What is a tummy tuck?
Aging, genetics, weight fluctuations, and childbearing can all contribute to sagging skin and loose muscles in the abdomen. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your abdomen does not go back to what it once was.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles, giving you a more toned midsection and improved body contour. During the procedure, an incision is made beneath the panty line, allowing your surgeon to restore abdominal muscles, trim excess fat and skin, and reposition the belly button. Scars typically run from hip to hip, but once healed, will easily be hidden beneath underwear and swimsuits.
The tummy tuck procedure can be performed alone, in conjunction with liposuction, or as part of a total mommy makeover. The result is a flatter abdomen and beautiful, natural curves.
What are the benefits?
Our board-certified plastic surgeons are committed to giving you the best possible outcome. After a tummy tuck, you’ll experience:
- A flatter, tighter abdomen
- Improved body contour
- Positive body image and self-confidence
- Better fitting clothing and swimwear
- Beautiful, natural results
Who is the ideal candidate?
Patients who suffer from excess abdominal skin or a bulging appearance are generally good candidates for abdominoplasty. Candidates should be at or near their ideal weight and should not plan on getting pregnant after a tummy tuck. Women that plan on having children should postpone their tummy tuck procedure. The ideal candidate is in good physical health, does not have any serious medical issues, and is a non-smoker. It is also important that candidates have realistic expectations and are ready to commit to diet and exercise postoperatively to maintain results.
What can I expect from recovery?
After a tummy tuck, you will experience discomfort and tightness in the abdomen, along with some swelling and bruising. During surgery, your surgeon may opt to place temporary surgical drains to remove excess fluid out of the abdomen postoperatively. Medication will be prescribed to ease pain, and you will be sent home with detailed at-home care instructions. You are encouraged to move around after surgery, but you may find it more comfortable to walk in a hunched position. Walking in a slightly bent position is normal at the beginning, as the skin is still tight, and your body is adjusting to change. Your surgeon will monitor your healing with follow-up appointments, and most patients will be able to return to normal activity after about six to eight weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How is a tummy tuck typically performed?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is typically performed through an incision above the pubic hairline that runs roughly from hip-to-hip. Every effort is made to make this incision fall within the boundaries of one’s underwear so that it is well concealed even when wearing revealing clothing. Extra skin and subcutaneous tissue (fat) is removed to recontour the abdomen. If present, a splaying of the 6-pack muscles (rectus diastasis) is repaired. Liposuction is often performed to assist in recontouring. The bellybutton is also typically repositioned, which may result in a scar around the bellybutton. An abdominoplasty procedure is tailored to each individual patient and surgical plans may vary depending upon your surgeon.
What are the risks involved with abdominoplasty?
In addition to the general risks of cosmetic surgery including unpredictable scaring, infection, asymmetry and bleeding, some specific risks of an abdominoplasty include contour irregularities and deep venous thrombosis and / or pulmonary embolism.
What are the scars after a tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck scar is typically positioned just above the pubic hairline and is designed to be concealed by the underwear. There may also be a scar around the bellybutton depending on the specific type of abdominoplasty your surgeon recommends.
What results should I expect after a tummy tuck?
A rejuvenation of youthful athletic abdominal contours. Patients will often note a decrease in lower back pain (if present preoperatively) as well as improved core strength.
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