Abdominoplasty

What is an abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening the underlying abdominal wall when needed. It can improve the shape and contour of the abdomen following pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging, or changes in body composition.

A tummy tuck is highly individualized. The appropriate technique depends on the amount and location of excess skin and fat, the condition of the abdominal muscles, previous surgeries, and your goals.

Creast a flatter, firmer abdomen
Remove excess skin
Tighten separated abdominal muscles
Improve waist definition

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you:

Have excess abdominal skin that does not improve with diet and exercise
Have loose or stretched abdominal skin following pregnancy or weight loss
Have separation or laxity of the abdominal muscles
Are bothered by an abdominal overhang or lower abdominal fullness
Are near a stable, healthy weight
Are in good overall health
Do not plan significant weight loss in the near future
Have realistic expectations about what surgery can accomplish

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients generally achieve the best results when they are near a stable, healthy weight before surgery.

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What to Expect

Consultation Procedure Recovery

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During your private consultation, your doctor will:

Discuss your goals and what you would like to change
Examine the abdomen, waist, and surrounding areas
Evaluate the amount and location of excess skin and fat
Assess the abdominal wall for muscle separation or laxity
Review previous abdominal surgeries and scars
Discuss whether the addition of liposuction would improve your contour
Determine the appropriate incision and surgical technique
Review your medical history and current medications
Explain the benefits, limitations, risks, scars, and expected recovery

Your surgeon will also discuss where the abdominal incision will be placed. Whenever possible, the incision is positioned low on the abdomen so that it can be concealed beneath most underwear and swimwear.

We encourage you to ask questions, discuss your goals openly, and take the time you need to understand your options. Our goal is for you to leave your consultation with all the information necessary to make the treatment decision that is right for you.

The Procedure

Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia. The specific technique will depend on your anatomy and goals.

Removing Excess Skin and Fat

An incision is made across the lower abdomen, allowing your surgeon to remove excess skin and, when appropriate, excess fat. The remaining abdominal skin is then repositioned to create a smoother and more contoured appearance.

Tightening the Abdominal Wall

If the abdominal muscles have become separated or stretched, the underlying abdominal wall may be tightened. This can improve abdominal firmness and contour and restore a more defined waistline.

Muscle tightening is not necessary for every patient and is determined based on your individual anatomy.

Repositioning the Belly Button

With a traditional abdominoplasty, the belly button usually remains attached to its underlying tissues while the surrounding abdominal skin is repositioned. A new opening is created for the belly button so that it maintains a natural position and appearance.

Liposuction

Liposuction may be performed at the same time to refine areas such as the waist, flanks, or upper abdomen. Combining these techniques can help create a smoother transition between the abdomen and surrounding areas.

The specific combination of procedures will be tailored to your anatomy and desired result.

Recovery after abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a more extensive procedure than many other cosmetic surgeries, and recovery requires adequate time for healing.

You can expect:

Swelling and bruising during the first several weeks
Abdominal tightness and soreness
Temporary numbness of the lower abdomen
Difficulty standing completely upright during the earliest part of recovery
A gradual improvement in abdominal contour as swelling resolves
A compression garment during the early healing period
Drain tubes are often needed for the first 1-2 weeks

Most patients take approximately 2 weeks away from work, although this varies depending on the extent of surgery and the physical demands of your job.

Walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and abdominal exercises must be avoided until your surgeon determines that you are ready.

The majority of swelling improves during the first several weeks, but the abdomen can continue to refine for several months as the tissues heal and settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose weight with a tummy tuck?

No. Abdominoplasty is a body-contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss procedure. It is designed to remove excess skin and improve abdominal contour. Patients generally achieve the best results when they are near a stable, healthy weight before surgery.

Will a tummy tuck tighten my abdominal muscles?

If you have separation or laxity of the abdominal wall, your surgeon may tighten the underlying tissues during the procedure. This can improve abdominal firmness and contour. The degree of tightening required varies from patient to patient.

Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Stretch marks located on the lower abdomen may be removed along with the excess skin during a tummy tuck. Stretch marks outside the area of skin being removed will generally remain.

Will I have a scar?

Yes. A tummy tuck requires an incision across the lower abdomen. The length of the scar depends on the amount of excess skin being removed and the surgical technique used. Your surgeon will position the incision as low as practical so that it can be concealed by underwear or swimwear.

Scars are permanent, but they generally fade and soften substantially over time.

Can I have liposuction with my tummy tuck?

Yes. Liposuction is frequently combined with abdominoplasty to improve contour of the abdomen, waist, and flanks. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your anatomy, the amount of excess skin and fat, and overall surgical considerations.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini abdominoplasty is a more limited procedure designed for patients with a smaller amount of excess skin primarily in the lower abdomen below the belly button. It generally involves a shorter incision on the lower abdomen than a full abdominoplasty and does not make a scar around the belly button. It does not provide the same degree of upper abdominal skin tightening as a traditional tummy tuck and does not address separation of the abdominal muscles.

Not every patient is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that best addresses your anatomy.

What is an extended tummy tuck?

An extended abdominoplasty is designed for patients with excess skin that extends beyond the central abdomen toward the flanks. The incision is longer than a traditional tummy tuck, allowing your surgeon to address more of the abdominal and waist contour.

What is a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty?

A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty is a specialized type of tummy tuck designed for patients who have significant excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal directions, often following major weight loss. In addition to the traditional horizontal lower abdominal incision, a vertical incision is made in the center of the abdomen, allowing your surgeon to remove excess skin from both directions and provide greater tightening of the abdominal contour.

This technique can be particularly helpful when there is substantial skin laxity across the entire abdomen that cannot be adequately addressed with a traditional tummy tuck alone. The tradeoff is a vertical scar in the midline of the abdomenin addition to the horizontal tummy tuck scar.

Your surgeon will determine whether a fleur-de-lis, traditional, extended, or another abdominoplasty technique is most appropriate based on your anatomy, the location of your excess skin, previous surgeries, and your goals.

Can a tummy tuck be performed after a C-section?

Yes. A previous C-section generally does not prevent you from having a tummy tuck, and can often be removed as part of your procedure. Your surgeon will evaluate your existing scar and incorporate it into the surgical plan when possible.

Can I still get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Yes, abdominoplasty will not alter your ability to get pregnant. However, pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles again and may alter or partially reverse the surgical result. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, your surgeon may recommend postponing surgery.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

A tummy tuck can provide long-lasting improvement. However, the abdomen will continue to change naturally with aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and other changes in your body. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve your results.

When can I exercise after a tummy tuck?

Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting must be restricted during the healing period. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and recovery, but activity restrictions typically remain in place for at least 6 weeks.

When can I return to work?

Many patients return to work in approximately 2 weeks, although this depends on the type of work you do and the extent of your surgery. Patients with physically demanding jobs may require additional time.

How soon can I see my final result?

You will see a noticeable improvement in abdominal contour soon after surgery, but swelling can persist for several months. The abdomen will gradually become flatter and more defined as healing progresses, and the final result may take several months to fully develop.

Can a tummy tuck remove all of my abdominal fat?

No. A tummy tuck primarily addresses excess skin and abdominal wall laxity. Liposuction can be added in appropriate patients to refine areas of localized fat, but there are limits to how much fat can safely be removed during surgery.

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