Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to tighten loose muscle and remove excess fat and skin of the abdomen commonly caused by pregnancy, other abdominal surgery and fluctuations in weight. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

Why Choose Abdominoplasty?
Even regular exercise and healthy eating habits can't repair abdominal muscle and skin that has been stretched beyond the point where it can return to normal naturally. Optimum, long-lasting results are achieved in persons whose weight has stabilized and who do not intend to become pregnant in the future. Unlike various types of gastric surgery, abdominoplasty is not intended as a means of weight reduction; and only those stretch marks, scars and other imperfections located in the skin that is removed will disappear. The procedure can, however, dramatically flatten and draw in your midsection, so clothes fit better and you feel better about yourself.

The Procedure

Full Abdominoplasty
This, the most commonly performed, variation of abdominoplasty takes 21/2 to 4 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis (usually with an overnight stay) under general anesthesia. An incision is made at or just below the pubic hairline and extends from one hipbone to the other. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from surrounding tissue so that it can be repositioned later. Through the long incision, skin and tissue up to the level of the ribs are separated from the abdominal muscles. Lifting this flap, the doctor repairs any existing herniation, then draws the muscles together and sutures them into position. Afterward, the flap of skin and tissue is stretched down and the excess is removed. Because the opening for the navel is typically in the skin that is removed, a new opening is made. Thin drain tubes are placed under the skin for about a week to remove any excess blood and fluid; after which, the long incision is closed.

Removal of Excess Skin and Tissue Only
Designed for men and those women with excess skin and fat but no abdominal muscle weakness, this procedure is essentially the same as a tummy tuck, but without the tightening of abdominal muscles.

Recovery
Surface sutures used to close both incisions and staples used with only the long incision come out in the course of three weeks. Bruising is usually minimal; however, noticeable swelling will be present for four to six weeks, with residual swelling lasting up to six months. If surgery includes the repair of herniation and weakened abdominal muscles, you can expect to feel tight and have some difficulty walking upright for a week or more. Wearing a compression garment as instructed over the course of several months will greatly facilitate recovery.

You should expect some degree of numbness between the navel and long incision, depending on the extent of surgery. Abdominal "twinges" are common during the first six months of recovery from abdominoplasty and indicative of a return of feeling. Complete sensation in this area may never return; however, most patients find that any loss of feeling, temporary or permanent, does not interfere with normal activity.

Sedentary work and light activity typically may be resumed in two weeks. Patients whose surgery includes muscle repair or whose daily routine entails bending, lifting or other strenuous activity are advised to refrain from it for three to six weeks. Keep in mind, however, that while it may be cosmetic in nature, abdominoplasty is a relatively involved procedure. It can take a year or longer for the incisions to look as good as they can and you feel back to normal.