About the procedure

A flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, diet and exercise don’t always eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging abdominal skin. A tummy-tuck, as known as an abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess, The specifics of your tummy tuck will depend on your natural anatomy, severity of your concerns, and your ultimate goals. You may choose to have a full abdominoplasty, which addresses the entire abdomen, a partial abdominoplasty (or “mini tummy tuck”), which only flattens and tightens the lower belly, or a minimally invasive abdominoplasty, which tightens the muscle without removing skin. An abdominoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction, to help contour the waistline.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for me?

If you have any of the following concerns, you may benefit from a tummy tuck:

• Excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin

• An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body

• Abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy, weight loss or aging *Women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty.
  
  

What to expect from a tummy tuck

Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure.

This two-to-four-hour procedure can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative, depending on the procedure(s) performed. The recovery period for the partial and minimally invasive procedure is normally shorter. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months, but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long-lasting.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your surgery, you will be sent home in compression garments and with drains to promote optimal healing. For the first few days, it is normal to experience discomfort, but this is usually managed easily with prescription pain medication. For comfort you will need to sleep with your head elevated and slightly bent at your waist for the first week or so, depending on which procedure you choose.

Patients generally take 7 to 10 days off work. Full recovery typically taking several weeks. You are encouraged to take frequent walks following your procedure, but you will need to avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks.

Your scars may appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing or bathing suits.

If you would like a flatter, firmer stomach and have not been able to achieve your goals through lifestyle changes, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be a good choice for you.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact us.