Introduction to abdominoplasty: What is a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is more commonly known as a “tummy tuck” and is a serious surgical procedure. Essentially, what a tummy tuck is is the removal of excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen, as well as the tightening of the abdominal wall muscles. The appearance of a protruding abdomen can be drastically reduced through a tummy tuck procedure. Having a tummy tuck will leave a permanent scar on your body, which can extend from hip to hip, but will sometimes be smaller. It is important to know as much as you can about the procedure before considering any surgery, as no surgery comes without risk. The following is a summary of what you need to know and consider before deciding whether or not to have a tummy tuck.

The purpose of a tummy tuck is to remove large deposits of fat and loose abdominal skin that will not respond to normal diet and exercise regimens. Many women who have had multiple pregnancies, and in doing so have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point of returning to normal, can use the tummy tuck procedure to return them to their original shape. Patients who intend to lose weight or gain weight (as if pregnant or otherwise) should not have the procedure done right away. Before deciding to have surgery, carefully consider all of your options and discuss your expectations with your surgeon to ensure that a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that all surgery carries uncertainty and risk in some form. Thousands of tummy tucks are performed successfully each year, but there are always risks associated with the surgeries and there are specific complications associated with the tummy tuck procedure. There is a risk of postoperative complications, such as infection and blood clots. These complications are rare, but possible, so they should be carefully considered.

A full tummy tuck generally takes between two and five hours, but it depends on the extent of work that is required for each individual body. Partial tummy tucks or mini tummy tucks tend to only take about an hour or two. First, the surgeon makes a long hip-to-hip incision, then a second incision to free the belly button from surrounding tissue. The incision is much shorter with a mini tummy tuck. The surgeon will then separate your skin from your abdominal wall, lifting a large flap of skin to reveal the vertical muscles along your abdomen. These muscles are brought together for tightness and sutured in the new position to provide a narrower waist and firmer abdominal wall. The skin flap is then pulled down over the stomach, removing excess skin. A new hole is cut for the belly button which is then stitched into place. The incisions are sutured and dressings are applied at the end, and sometimes a temporary tube is placed to drain any excess fluid that may try to collect at the surgical site.

For the first few days after your tummy tuck, your abdomen will be swollen and you will likely have some pain or discomfort, which can be gradually controlled with medication and will slowly subside over time. You may be discharged within hours of surgery, or you may be kept in the hospital for a few days, depending on how your body reacts to the event. It may take several months to get back to feeling like you did after a tummy tuck. It is important to be in the best possible physical condition before surgery if you want to recover quickly. Exercise will help you heal better after surgery, so consider adopting an exercise program to reduce swelling, tone muscles, and decrease the chance of blood clots.