Tummy Tuckin Minneapolis
Many men and women alike can feel dissatisfied with the appearance of their midsection, preventing them from feeling confident at the pool or on the beach, or even from fitting comfortably into their clothes. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular procedures among women who have been pregnant or anyone who has lost significant amounts of weight. The procedure removes excess fatty tissue in the abdominal area, tightens stomach skin and can repair diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles.
Top female plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Harrington understands that everyone’s needs are different and prides herself on customizing each tummy tuck procedure to meet the needs and goals of each individual.
Your Trusted Surgeon
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
Find out why so many women and men choose us for their cosmetic surgery enhancements, and see why Dr. Harrington should be your top choice.
Why Choose Harrington Plastic Surgery & Med Spa for Your Tummy Tuck
There are many reasons our patients feel confident and comfortable working with Dr. Harrington and her team at Harrington Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in the Minneapolis area:
- Board-certified, top female plastic surgeon. Dr. Jennifer Harrington is nationally recognized and consistently ranked among the best female plastic surgeons in the Twin Cities and beyond.
- Decades of experience specializing in body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty. With specialized fellowship training and leadership roles in trauma and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Harrington brings a specialized blend of technical skill and artistic aesthetics to each and every procedure.
- Cutting-edge facilities and technology. We offer the latest medical technology and devices in our state-of-the-art Plymouth facility, as well as a dedicated medspa, SpaVie, for patients looking to combine nonsurgical treatments with cosmetic surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Many women and men who are unhappy with loose skin and stubborn fat in their midsections can be good candidates for a tummy tuck. Some of the most common reasons why our Minneapolis-St.Paul patients seek abdominoplasty include repairing separated abdominal muscles, improving loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss and removing stubborn fat that doesn’t respond well to diet and exercise alone.
Ideal candidates for this procedure are:
- In good physical and mental health.
- Already at or close to their target weight.
- Able to maintain a healthy, stable weight.
- Have finished having children (for women).
- Have realistic expectations for their tummy tuck results.
Schedule Your Consultation
Use our convenient online scheduler to book your initial surgical consult online. Choose a time that works for you and meet with Dr. Harrington's RN, Saebra. We look forward to seeing you!
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
If you are considering a tummy tuck, the first step is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our team members. During this time, she will carefully listen to your needs and goals and perform a physical evaluation to help you determine if abdominoplasty could be the best solution for you.
We will also explain in detail your tummy tuck options and the ways in which your procedure can be customized to meet your specific needs. This is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you might have, both about tummy tucks in general and our customized recommendations for you.
Personalizing Your Tummy Tuck
There are several tummy tuck options that we will discuss with you during your consultation to customize your procedure. While a full or traditional tummy tuck is typically the best choice for many people, some people also ask about mini or extended tummy tuck techniques.
- A full tummy tuck involves an incision that runs from hip to hip, allowing Dr. Harrington to remove and tighten excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, as well as repair muscle tissue if necessary.
- A mini tummy tuck targets only the lower abdomen, below the belly button. While this technique involves a shorter scar, it is limited in how much skin tightening it can achieve.
- An extended tummy tuck uses the same technique as a full tummy tuck but continues around the sides to address excess skin and fat on the hips or lower back.
Additionally, Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to complement your tummy tuck, depending on your cosmetic goals and natural anatomy. Liposuction is nearly always included with a tummy tuck. Other popular procedures to pair with abdominoplasty include breast enhancements like a breast lift and/or breast augmentation and labiaplasty.
Together with Dr. Harrington, you can create a completely personalized procedure that will best meet your goals.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Harrington and her team will help you prepare for every step along the way of your tummy tuck journey. Leading up to your procedure, you will receive detailed guidelines on how to get ready for surgery. These include things like:
- Discussing medications and supplements with Dr. Harrington, in case any need to be adjusted before surgery.
- Not smoking or vaping for at least several weeks before and after your tummy tuck.
- Avoiding alcohol in the days leading up to your procedure.
- Getting prescriptions filled ahead of time.
- Doing grocery shopping, meal prep and household chores beforehand.
- Arranging for at least 2 weeks off of work and other obligations while recovering.
If you have any questions about how to prepare for your tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty is a same-day procedure performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. You should arrive at the surgery center 1 hour before your procedure start time and will stay for at least 1 hour after your procedure is finished. The entire process takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the specifics of your surgery. You should bring a friend or family member who can drive you home once you are discharged, and an adult will need to stay with you for at least 24 hours following your surgery.
Tummy tuck incisions are typically placed below the midsection, running horizontally across the upper pubic region so that the resulting scar can be easily hidden by a bathing suit or underwear. The length of your incision will depend on the extent of your procedure, but most traditional tummy tucks involve an incision that stretches roughly from one hip to the other. Dr. Harrington takes special care to make scarring as minimal as possible, and will advise you on how to heal optimally and achieve the best tummy tuck scar.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After your tummy tuck, some soreness and swelling is to be expected. Most people take at least 2 weeks away from work and other normal activities. Some patients, however, may feel up to returning to work sooner, especially if they have a desk job with no heavy lifting. Dr. Harrington may ask you to wear a special post-surgical compression garment designed to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling during the first days and weeks after surgery.
Swelling and bruising should begin to subside during the second week of your recovery, but results will continue to develop over the coming weeks and months. During this time, you will need to limit physical activity until Dr. Harrington clears you to resume normal exercise and other activities. Most people are able to get back to their regular exercise routine within around 6 weeks after a tummy tuck.
It is important to discuss any possible risks or complications with Dr. Harrington prior to getting your tummy tuck. If you notice any sudden swelling or pain, notify our office immediately.
Your Tummy Tuck Results
While you may notice a difference in the shape and contours of your body directly after your tummy tuck, keep in mind that swelling and bruising will camouflage your initial results for several weeks. Be patient with your body as it continues to heal and results gradually develop over time.
Although individual experiences will vary, most people will have a good idea of what their final outcome will look like around 3 to 6 months after abdominoplasty. However, it can take up to 1 year for full results to shine through. Scars can take 12 to 18 months to fully mature and begin to fade, so expect resulting scarring to continue to improve over time.
Keep in mind that while a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, this procedure does not prevent future weight gain. Thus, Dr. Harrington advises patients to commit to a healthy and active lifestyle before and after their tummy tuck to maintain and prolong their results.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
The cost of a tummy tuck in Minneapolis will vary depending on the technique used and whether or not you choose to include additional procedures. For this reason, Dr. Harrington and her team will be able to provide you with an accurate tummy tuck cost estimate at the time of your consultation, after discussing the specifics of your procedure. Please ask us about our financing options if you are interested in learning more.
A tummy tuck could be right for you if you are in good overall health and are close to your ideal weight but would like to address loose skin and/or separated muscle tissue in your abdominal area. Liposuction is often included with a tummy tuck to remove small pockets of stubborn fat at the same time.
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of a tummy tuck. There are some exceptions, however, when abdominoplasty is considered medically necessary, such as to repair muscle tissue. The best way to understand what your plan may or may not cover is to call the number listed on the back of your insurance card.
Ask friends and family members in your area for referrals if you know anyone who has had experience with a plastic surgeon near you. Check for credentials, before and after photos and client reviews online to help you narrow down your search. Don’t be afraid to book more than one consultation to help you make your final decision.
A tummy tuck could be right for you if you are in good overall health and are close to your ideal weight but would like to address loose skin and/or separated muscle tissue in your abdominal area. Liposuction is often included with a tummy tuck to remove small pockets of stubborn fat at the same time.
Most people report feeling the most tenderness and discomfort in the first few days after a tummy tuck. Swelling, bruising and tightness are to be expected, though these symptoms can be managed with the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication, along with getting enough rest and taking it easy as you heal. Wearing a compression garment as directed by your plastic surgeon and following other tummy tuck recovery guidelines can help you to feel more comfortable as your body recovers.
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck does come with risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing or reactions to anesthesia. Dr. Harrington will discuss these risks in detail with you during your consultation so you are well-informed.
Most people plan to take at least two weeks off work and other activities to recover from their abdominoplasty. However, the amount of downtime you need will depend on your unique situation and how well you are feeling after your tummy tuck. It can take several months to see your final tummy tuck results and complete the healing process.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, so don’t expect to lose a significant amount of weight. However, the weight of any excess skin or fat that is removed during your tummy tuck will reflect on the scale. Expect to lose anywhere from around 4 to 10 pounds after your tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck results can be very long-lasting, provided you keep up with healthy eating and exercise habits to prevent new fat deposits that may result in stretched skin. Women who have children after a tummy tuck may require a revision procedure down the road.
Contact Us
Dr. Harrington shares what you can expect when you visit us for your initial consultation.
Written By: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
More about Dr. Jennifer Harrington | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026
Written By: Dr. Jennifer Harrington
Dr. Jennifer Harrington is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the medical director at SpaVie in Minneapolis. Dr. Harrington is recognized as one of the best female plastic surgeons, and is locally and nationally renowned for bringing the highest standards of medical excellence and aesthetic sensitivity to all procedures of the breast, body and face.
More about Dr. Jennifer Harrington | Dr. Jennifer Harrington Reviews
Last Reviewed: July 8th, 2026