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A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It’s one of the five most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat in the abdomen area can benefit from a tummy tuck. Sometimes these conditions are inherited or are the result of muscles that have separated and weakened during pregnancy. The procedure may also improve the appearance of stretch marks. Tummy Tucks address more than liposuction surgery which is only for specific fat deposits. The results of a tummy tuck can provide instant and noticeable differences in your body shape.

The Surgery

The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, in an outpatient surgical center, an office-based facility or a hospital. This procedure can be done under general or local anesthesia. A full tummy tuck will take a few hours to perform. A mini tummy tuck generally lasts an hour or two. The incision is placed across the lower abdomen and the length of the incision varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed. Sometimes an incision is made around the belly button so that excess skin above the navel can be pulled down and removed. Fat can also be removed with supplemental liposuction. If needed the abdominal muscles are tightened by pulling them closer and stitching them together.

The Recovery

After surgery you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. Most patients experience some numbness in the area of their abdomen. A special abdominal support garment is often necessary for several weeks. Walking is encouraged as soon as possible. Sutures will be removed in 1 - 2 weeks. You should be able to return to work within two weeks. Exercise can be resumed in four weeks and will help the healing process, however abdominal exercises should be avoided for three months.

The Best Candidates For Tummy Tuck

The best candidates for tummy tuck are men or women who are self-conscious about large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin, that didn’t respond to dieting or exercising. Women who’ve had multiple pregnancies and stretched their abdominal muscles and skin can definitely benefit from this operation. Older, obese patients who’ve lost the elasticity of their skin can also be good candidates for tummy tuck. People who intend to lose weight and women who plan future pregnancies should postpone the surgery.

The Risks

Following a tummy tuck the risk of infection and blood clots can occur. An excessive scar or a scar that’s slow to heal is also a possibility. Complications may also include bleeding and a change in skin sensation. It’s important you discuss all potential risks with your surgeon.

Background

Aesthetic surgery of the abdomen, also called abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck," is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. The procedure removes excess abdominal skin and may also reduce fat and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Some conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy, and may improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Technique

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. When patients have loose skin above the navel, the plastic surgeon may make an incision around the navel so that redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures. There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial or "mini" abdominoplasty. Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another technique for minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity.

Benefits

• Significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent.
• Unless there is significant weight gain or the patient becomes pregnant, the abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years.
• Recovery time varies among individuals, but patients may be able to return to nonstrenuous work one to three weeks after surgery, and in many instances resume most normal activities, including some mild form of exercise, after a few weeks.

Other Considerations

• Every surgery carries some risk. Potential complications include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is possible when the abdominoplasty is extensive.
• While bruising will disappear over a period of weeks, it may be months before all swelling subsides.
• Numbness over some portions of the abdominal area may persist for several months.
• Incisions lines may take months to fade and will be permanently visible.