Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Honolulu, HI
A tummy tuck, or an abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can help you restore a flatter stomach and a more defined waist. (1)
Over time, life events, internal changes, and extrinsic influences can cause the skin across the abdomen to repeatedly stretch and contract. While these changes are natural, the skin can slowly lose its elasticity as it continues to remain extended. This has led to many patients realizing their skin no longer retracts to their contours but now hangs down or sags. By undergoing a tummy tuck, you can correct each of these concerns and elevate both your silhouette and sense of self-confidence.
Dr. Daniel Murariu of Hawaii Aesthetics & Robotic Plastic Surgery is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Murariu is renowned for his surgical expertise, which has led to him publishing several dozen journal articles, including in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, the most prestigious journal in plastic surgery.
To begin working with Dr. Murariu, we invite you to contact us online. Alternatively, you may also call or text the front desk of our Honolulu office at (808) 302-7188.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Tummy Tucks
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery
- 9 Results
- 10 Cost of Tummy Tucks in Honolulu, Hawaii
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 What concerns can a tummy tuck correct?
- 11.2 What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures that Dr. Murariu can perform?
- 11.3 What type of anesthesia will Dr. Murariu use during my tummy tuck?
- 11.4 Can a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
- 11.5 How long will the results of a tummy tuck last?
- 11.6 After my procedure, when will I be able to return to work?
- 11.7 Can Dr. Murariu combine my tummy tuck with another procedure?
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can elevate the appearance of your natural contours by removing inelastic skin and tightening any weakened muscles across the abdomen. Many patients undergo this procedure to combat the lasting physical effects associated with weight loss or pregnancy, and it is one of the most frequently performed body-contouring procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. (2)
Types of Tummy Tucks
Dr. Murariu can perform several variations of tummy tucks to address a range of concerns affecting the abdomen. They include:
- Traditional Tummy Tucks: A traditional tummy tuck addresses sagging skin and muscle laxity found above and below the navel. It also typically includes navel repositioning and reshaping.
- Mini Tummy Tucks: A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter and smaller incision. This approach only addresses concerns found below the navel, and it does not alter the navel itself. (1)
- Extended Tummy Tucks: An extended tummy tuck uses a longer incision that extends back towards the hips. Dr. Murariu reserves this comprehensive approach for those with more extensive concerns that are also affecting their flanks, hips, and love handles, in addition to the abdomen.
Benefits
Tummy tucks offer several benefits, including:
- A Flatter Stomach: The primary benefit of tummy tucks is their ability to recontour your figure and help you attain a flatter stomach and more defined waist.
- Smoother Skin: Tummy tucks remove inelastic skin from around the abdomen.
- Restored Muscle Strength: This procedure can address muscle weakness and separated abdominal muscles, which is also known as diastasis recti.
- A Repositioned Navel: Dr. Murariu can perform a tummy tuck to reposition and reshape your navel, restoring it to a more central and proportionate placement.
- Heightened Confidence: Recontouring your figure may lead to improvements in your sense of body positivity and self-esteem.
- Customized Solutions: Dr. Murariu tailors each procedure according to the unique needs and anatomy of each individual.
- Lasting Results: The results of a tummy tuck can last for several years, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if you have recently undergone pregnancy, weight loss, or another life event, and now face lasting physical concerns that traditional lifestyle changes cannot address. These include:
- Loose or sagging skin
- Muscle laxity or weakness
- Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Abdominal wall defects
- Excess fat deposits
- Skin irritation caused by redundant skin
To undergo this procedure, you will need to be in good general health and possess a stable weight you can maintain long-term. You should no longer have any plans to expand your family or breastfeed. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine altogether.
Personal Consultation
Dr. Murariu tailors each tummy tuck procedure, which is why we ask that you attend a personal consultation. During your visit, he will meet with you individually to discuss each aspect of your treatment. He will review your medical history, learn more about your concerns, and establish shared aesthetic goals. He will also perform a thorough evaluation to assess the anatomy of your abdomen, your skin quality, your muscle elasticity, and where any fat may have accumulated.
Dr. Murariu will then use this information to create a customized solution for your needs. He will determine what incision pattern to use, what surgical techniques to incorporate, and how much tissue to remove. If you are interested in more comprehensive results, he may suggest integrating another procedure into your treatment plan. He will also take the time to answer any questions you may have.
If you are ready to attend this meeting and receive your tailored treatment plan, we invite you to contact us online. You may also call (808) 302-7188 to reach our Honolulu office directly.
Preparation
Once you schedule your procedure, Dr. Murariu will give you a full set of directions to help you prepare. They may vary depending on your lifestyle habits and the details of your treatment plan, but they will help you optimize your procedure, results, and recovery.
Typically, you will need to refrain from taking any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning or antiplatelet properties. You will need to arrange time away from your professional and personal responsibilities, and have a trusted adult drive you home after your procedure. You should also refrain from consuming nicotine and alcohol in the weeks prior to your appointment.
Procedure
Dr. Murariu performs each tummy tuck in his accredited procedure room using intravenous anesthesia (twilight sedation) which is safer than general anesthesia- there is less nausea, vomiting, recovery is faster and there is less risk of blood clots or pulmonary complications. The duration of your procedure will vary, but you can expect it to last a few hours.
Dr. Murariu will begin by placing an incision across the lower abdomen, just above the pubis. The exact placement and length of your incision will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck you receive and the extent of your corrections. He will then proceed to remove your inelastic skin and tighten any weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). If there is a significant amount of fat found across your abdomen, Dr. Murariu may elect to remove it using liposuction. He will then reposition and reshape your navel to match your renewed figure, and close your incisions.
Recovery
As you recover, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort. These effects will subside on their own with time, but you may manage them using medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Murariu will also have you wear a compression garment to limit additional swelling and maintain your renewed figure as you heal.
Dr. Murariu recommends incorporating gentle movements and light walks into your routine as soon as you feel ready. These actions will improve your circulation to the healing regions. You may return to light tasks and desk work after resting for 1 to 2 weeks, but you will need to wait several more weeks before returning to arduous activities or heavy lifting.
Dr. Murariu will provide you with a full set of post-operative instructions to follow as you heal. If any questions or concerns arise, we ask that you contact us.
Results
Once you have fully recovered, you will be able to enjoy smoother skin, elevated proportions, a flatter stomach, and a more defined waist—each of which contributes to a more sculpted and alluring silhouette. The strength of your pelvic floor will also be restored.
Tummy tucks yield durable results that you can enjoy for years to come. However, you will need to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve them, as weight fluctuations can undo your results over time.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Honolulu, Hawaii
The cost of your tummy tuck will vary depending on a combination of different factors, including the type of tummy tuck you receive, the extent of your corrections, whether you pair your procedure with another, and more. Once Dr. Murariu establishes these details, he will converse with you about your financial obligations.
FAQ
What concerns can a tummy tuck correct?
A tummy tuck can address many of the lasting changes associated with pregnancy or weight loss. A few of them include sagging or redundant skin, weakened abdominal muscles, diastasis recti, excess fat deposits, and abdominal wall defects.
What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures that Dr. Murariu can perform?
Dr. Murariu can perform a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, and an extended tummy tuck. The approach he uses during your procedure will vary depending on the extent of your concerns, your desired results, and your natural anatomy.
What type of anesthesia will Dr. Murariu use during my tummy tuck?
Dr. Murariu will perform your tummy tuck using intravenous anesthesia provided by a board certified anesthesiologist. Your safety is our number one priority.
Can a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
No, this procedure is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss one. In order to qualify, you need to already possess a stable weight you can maintain long-term.
How long will the results of a tummy tuck last?
When you maintain a stable weight and uphold healthy lifestyle habits, you will be able to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck for several years to come.
After my procedure, when will I be able to return to work?
The length of your recovery will vary, but you can expect to return to light activities and desk work after resting for 1 to 2 weeks. Anything more demanding should be avoided for several more weeks, or until Dr. Murariu has approved your return.
Can Dr. Murariu combine my tummy tuck with another procedure?
Yes, Dr. Murariu can combine your procedure with another to address several concerns at once and to help you achieve more transformational results. For more information about this, we recommend scheduling a consultation.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. 2020. Accessed October 20, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Ramirez AE, Hsieh TY, Cardenas JP, Lao WW. Abdominoplasty: My Preferred Techniques. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2021;86(3S):S229. doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000002639
