TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) : WOODBURY, MN

You Didn't Fail.

Skin Doesn't Shrink.

After significant weight loss or pregnancy, loose skin and separated abdominal muscles often won’t respond to diet or exercise. A tummy tuck is the surgical solution designed to repair and contour the abdominal area.

Dr. Thao Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Portrait in Woodbury Clinic

HONORED BY PEERS & PATIENTS

Our Recognition

Board Certified

TOP DOCTOR

BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN

4.9 RealSelf Rating

ANATOMICAL RESTORATION

What a Tummy Tuck Addresses

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and subcutaneous fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and creates a flatter, fitter looking midsection.

Excess or Sagging Skin

Pregnancy or major weight loss can stretch your skin past its breaking point. A tummy tuck permanently removes this loose, hanging skin, leaving you with a beautifully smooth, flat, and firm stomach.

Stubborn Abdominal Fat

Sometimes, diet and exercise aren't enough to get rid of stubborn belly fat. Surgery such as liposuction can remove fat directly for a flatter, more toned stomach.

Separated Muscles

When abdominal muscles separate (a condition called diastasis recti), it can cause a permanent stomach pooch. Repairing these muscles restores your core strength and improves your posture.

Not sure if you're a candidate? That's exactly what the free consultation is for.

Confidential Assessment : Board Certified Plastic Surgery

CLINICAL HEALING MILESTONES

The Recovery, Honestly

We believe transparency builds the highest surgical confidence. True abdominoplasty recovery requires patience, structured support, and clinical milestone adherence rather than rushed timelines.

1

Days 1–3: Dedicated Rest & Supported Mobility

Phase I

Rest at home while keeping body slightly bent forward. Take frequent 5-minute walks to keep blood circulating, and keep wearing compression garment at all times.

2

Week 1: First Clinical Follow-Up

Phase II

Your incisions and swelling will be checked. Surgeon will review how to care for your surgical drains, and any soreness should start turning into mild stiffness.

3

Weeks 2–3: Standing Tall & Drain Removal

Phase III

Some drains can now be comfortably removed. You will be able to stand up straighter as your stomach relaxes, making it easier to take short walks outside and do light household chores.

4

Weeks 4–6: Desk Routine & Gentle Exercise

Phase IV

Full return to non-physical work, driving, and low-impact cardiovascular movement. Continue to wear compression garment and massage. Start silicone scar treatment after surgical scars begin to soften.

5

Months 2–3: Core Activation & Scar Care

Phase V

Gradually return to your normal workouts and core exercises. Move to wearing your compression garment during the day only.

6

Months 6–12: Complete Contour Definition

Phase VI

Any leftover swelling will completely go away, revealing a final, toned stomach. The low incision will also fade into a faint line.

Not sure if you're a candidate? That's exactly what the free consultation is for.

[DR. THAO PHOTO — PORTRAIT]

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

Meet Dr. Thao

Patients who come to Dr. David Thao at Woodbury Plastic Surgery entrust their care to a surgeon with outstanding education, training and an exemplary reputation in the medical community.

Form and function are the foundations of Dr. Thao's practice where his ability to enhance physical beauty is only matched by his exceptional skill as a surgeon.

Dr. Thao completed his undergraduate degree at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He completed his general surgery residency at St. John Hospital in Detroit, MI and received further training in plastic surgery in Akron, OH .

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified

  • Over 20 Years of Dedicated Surgical Excellence

Confidential, 1-on-1 private evaluation with Dr. Thao.

DOCUMENTED OUTCOMES

Real Patients. Real Results.

Standardized clinical documentation showing abdominal contouring, muscle repair, and scar placement at 6-month postoperative follow-ups.

Individual results may vary. Unretouched photographs of actual surgical patients following individualized clinical surgical plans.

VERIFIED EXPERIENCES

Real Patient Stories

Reflections from patients who navigated muscle restoration and personal renewal with clinical guidance.

Dr. Thao is responsible for giving me a new outlook on life in my 50's. For the last 25 years I have taken care of my children and not myself. At 50 I figured it was time to take care of me from the inside out. I have had two children, one by C-section, and gained a lot of weight. I decided with a little reluctance to look into a tummy tuck. I found Dr. Thao and went forward with the procedure. I couldn't be happier or more thankful. He was so precise and patient with me. I think I have a better looking body than in my 20's. I never thought I could look so good in my 50's. It has all been worth it!!

J.D.

Full Abdominoplasty

I had a tummy tuck done by Dr. Thao. I am only 1 weeks post op and already loving my results. He is amazing and his staff is amazing. I would recommend all my friends to Woodbury plastic surgery.

S.G.

Abdominoplasty

Disclaimer: Individual results may vary based on anatomical considerations, baseline health, and adherence to surgical recovery guidelines.

YOUR FIRST VISIT : CLEAR & UNHURRIED

What Happens at Your Consultation

Stepping into a plastic surgery consultation should feel calming, validating, and informative. There is never any obligation or sales pressure.

Our goal is simply to listen, evaluate your unique anatomy, and give you honest, surgical recommendations.

01

Private One-on-One Conversation

You will sit down directly with Dr. Thao in a comfortable, private suite to share your personal aesthetic goals, concerns, and medical history without rush.

02

Clinical Assessment & Muscle Evaluation

A discreet physical examination determines whether skin laxity, muscle separation (diastasis recti), or localized fat is the primary factor affecting your contour.

03

Custom Surgical Blueprint & Technique Selection

Dr. Thao walks you through incision placement tailored to you, whether liposuction is recommended, and the exact steps for repair.

04

Transparent Dialogue & Recovery Outlook

Receive clear answers on realistic recovery timelines, post-op support, and scar maturation. You take home all notes with plenty of time to consider.

CLINICAL CLARITY & EXPECTATIONS

Your Questions, Answered

Clear, honest guidance on surgical candidacy, scar placement, and the recovery timeline so you can plan your transformation with complete confidence.

Who is an ideal candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure?

Ideal candidates are non-smoking adults near their target weight who experience loose abdominal skin, separated core muscles, or stubborn tissue after pregnancy or significant weight changes.

A personalized consultation confirms anatomical readiness and clarifies your surgical goals.

Where are surgical incisions placed, and how will scarring mature?

Incisions are carefully positioned low along the bikini line, designed to remain fully concealed beneath standard underwear and swimwear. While scarring is permanent, it typically softens, flattens, and fades significantly over 12 to 18 months with guided scar care protocols.

What is the expected recovery timeline before resuming normal activities?

Most patients return to non-strenuous desk work and light walking within 10 to 14 days. Strenuous fitness routines, heavy lifting, and direct core exercises are gradually reintroduced around the 6-week milestone following clinical clearance.

Does the procedure repair separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)?

Yes. Muscle plication is a fundamental step of a full abdominoplasty. The vertical rectus abdominis muscles are meticulously brought back to the midline and reinforced, restoring core strength, flattening the profile, and supporting improved posture.

Can a tummy tuck be safely combined with other aesthetic procedures?

Combining abdominoplasty with targeted liposuction, breast rejuvenation, or facial procedures is common and often ideal for comprehensive restoration. Surgical candidacy for combined treatments is evaluated to ensure absolute patient safety and manageable recovery.

How is post-operative comfort managed during early healing?

We utilize multi-modal comfort management, including long-acting local anesthetics during surgery and tailored post-operative medications. Patients also wear specialized supportive medical garments to minimize swelling and protect healing tissues.

How long will surgical results last over time?

Results are enduring. The excised skin and repositioned muscles remain permanently altered. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy wellness routine ensures your refined contour remains beautiful for decades to come.

BEGIN YOUR TRANSFORMATION

Request Your Free Consultation

Take the first definitive step toward reclaiming your silhouette and core strength. In your private, unhurried consultation, our board-certified surgical team will personally assess your anatomical goals, answer every question, and design a bespoke procedural plan tailored exclusively to your body.

  • Direct 1-on-1 evaluation and surgical mapping

  • Certified private surgical facility for discreet care

  • Personalized recovery blueprint and clear timeline planning

  • 100% confidential consultation with zero pressure to commit

Appointments are limited each month to ensure rigorous, individualized patient attention.

Reserve Consultation

Complimentary anatomical evaluation & personalized care plan