His advanced training, attention to detail, and natural artistic skills help him achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Meet Allyson Deziel, MD
Dr. Allyson Deziel is a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body, breast, and facial surgery. She is a member of the Palm Beach County Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Medical Executive Committee at Jupiter Outpatient Surgery Center. Dr. Deziel builds a comprehensive surgical plan for every procedure, with a focus on results that look natural and complement each patient’s unique figure.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
Results from real Aqua Plastic Surgery patients.
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What a Tummy Tuck Can Address
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin from the abdomen, repairs the underlying muscles, and reshapes the midsection into a flatter contour. Common concerns a tummy tuck can address include:
- Excess skin that hangs over the lower abdomen
- Separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, known as diastasis recti
- A visible lower-belly “pooch” that doesn’t respond to crunches or training
- Stretch marks across the lower abdomen
- An existing C-section scar that can be revised during surgery
For patients with stubborn fat in adjacent areas like the hips or lower back, a tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction to create a more balanced contour across the midsection. Another option is the mini tummy tuck, which offers a smaller procedure focused on the area below the belly button for patients who don’t need full muscle repair.
Why Choose Aqua Plastic Surgery for Your Tummy Tuck
Aqua offers two board-certified plastic surgeons who both perform full and mini tummy tuck procedures. Patients can choose the surgeon whose approach feels right for them, or consult with each before deciding.
Dr. Rankin is one of the most well regarded plastic surgeons in South Florida. He brings decades of reconstructive and cosmetic experience to body contouring, including a hospital chief role and trauma care background that translates well to complex cases. For patients with significant skin laxity after weight loss, post-pregnancy diastasis, or revision concerns, his reconstructive depth is genuinely useful in the operating room.
Dr. Deziel is one of the top female plastic surgeons in Palm Beach County. Tummy tuck is a procedure where many women want a woman surgeon, given the close examination and conversations about body image involved. Dr. Deziel is known for taking the time to listen carefully to each patient and building a surgical plan around her specific anatomy and goals.
Both surgeons perform tummy tuck procedures in Aqua’s two private operating suites in nearby Jupiter, accredited by the American Society for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
What to Expect
The Consultation Process
The best way to know which tummy tuck approach is right for you is to meet with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel for a consultation. During your visit, your surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your goals to help you decide whether a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or a combination with liposuction would best serve your case.
About the Procedure
Tummy tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll return home the same day. The procedure typically takes around 2-4 hours and is completed in Aqua’s private operating suite in Jupiter.
Your surgeon begins by making a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, taking care to place it low enough that it can be hidden under underwear or a bathing suit. A second, smaller incision is then made around the belly button to reposition it once the abdominal wall is reshaped. Through these incisions, the abdominal muscles are drawn together and stitched into place to repair any separation. Excess fat is removed, the skin is redraped and trimmed, and the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures that don’t need to be removed later.
For patients who would benefit from contouring beyond the abdomen itself, liposuction can be performed during the same surgery.
The First Week
Rest and limited movement are essential in the first week. Aqua’s surgeons use a pain pump that releases Novocaine into the surgical area for three days, which significantly reduces the need for prescription pain medication during the most uncomfortable part of recovery. Patients also wear a compression garment to help control swelling and support the new contours.
Returning to Daily Life
Most patients return to work between 2 and 4 weeks after surgery, depending on how physically demanding their job is. Strenuous activity, exercise, and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 6 weeks to give the abdominal muscle repair time to heal fully. Most patients see their final result settle between 6 and 12 months after surgery.
Get Expert Advice on Tummy Tuck Surgery
Visiting Aqua from West Palm Beach
Aqua Plastic Surgery is located about twenty minutes north of West Palm Beach in Jupiter. For most patients in the WPB area, the drive is a straight shot up I-95 to Indiantown Road, or along Alternate A1A for a more scenic route through Juno Beach.
Our office is in The Commons at Abacoa, with parking directly outside. For patients having same-day surgery, a loved one can drive you home after the procedure so you can begin your recovery right away.
If you’d prefer to start with a virtual consultation before traveling to Jupiter, that’s also an option. Our team can walk you through what to expect and help you decide whether an in-person visit makes sense from the start.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, including muscle repair and removal of excess skin. A mini tummy tuck is a smaller procedure that focuses only on the area below the belly button. It involves less skin removal, less or no muscle repair, a smaller incision, and a shorter recovery. Mini tummy tuck is typically a good fit for patients who have a small amount of loose skin or a lower-belly pooch without significant muscle separation above the navel. During your consultation, your doctor will help you decide which approach is right for your case.
Yes, a tummy tuck is commonly combined with liposuction to create a more balanced contour across the entire midsection. It’s also a core component of a mommy makeover, which typically combines tummy tuck with breast surgery and liposuction during a single surgery session. Combining procedures means one recovery period instead of two.
Physically, yes, but our surgeons typically recommend waiting until you’ve finished having children before scheduling a tummy tuck. Pregnancy can stretch out the abdominal skin and reverse the muscle repair done during the procedure, often requiring a revision surgery later. If you’re not certain about future pregnancies, your surgeon will discuss the trade-offs during your consultation.
A tummy tuck isn’t a weight-loss procedure. It removes excess skin and a modest amount of fat from the abdomen, which can lead to a small reduction on the scale, but the procedure is meant to reshape rather than drop pounds. Patients usually see the best results when they’re already at or near a stable, healthy weight before surgery.
Yes, Aqua offers plastic surgery financing through CareCredit and an in-house plan. Speak with a member of our team during your consultation to learn more about your options.
For patients in West Palm Beach and beyond who’d prefer to start the conversation before traveling to our Jupiter office, we offer virtual consultations. An in-person visit can be scheduled afterward if it’s the right next step.
The Proof Is In Our Patients’ Stories
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Rankin and his incredible team for the exceptional care I received during my explant. From the moment I walked in, they made me feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. Their professionalism and compassion were evident in every detail, and I always felt I was in the best possible hands.
Love Dr. Rankin! He did my tummy tuck in May. We're now in October, and I'm doing great. He's a great surgeon. I definitely recommend him to all my friends and all my doctors. His staff is wonderful. The girls are so sweet! I'm going to get liposuction done in November to finish up the great work that he did.
One month since my explant surgery with Dr. Rankin, and I couldn't be more thankful. Choosing the right doctor was important to me, and Dr. Rankin and his team exceeded every expectation. Their support made me feel reassured at every step. The results are beyond what I hoped for! I feel free and truly happy.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Rankin and his incredible team for the exceptional care I received during my explant. From the moment I walked in, they made me feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. Their professionalism and compassion were evident in every detail, and I always felt I was in the best possible hands.
Love Dr. Rankin! He did my tummy tuck in May. We're now in October, and I'm doing great. He's a great surgeon. I definitely recommend him to all my friends and all my doctors. His staff is wonderful. The girls are so sweet! I'm going to get liposuction done in November to finish up the great work that he did.
One month since my explant surgery with Dr. Rankin, and I couldn't be more thankful. Choosing the right doctor was important to me, and Dr. Rankin and his team exceeded every expectation. Their support made me feel reassured at every step. The results are beyond what I hoped for! I feel free and truly happy.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Rankin and his incredible team for the exceptional care I received during my explant. From the moment I walked in, they made me feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. Their professionalism and compassion were evident in every detail, and I always felt I was in the best possible hands.
Love Dr. Rankin! He did my tummy tuck in May. We're now in October, and I'm doing great. He's a great surgeon. I definitely recommend him to all my friends and all my doctors. His staff is wonderful. The girls are so sweet! I'm going to get liposuction done in November to finish up the great work that he did.
One month since my explant surgery with Dr. Rankin, and I couldn't be more thankful. Choosing the right doctor was important to me, and Dr. Rankin and his team exceeded every expectation. Their support made me feel reassured at every step. The results are beyond what I hoped for! I feel free and truly happy.
I’m beyond grateful for Dr. Allyson Deziel! Such an amazing experience, with amazing results! Truly the best decision I’ve ever made.
Ashley is very caring and gentle with her patients. She takes time to explain the procedure and then performs like an artist! Sending my relatives and friends her way!!! They are blessed to have her!
I flew 2,000 miles each way from Colorado to Florida to see Dr. Rankin at Aqua Plastic Surgery, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. He is truly one of the BEST explant surgeons, and he has helped me reconnect with my authentic self. His skill and compassion made this a healing experience.
I’m beyond grateful for Dr. Allyson Deziel! Such an amazing experience, with amazing results! Truly the best decision I’ve ever made.
Ashley is very caring and gentle with her patients. She takes time to explain the procedure and then performs like an artist! Sending my relatives and friends her way!!! They are blessed to have her!
I flew 2,000 miles each way from Colorado to Florida to see Dr. Rankin at Aqua Plastic Surgery, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. He is truly one of the BEST explant surgeons, and he has helped me reconnect with my authentic self. His skill and compassion made this a healing experience.
I’m beyond grateful for Dr. Allyson Deziel! Such an amazing experience, with amazing results! Truly the best decision I’ve ever made.
Ashley is very caring and gentle with her patients. She takes time to explain the procedure and then performs like an artist! Sending my relatives and friends her way!!! They are blessed to have her!
I flew 2,000 miles each way from Colorado to Florida to see Dr. Rankin at Aqua Plastic Surgery, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. He is truly one of the BEST explant surgeons, and he has helped me reconnect with my authentic self. His skill and compassion made this a healing experience.