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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A Flat and Well-Toned Abdomen is Something Many of Us Strive for Through Exercise and Weight Control.

But regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.  Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging.  the most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.

If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate to help achieve your goals.  In general, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restored weakened or separated muscles.  This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

This brochure presents an overview of tummy tuck.  The best way to learn how tummy tuck can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board for Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

What is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen.  Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.

Abdominal contouring can be performed using a variety of techniques.  When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contour surgery may be performed using only liposuction techniques.  When excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissues and skin by excision.  Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated, a condition called diastases, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations is weight.  For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advise to postpone a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck is best performed on adults of any age who are in good health, are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size, are moderately fit and, overall, have good muscle tone.  Good candidates are:

In addition, previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck.  In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated or revised for new incisions.

where do I begin?

a consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how abdominal contour surgery or tummy tuck can improve body images and abdominal contour.  A consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

Your plastic surgeon will also answer any specific questions you may have.

Evaluation

Overall health and personal outlook can greatly impact the outcome of body contouring surgery, including tummy tuck.  These will be carefully evaluated in your consultation with your plastic surgeon.  The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

Safety

By making the decision to consult with a plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Your plastic surgeon is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  This certification designates surgeons who are specifically trained in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.

My tummy tuck

Your tummy tuck will be individualized to your specific condition that may include:

One or all of these conditions may be present and can be surgically improves by a tummy tuck.  A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are primarily located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combines with liposuction during tummy tuck.  There are variations to tummy tuck surgery; technique selected is dependant on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and firmer abdomen.  Incision length and patter depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.

Lipoosuction may be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck or to contour other areas of the body by removing localized excess fat deposits.  Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical sessions as a tummy tuck.  However, not all patients are good candidates for combined procedures.  Your case will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Preparing for surgery

your plastic surgeon will carefully explain your tummy tuck procedure.  Prior to surgery you will be given specific instructions that may include:

In addition, you will also be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon  that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.
Possible risks of tummy tuck blood clots or blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma), fluid accumulation, infection or poor healing of the incision site.  Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia.   These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent.

It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress.  Discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What to expect

A tummy tuck may be performed in your plastic surgeon's accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital, possibly with an overnight hospital stay.  It is more commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be used.  These decision will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference.  Your plastic surgeon and the assisting stall will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

Following surgery

Once your procedure is completed, a dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals.   A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.  Before you are released following surgery, you and an accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

Progress and healing

Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision site.   Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication.  You will be instructed  to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complication.
You must avoid bending, straining or lifting anything for several days.  Your plastic surgeon may also instruct you no to stand fully upright, to avoid stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees.  To assure a successful outcome it is important that you follow all the instructions carefully.   A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.

Initial would healing may take from 5 to 10 days.  Any sutures will be removed some time after that, if necessary.   You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incisions lines continue to improve.  You must practice diligent sun protections until the healing process is fully complete. Continue to follow your plastic surgeon's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Results and outlook

The results of a tummy tuck are visible almost immediately, however it may take several months for you final results to fully develop.  Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin's surface will resolve over the following months.  It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree.  although they are permanent, these scars are hidden by most clothing and swimsuits.

Your new profile with a firm and flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness.  as your body ages you may find that some firmness is lost in the abdomen.  However, this is minimal compared to the initial conditions that were corrected to achieve your now tones abdomen.

Your surgeon, your choice

Choosing to have cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery is an important decision; so is selecting a plastic surgeon.  Consider these important guidelines:

Board Certification - Not all physicians who perform plastic surgery or who use the title plastic surgeon are board certified is plastic surgery.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada certify physicians in plastic surgery of the face and entire body.  To be certified by either board, a plastic surgeon must:
Graduate from an accredited medical school
Complete a minimum of five years of surgical training following medical school, including an accredited plastic surgery residency program
Pass comprehensive written and oral exams

Privileges -Your surgeon should have operating privileges at an accredited, local hospital for the same procedure you plan to have performed - even if the surgeon suggests your procedure be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility or at an ambulatory surgery center.

This educational brochure is designed to supplement a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  Plastic surgeons with this certification have completed extensive surgical training and rigorous examinations in plastic surgery; this uniquely qualified them to perform cosmetic and reconstruction procedures of the face and entire body.

This brochure is published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery including test, graphics, illustrations, and images, and is strictly intended for educational purposes.  It is not intended to make any representation or warranties about the outcome of any procedure.  It is not a substitute for a thorough, in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Copyright © 2006 Dr. Yalamanchi, M.D., F.A.C.S., PA