Overview

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the appearance and shape of the abdomen.

During the surgery, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, often accompanied by sutures to tighten the connective tissue (fascia) within. The remaining skin is repositioned to produce an improved, more toned aesthetic.

If you have excess fat or skin around your bellybutton, or a weakened lower abdominal wall, then a tummy tuck may be an option for you. The procedure is also known to have a positive impact on body image.

Why it’s done

There are several reasons why someone may have excess fat, weakened connective tissue, or poor elasticity of the skin in their abdomen. These include:

• Significant changes in weight
• Pregnancy
• Abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
• Aging
• Your natural body type

A tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, tighten weak fascia, and remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the bellybutton. However, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks outside of this area.

If you have had a previous C-section, your plastic surgeon may be able to incorporate your existing C-section scar into your tummy tuck scar.

A tummy tuck can also be done in conjunction with other body contouring cosmetic procedures, such as breast surgery. If you have had fat removed from your abdomen via liposuction, you may also consider a tummy tuck as liposuction does not address any excess skin.

However, it’s important to note that a tummy tuck isn’t for everyone. Your doctor may advise against a tummy tuck if you:

• Plan to lose a significant amount of weight
• Might consider pregnancy in the future
• Have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
• Have a body mass index that’s greater than 30
• Smoke
• Have significant scar tissue from a previous abdominal surgery

• Risks

  Like all surgical procedures, a tummy tuck carries some risks, including:

  • Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes placed after surgery can minimize this risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also use a needle and syringe to remove fluid after surgery.
  • Poor wound healing. Areas along the incision line may heal poorly or begin to separate. You may be prescribed antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent an infection.
  • Unexpected scarring. The incision scar from a tummy tuck is permanent, but is often placed along the easily hidden bikini line. However, the length and visibility of the scar may vary.
  • Tissue damage. Fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area may be damaged or die during a tummy tuck. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Tissue may either heal on its own or require surgical correction, depending on the size of the area.
  • Changes in skin sensation. Repositioning the abdominal tissues during a tummy tuck can affect the nerves in the abdominal area, and, infrequently, the upper thighs. You’ll likely feel some reduced sensation or numbness, though this typically diminishes in the months following the procedure.

  Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and a negative reaction to anesthesia.

  How you prepare

  You’ll meet with a plastic surgeon regarding a tummy tuck. During your initial appointment, your surgeon will typically:

  • Review your medical history. Be prepared to discuss current and past medical conditions, any medications you’re taking, and any recent surgeries you’ve had. You should also inform your doctor of any medication allergies and your history of weight gain and loss.

  • Do a physical exam. To determine possible treatment options, your doctor will examine your abdomen and take photographs of the area for your records.
  • Discuss your expectations. Explain your reasons for wanting the procedure, as well as what you hope for in terms of appearance once it’s done. Ensure you fully understand the procedure’s benefits and risks, including the possibility of scarring. Please note that previous abdominal surgeries may restrict your results.

  Prior to a tummy tuck, you may also need to:

  • Abstain from smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow and can slow the healing process, as well as increase the risk of tissue damage. Your doctor will advise you to quit smoking before surgery and during your recovery period.
  • Avoid certain medications. It’s important to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements before your procedure, as they can increase bleeding.
  • Maintain a consistent weight. Before having a tummy tuck, it’s ideal to maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months. If you are significantly overweight, your surgeon will advise you to lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss following the procedure may diminish your results.
  • Make arrangements for assistance during recovery. Arrange for someone to drive you home upon your discharge from the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

  What you can expect

  A tummy tuck is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. During a tummy tuck, you’ll be under general anesthesia, which will render you unconscious and unable to feel pain. In some cases, you may be given a pain-relieving medication combined with moderate sedation.

  Before the procedure

  There are several tummy tuck procedures available depending on your goals and the extent of buildup in the area. During the typical tummy tuck, your surgeon will make incisions to remove most of the skin and fat between your bellybutton and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. Connective tissue (fascia) that lies over the abdominal muscles is then tightened with permanent sutures.

  The amount of excess skin removed and the type of procedure you have will determine the shape and length of the incision. The incision near the pubic hair will undergo stitching and will leave a scar that falls along the natural crease of the bikini line.

  Your surgeon will reposition the skin around your bellybutton, which will return to its normal position through a small incision and suturing.

  You may be given antibiotics during the surgery to prevent infection.

  The procedure typically takes around two to three hours to perform.

  After the procedure

  After a tummy tuck, your abdominal incision and bellybutton will be covered with surgical dressing. Small tubes may be placed along the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid.

  Members of your health care team will help you walk as early as the first day following your tummy tuck to assist in preventing the formation of blood clots.

  You will likely be prescribed pain medication. Swelling in the surgical area is normal.

  Drains may be left in place for a few days after the surgery. Your doctor or another member of your health care team will instruct you on how to care for and empty your drains. You may need to continue taking antibiotics as long as the drains are in place.

  Your surgeon may also prescribe medication to thin your blood for a short period after your tummy tuck.

  You will wear a supportive abdominal garment (abdominal binder) for approximately six weeks after your tummy tuck to prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support while healing. Your doctor will explain the necessary care for your scar.

  For the first six weeks after undergoing a tummy tuck, it is important to be cautious when moving and avoid positions that may strain your incision line, such as quick bending at the waist. This is to prevent reopening of the wound.

  Regular follow up visits will be required. Consult your doctor to learn how often you should be seen.