Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Candidates for Surgery

Candidates for Tummy Tuck surgery are healthy but have EXCESS SKIN OR FAT that does not respond to diet and exercise.  Many patients choose to have a tummy tuck if they are unable to tighten the abdominal wall with exercise.

Candidates may have had children or undergone SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT LOSS and have hanging skin.

Candidates may be women with loose skin and stretch marks FOLLOWING PREGNANCY.

Candidates may be older patients with LOSS OF SKIN ELASTICITY.

The intended result is to achieve a smoother, flatter abdomen by improving the appearance of an abdomen which may be overly protruding stretched muscles (poor abdominal tone), or may have excess loose skin and fat.

There are variations of the standard operation, including "mini-tucks", which may be of benefit to patients who require only tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin. On the other extreme, patients with massive weight loss may require a more extensive operation.

Usually, under general anesthesia, an incision is made across the lower part of the abdomen at the level of the pubic hair line.  A circular incision is made around the navel which stays attached to the muscle. The skin with underlying fat is then separated from the muscle up toward the ribs, so that it can be pulled down like a window shade. The tummy is then "tightened", (narrowing and flattening the abdomen) by stitching the muscles together.  Additional procedures that may enhance the result are Liposuction, Liposculpture, Breast Procedures, or Thigh Lift.

'Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall and skin below the umbilicus, belly button, only (shortest scar).

Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair.

Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles above and below the belly button. The scar can be altered or lowered to be hidden by most panty lines and bathing suits.  (Standard scar).

Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back.)

A general anesthetic is most common, although mini-tucks may be done with local anesthetic and intravenous sedation. A Standard Abdominoplasty is generally an outpatient procedures but extended abdominoplasty may require a short hospitalization of 1-2 days.
Additional procedures that may enhance the result are Liposuction, Breast Procedures, or Thigh Lift.

Following the procedure, a surgical bed will be positioned to bend the patient at the hips (waist) in order to reduce tension on the newly tightened skin.  Immediately after surgery, within the first few hours, the patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position.  During the 6 weeks after surgery, strenuous activity and the lifting of more than ten pounds must be avoided.  Many patients are able to return to work and daily activities within 2 weeks of surgery.  Softening of the surgical scars, return of sensation, and loosening of the tight sensation may take several months. Abdominoplasty recovery can be in some cases slow and uncomfortable requiring more time for a full recovery.  Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Sports will be more comfortable after 6 weeks.

The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual and include deep venous thrombosis (clots in the calf veins) – to prevent this special elastic stockings are used after surgery and “leg pumps” during surgery.

Please ask us about additional complications that may be associated with this surgery.