What is an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a procedure designed to address loose abdominal skin and fat, as well as to tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. You are potentially a candidate for this procedure if you have lost weight, resulting in loose abdominal skin and fat. Women are frequently a candidate after pregnancy.

General information:

• Purpose: To remove excess hanging skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter, firmer abdomen
• Types of abdominoplasty:
  
  • mini - addresses the abdomen below< the umbilicus, and is frequently combined with liposuction above the umbilicus
  • full - addresses the entire abdomen, from the sternum (breast bone) down to the pubis
• Incision: Abdominoplasty incisions are placed near the pubis (below the bikiniline), with the length of the incision depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed
  
• Length of surgery: 2 1/2 - 4 hours (mini - outpatient, full either outpatient or an overnight hospital stay)
• Anesthesia:  General
• Recovery: Most activities can be resumed within a few weeks, while strenuous exercise will take longer, and will depend upon the extent of the procedure.