An Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is surgery designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. The procedure removes excess abdominal skin and may also reduce fat and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Some conditions are inherited while others may be caused by weight loss resulting in flaccid abdominal skin. This surgery can also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy, and may improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. When patients have loose skin above the navel, an incision may be made around the navel so that redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.

Recovery time varies among individuals, but patients may be able to return to non strenuous work one to three weeks after surgery, and in many instances resume most normal activities after a few weeks. Full exercise limitations are necessary for 6 weeks, to avoid injury to the surgery site. You should expect bruising that will disappear over a period of weeks, and swelling for several months. There may be numbness over some portions of the abdominal area that may persist for several months. Incision lines may take months to fade and will be permanently visible.

Patients with realistic expectations are usually pleased with the improvement in abdominal appearance.

Complications are rare - but must be thoroughly discussed and considered before you decide to have surgery.

An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.	Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.	The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.	Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.	After surgery the patient has flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

Patient Before and After Photos - Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
Patient 1 - Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
Patient 2 - Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
Patient 3 - Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty

At the time of consultation and the pre-operative appointment, a very detailed packet is reviewed with every patient including the following: