Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The abdominoplasty procedure removes excess skin and fat concentrated in the lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall muscles. Both men and women looking to reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen can have this procedure. A Tummy Tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and exercise as the best outcome is achieved in patients who are of a stable weight, physically healthy and are non-smokers.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients who are concerned with loose or sagging abdominal skin and/or excess fatty tissue in the abdomen are good candidates for this surgery. Women who have abdominal muscles that are weakened and separated from pregnancies also are good candidates. Patients who have had substantial weight loss and have now achieved their goal weight are often good candidates, as well.

Your Consultation Visit:

During your consultation visit, we will talk about your experiences, evaluate your health history and any previous surgeries, discuss the steps of abdominoplasty procedure and possible risks, and answer any specific questions you may have about the procedure. After the evaluation, your individual likely outcomes and any options or recommended treatments will also be discussed. You will have the opportunity to ask any additional questions or concerns that you may have. You are also welcome to tour our accredited surgery center so that you can be comfortable with where your surgery and recovery will be performed. Our patient care coordinator will give you pricing information for the procedures you have chosen and financing options, if you are interested.

The Procedure:

Your surgery will require a horizontal incision form hipbone to hipbone, although the exact length is determined by the amount of correction that is necessary. A second incision around your naval is also necessary. The abdominal muscles are repaired and the excess fat and skin is removed resulting in a flatter, firmer abdomen.

Anesthesia:

General anesthesia is used for your comfort and safety. The procedure is very individualized and surgery will normally last 2-4 hours.

Recovery:

After surgery, you will be placed in a compression garment to support your abdomen as you heal. Your abdomen will feel swollen for a few days after surgery and you will feel some discomfort (which can be controlled with the pain medication that I have prescribed for you). You may need assistance getting up and ambulating for the first few days.

You may shower the day after surgery and return to my office for your first post op visit one week after your surgery. I want you to begin ambulating the day after surgery. This promotes healing and reduces the chance of blood clots.

Recovery varies individually with some patients return to work in 10 days while others take a little longer. It usually takes 6 weeks to begin to regain previous endurance levels and 3-6 months to achieve final post-op result. During your post-op visits, we will continue to instruct you on your individual post-op care.