Tummy tuck

Abdominoplasty

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Wellness and Health

The abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

In the "full" tummy tuck, two surgical incisions are made, one across the lower abdomen directly above the pubic area and a second incision around the patient’s belly button. The patient’s skin is separated from the wall of the abdomen and the surgeon pulls the loose abdominal muscles from the left and right flanks suturing them together. After the tightening and suturing of the abdominal muscles is completed, excess skin is removed and the belly button reset. Remaining incisions are closed with sutures and/or staples.

The “partial” or “mini” tummy tuck treats problem areas below the belly button and may be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthetic. The surgeon may recommend that either a "partial" or "full" tummy tuck be done in conjunction with liposuction. Occasionally, liposuction alone may offer the most desirable results.

The full tummy tuck takes up to five hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure, the desired out come and the pre-operative condition of the patient, and a "partial" takes one to two hours.

It generally takes most tummy tuck patients several weeks to feel completely back to normal. Patients who are in good physical condition will experience faster recovery times. Additionally, some tummy tuck patients are able to return to work after two weeks, others will require up to four weeks to recuperate.

Many cosmetic surgeons recommend that tummy tuck patients begin a program of light exercise immediately following surgery. Being mildly active will reduce swelling, decrease the possibility of developing blood clots and enhance skin tone. In some cases, it may take up to a year before most scars flatten out and lighten in color.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are strongly advised to delay having a tummy tuck until the weight loss has stabilized.