Body

The abdominoplasty is designed to tighten the muscles and remove excess skin and fat, resulting in a firm, flat, even tummy. After pregnancy, weight loss, or even in individuals who exercise regularly, the muscles of the abdomen can be weak, with excess skin and fat present. The tummy tuck procedure will correct these problems and leave the individual with a firm, flat, even tummy, and a slender waistline. Also, unsightly pregnancy scars can be removed. The operation is popular in men and women.

The procedure is performed through an incision in the bikini line and a second around the navel. This allows the belly button to be repositioned after the lower abdominal skin is redraped. The muscles are then tightened with sutures and the waistline is sculpted. The excess fat is removed by direct excision or with liposuction.  The skin is then redraped, tightened, the excess removed, and the navel repositioned.

In very selected individuals, a mini or endoscopic abdominoplasty may be performed through a smaller incision. The endoscopic camera is inserted to allow tightening of the muscles and sculpting of the waistline, minimizing the surgical scar with an excellent result.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.  Surgical time is 2 to 3 hours.

After the surgery, one can expect some pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin. These will gradually subside. You will have drains that require emptying for 7 to 10 days. You may notice difficulty with sitting and standing for the first few days but this will improve. You will wear an abdominal binder, which will provide support for the first few weeks. Strenuous activity is limited for six weeks.

Rarely, one may experience risks after surgery. These include bleeding, infection, scarring, or temporary loss of skin sensation. Skin loss is extremely rare. The risk of blood clots in the legs has been greatly reduced with special stockings used during the procedure to keep blood from pooling in the legs.