Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
More commonly as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce a protruding abdomen.
Consultation
Consultation for the procedure includes a thorough discussion of your desires, expectations, and concerns as well as limits and risks of the surgery. The surgeon will review your medical history and recommend options that would be suitable for you. He or she also will take pictures of and carefully examine your abdomen and overall body contour.
To create a more polished look overall, a tummy tuck can be performed in conjunction with liposuction or other gynecologic procedures.
Candidates
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but have loose abdominal skin or excessive fat in the abdomen that cannot be corrected with weight loss or exercise. Pregnancy, obesity, and age can loosen the abdominal skin and slacken the abdominal muscle enough to prevent abdominal tone from returning.
Overweight or obese patients who intend to lose a significant amount of weight should postpone surgery until they have achieved a normal, healthy weight for their height. Because vertical muscles that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy, women who plan to have more children also should postpone the procedure.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty is usually performed at the hospital under a general anesthesia. Most patients remain in the hospital overnight. In some cases, a mini (or modified) procedure may be performed in our ambulatory surgery center because it requires less anesthesia and is accompanied with a faster, easier recovery.
Recovery and Results
If you undergo a tummy tuck, you will be given thorough written instructions to prepare for and recover from your surgery. Some patients are discharged with drains that will remain in place for several days. Most sutures are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. It takes time to return to normal activities after a tummy tuck, and most people remain out of work for 2 to 3 weeks.
The abdominal scar is long and will be visible; however, it is usually kept in the bikini line and does not show in most clothing and swim wear.
Whether it is partial or complete, a tummy tuck yields excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. Some patients also elect to have liposuction of the hips or other regions to achieve outstanding results.
Results are typically long lasting, however, patients must continue to manage their weight to protect the effects of the procedure.
