Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty surgery, more commonly known as tummy tuck surgery , has continued to gain popularity in the United States. Tummy tuck surgery was one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2004. It is a major plastic surgery procedure, which can significantly improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen, loose skin, and stretch marks.

Tummy tucks are for men and women who are in fairly good shape, but have excess fat and skin in the abdomen area that won't go away with diet or exercise. A tummy tuck can also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy past the point of natural repair. In many cases, tummy tucks are also for patients who have lost skin elasticity that may occur with age or obesity. Overweight patients or women who intend on future pregnancies should delay the procedure.

If the loose skin and fat deposits are minimal, patients can get a partial or “mini” abdominoplasty. With a partial tummy tuck , a small horizontal incision is made below the naval and scarring is less apparent. In some cases, an endoscopic abdominoplasty can also be used for patients with minimal fat and muscle laxity.

For patients who need a complete tummy tuck, a qualified plastic surgeon may recommend liposuction as well to improve the entire area. The surgery usually takes two to five hours. After an incision is made, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall and tightens the muscles by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. Then the skin is stretched down and the excess is removed to give the look of a firmer midsection and narrower waistline.

After a tummy tuck surgery, side effects may include temporary pain, swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, and tiredness for days, weeks or sometimes months .

While a tummy tuck is a major surgery with a relatively long recovery time (two to four weeks), it provides an enhanced appearance and can improve self-confidence. However, patients should be aware that tummy tuck surgery leaves behind a permanent scar, which can run from hipbone to hipbone. The scar left by “mini” abdominoplasty is often slightly shorter.

Thousands of tummy tuck surgeries are safely performed each year, but as with any surgery, there are risks when getting a tummy tuck. After the surgery, there is a chance of infection and blood clots . There can also be noticeable scarring or loss of skin due to poor healing, which may lead to a second operation.

You can decrease the risk of blood clots by moving around after the surgery and improve your chances of a quicker recovery by quitting smoking one to two weeks pre and post- operation. Patients must closely follow all of their surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery to further decrease the chances of risks .

Tummy tucks should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) who has experience in body contouring. In addition, patients considering plastic surgery should research all the benefits and risks of the surgery before the procedure.

To learn more about plastic surgery, contact us to speak to a board certified surgeon in your area. Our qualified surgeons can discuss your questions and concerns and help you make informed decisions regarding your tummy tuck procedure .