The Procedure:
Abdominolplasty, known commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The best candidates for abdominolplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

Complete abdominolplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominolplasty may take an hour or two. Most commonly, an incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area is made. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominolplasty, or "mini-dermal," the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

After Your Surgery:
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment. Abdominolplasty produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin.

back