What is a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery is also known as Abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

1) Aging

2) Heredity

3) Pregnancy

4) Prior surgery

5) Significant fluctuations in weight

What are the steps of a Tummy Tuck procedure?

A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:

1) Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

2) A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

3) Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

4) Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Get more information about tummy tuck results.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is a good candidate for Tummy Tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

In general, you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if:

1) You are physically healthy and at a stable weight

2) You have realistic expectations

3) You are a nonsmoker

4) You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?

In preparing for tummy tuck surgery, you may be asked to:

1) Get lab testing or a medical evaluation

2) Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

3) Stop smoking

4) Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

If your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Recovery

During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.