What is tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is done to remove the loose skin and fat on the abdomen that may have accumulated with pregnancy or age. In a full abdominoplasty, the surgeon also tightens the abdominal muscles that may have become stretched out or lax over time and repositions the navel (belly button). A full abdominoplasty is major surgery and you should be aware of the risks and postoperative care that will be needed. A mini-tummy tuck is considered less invasive and can be used in cases where less tissue needs to be removed.
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Am I a candidate for abdominoplasty?
You must be in good health, not have any active diseases or serious pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery. You should discuss your goals with your surgeon so that you both can reach an understanding of what can realistically be achieved.
You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo any cosmetic procedure . This is an operation that requires patience and stability because it is major surgery; healing will take a couple of weeks at least. Some people become depressed after surgery and this can worsen a pre-existing emotional issue. Please consider this before committing to the procedure.
This is a procedure that some women may wish to have after pregnancy, since pregnancy can stretch out the abdominal muscles and skin. It is best to wait until you are finished having children to have this procedure, since your skin and muscles will get stretched out again, undoing the results of the surgery.
If you are considering losing weight, you should also wait until after you have reached your target weight. You may end up with extra loose skin that would need additional surgery to remove.
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When is abdominoplasty usually performed?
Although there is no "normal" age or time in one's life, a tummy tuck is most often considered after a woman has given birth and does not plan on having any more children. A man can have an abdominoplasty during middle age to deal with a sagging belly. Many people also turn to tummy tuck after losing a significant amount of weight.
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What does a typical abdominoplasty consultation entail?
Your surgeon will measure your abdomen and torso to get an idea of what type of tummy tuck procedure would be best for you. You might want to bring in pictures of how you looked when you were younger. You and your surgeon will decide on realistic goals for what is and is not possible with an abdominoplasty.
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How is abdominoplasty performed?
Full abdominoplasty is performed most commonly under general anesthesia; you are not conscious during the surgery. The incision for the operation is made in the lower abdomen just above the pubis from hip to hip. It is usually placed so that a bikini bottom or most underwear hides it. For more information on how the various types of abdominoplasty are done, see the Overview section.
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What are the different techniques for abdominoplasty?
Variations on abdominoplasty include a mini-tummy tuck, where excess skin and fat are removed, and dermolipectomy, where skin and fat are removed but the navel stays in place. Abdominoplasties can also be performed endoscopically.
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What should I expect postoperatively?
You are usually able to walk the day after a full abdominoplasty and you will probably be encouraged to do so. However, you probably won’t be able to stand up completely straight for a few days after your surgery. The skin of the abdomen will feel quite sore and tight for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery.
Your surgeons may place drains in the incision temporarily to help the area drain and heal. These are generally removed 4 to 14 days after surgery. You may need to wear a pressure garment like a girdle or an elastic abdominal support for 3 to 6 weeks.
Some swelling and discoloration are normal, but generally this is minimal.
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Is there much pain associated with tummy tuck surgery?
The amount of pain associated with this procedure varies from person to person. Some people note a moderate amount of discomfort and for some it is more intense. But there is some discomfort. Because you are unable to straighten up completely for a few days after surgery, some people experience some back pain or back spasms. Your surgeon may prescribe some muscle relaxers to help with this problem.
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Where are abdominoplasty scars located?
Most tummy tuck scars are horizontal and will be hidden by underwear or a bikini bottom. The scars can be quite severe, depending upon the amount of skin being removed, your body's ability to heal and the technique used. Depending on how well you heal, the scars may be red looking for a while before they start to fade. Be sure to discuss the tummy tuck incision types, techniques and placements with your surgeon at your consultation.
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Is there a lot of swelling involved with an abdominoplasty?
There could be, and again, this depends on what technique is being used and how well you heal. Most swelling resolves within a few weeks after surgery.
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When can I return to work?
Some people can return to work 2 weeks after their tummy tuck surgery. However, this depends on the extent of your surgery and on how active you are on the job. Someone who sits at a desk all day can return to work sooner than someone who must stand or walk around a lot on their job.
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When will I be able to see the results?
You will start to see a difference after the swelling subsides and any drains are taken out.
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What are the risks of abdominoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potentially serious risks. Please refer to our section on Abdominoplasty Risks for more information.
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How long will an abdominoplasty last?
The results of an abdominoplasty can last for many, many years. If you have no large weight gains or pregnancies after your tummy tuck, then the changes will be relatively permanent, although you will still see some sagging due to normal aging.
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