Abdominoplasty in Tijuana
Surgery for excess skin and separated abdominal muscles, with a board-certified plastic surgeon, in a hospital setting and with bilingual assessment.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess abdominal skin and fat while repairing diastasis of the rectus muscles to achieve a flat, firm abdomen. Dr. Alfredo Chama, a board-certified plastic surgeon (CMCPER No. 2607) in Tijuana, performs full or mini abdominoplasty based on case extent. General anesthesia is used in a hospital setting. Recovery requires a compression garment and relative rest for 3 to 4 weeks.
Body surgery · Abdominal contour
- CMCPER, Board Certification No. 2607
Verify his certification ↗
- Source
- CMCPER Directory (directoriocirugiaplastica.mx)
- Identifier
- CMCPER, Board Certification No. 2607
- Last verified
- Jul 29, 2026
- Verified in Motiva’s official surgeon locator
- Hospital setting · Certified hospital
- Bilingual care · ES / EN
What it is and isn’t
Skin and muscle surgery, not a weight-loss plan
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and, when the case requires it, repairs separated abdominal muscles known as diastasis. It’s performed through an incision whose extent depends on your anatomy; in some cases it’s combined with liposuction, but that decision is made with you in your assessment, never by default.
Just as important is what it is not. It’s not a weight-loss method and it doesn’t replace diet or exercise: it’s contour surgery for skin and muscle that no longer respond to those changes on their own, typically once your weight has already stabilized. It’s also not the same as liposuction — they solve different problems, and they’re sometimes combined, but they’re not interchangeable.
Full abdominoplasty
Treats the upper and lower abdomen, with muscle repair when the case requires it.
Mini abdominoplasty
Focused on the lower abdomen, with a shorter incision, when the excess skin is limited.
Combined
Planned together with another procedure (like liposuction) only when your anatomy justifies it.
Ideal candidate
When the timing is right
In general terms, it’s best suited for people with stable weight, no plans for future pregnancy, and in good general health, with excess abdominal skin that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. The medical assessment is what confirms whether your case qualifies — there’s no generic answer that fits everyone, and Dr. Chama builds it with you, not before knowing your history.
When it’s not appropriate
Honesty before a sale
If you have pending pregnancy plans, if your weight is still actively changing (up or down), or if there are uncontrolled health conditions, the timing isn’t right yet. We prefer to tell you clearly in your assessment rather than have you decide with incomplete information — in YMYL, honesty matters more than closing an appointment.
Consultation
Virtual or in-person assessment of your case
Preparation
Personalized plan, labs, and pre-op instructions
Procedure
Hospital setting, board-certified team
Recovery
Follow-up in person or remotely from the U.S.
What the process looks like
Assessment, surgery, and recovery in stages
Assessment
Dr. Chama reviews your case, your anatomy, and your clinical history, and explains which technique applies and which doesn’t. This is where your questions get answered before any date is decided.
Surgery
Generally under general anesthesia, in a hospital setting (certified hospital). Technique details are explained in your consultation, based on your specific plan. We don’t show images of the procedure: the information here is educational.
Recovery
It’s major surgery, not a minor outpatient procedure. The first days call for active rest and a compression garment; activity is reintroduced progressively over the following weeks, with close follow-up.
Exact timing varies by patient — technique used, whether it was combined with another procedure, and how your body responds to surgery. In your assessment you receive concrete instructions for your case, not a generic calendar, with follow-up in person or remote if you’re coming from the U.S..
Dr. Chama discusses every risk, complication rate, and realistic expectation in your assessment — before you decide. A medical site that only shows results and skips the risks is not giving you complete information.
Honest risks and considerations
What every major surgery involves
Abdominoplasty is major surgery and, as such, carries real risks: infection, variable scarring, fluid buildup under the skin (seroma), asymmetry, or the possibility of needing a revision later. The scar is permanent; its placement and extent are planned to be as discreet as possible, but it doesn’t disappear.
Dr. Chama explains these risks in detail in your assessment — along with what’s done to reduce them and what signs to watch during recovery — before you decide. A medical site that only shows the result and skips the risk isn’t giving you complete information; we prefer that you decide with the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Related Procedures
What patients ask us most
How much does abdominoplasty cost?
The price is defined in your assessment, based on the technique your case requires (full, mini, or combined with another procedure). We prefer to give you a personalized quote rather than a generic price. Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll guide you.
What is abdominoplasty?
It’s the surgery that removes excess abdominal skin and, when the case requires it, repairs separated abdominal muscles (diastasis). It’s performed through an incision whose extent depends on your anatomy and the goal you define with Dr. Chama in your assessment.
Does abdominoplasty help with weight loss?
No. It’s not a weight-loss method or a substitute for diet or exercise. It’s a body-contouring surgery designed for skin and muscle that no longer respond to those changes on their own — typically once your weight has already stabilized.
What’s the difference between abdominoplasty and liposuction?
They solve different problems. Liposuction removes localized fat; it doesn’t correct excess skin or separated muscle. Abdominoplasty does treat excess skin and, if applicable, diastasis. In some cases they’re combined, but that’s decided by Dr. Chama based on your anatomy, never by default. See liposuction for more detail.
Am I an ideal candidate?
In general terms, it’s best suited for people with stable weight, no plans for future pregnancy, and in good general health. The medical assessment is what confirms whether your case qualifies — there’s no generic answer that fits everyone.
When is surgery not recommended?
When there are pending pregnancy plans, when your weight is still actively changing (up or down), or when there are uncontrolled health conditions. Dr. Chama is direct in your assessment if your timing isn’t right yet.
How is it performed?
Generally under general anesthesia, in a hospital setting (certified hospital). Incision extent and whether it’s combined with another procedure are defined in your consultation, based on your specific plan. We don’t show images of the procedure: the information here is educational.
What is recovery like?
It’s major surgery with real recovery, not a minor outpatient procedure. The first days require active rest and a compression garment; activity is reintroduced progressively over the following weeks. Timing varies by patient; in your assessment you receive concrete instructions.
What are the risks?
As with any major surgery, it carries risks: infection, variable scarring, fluid buildup (seroma), asymmetry, or the possibility of needing a revision. Dr. Chama explains them in detail in your assessment, along with what’s done to reduce them.
I’m coming from the U.S. — how does it work?
We offer a bilingual virtual assessment to review your case before you cross. Because this is major surgery, your stay in Tijuana is usually a few days longer than for minor procedures, to cover surgery and the first postoperative check-up; after that, follow-up continues remotely.
Why choose Dr. Chama?
A board-certified plastic surgeon, verified in Motiva’s official surgeon locator, who operates in a hospital setting and provides bilingual follow-up for every case.
Schedule your virtual consultation
Your quote is personalized. Message us and we’ll guide you, no commitment.
WhatsApp +52 664 585 1602Consultation
Schedule your consultation
Direct attention from Dr. Alfredo Chama's team, board-certified plastic surgeon in Tijuana. Message us or call to schedule your appointment.
or if you prefer, directly:
Your Care Continues After Surgery
- Follow-up appointments with Dr. Chama
- Conveniently located near the San Ysidro border crossing
- Direct line for any post-op questions: +52 664 585 1602
- Detailed recovery guide before you travel home
Your safety and recovery are Dr. Chama's priority — before, during, and after your procedure.
Last updated: September 13, 2026
Plastic Surgery in Tijuana for U.S. Patients
Tijuana is Mexico's leading border city for medical tourism, located just across the San Diego border. Dr. Alfredo Chama serves patients from California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and across the United States with:
- Pre-surgical virtual consultation in English and Spanish
- Border logistics coordination — transportation from the crossing, hotel recommendations near the clinic
- Post-operative follow-up via telemedicine for patients returning home
- Board-certified surgeon (CMCPER No. 2607) operating in an accredited hospital setting
The clinic is located at Plaza Península on Vía Rápida Oriente, with direct access from the international border. Many patients from San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas choose Tijuana for board-certified plastic surgery with personalized bilingual care.