Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, common known as a tummy tuck, is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The best candidates are in relatively good shape but have fat deposits and loose abdominal skin which do not respond to diet or exercise.

Women with abdominal muscles and skin that have been stretched from multiple pregnancies are also good candidates, as are older women who have undergone a loss of skin elasticity due to age or weight fluctuations. Women who are planning future pregnancies may be advised to wait, as the vertical abdominal muscles, which are tightened during surgery, will tend to separate again during pregnancy. Men are also candidates for Abdominoplasty following massive weight loss or due to ageing and lack of exercise.

If the fat deposits and excess skin are minor and located below the navel, a less complex procedure called a partial Abdominoplasty – or mini-tummy tuck- may be recommended. Both a partial and complete Abdominoplasty may be performed in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, waist or thighs and create a better contour.

What is involved in a Tummy Tuck?

The most common technique entails making an incision across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A second incision is usually made around the tummy button to free it from the surrounding tissue. The surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to your abdomen. He/she tightens the muscles by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin removed. A new opening is made for the tummy button in the appropriate position. The incisions are closed with stitches and/or staples, and gauze is placed over the incision area.

What are the Risks?

This surgery does produce a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip. However, the scar can be placed so that is will not show under most clothing and even a high-cut bikini, in some cases. Possible complications include poor healing, skin loss (necrosis), asymmetries and irregularities. As with any surgery there is a slight risk of infection which can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, though it will prolong your healing process. To minimise the risk of blood clots, you should start moving around as soon as possible after the procedure.

Post-Op Effects and Recovery Time

Following surgery, you should expect extreme soreness and discomfort, which can be controlled with medication. You may need to remain in hospital for two to three days, or hire nursing care at home. When you leave hospital, the dressing will be replaced with an abdominal supporter that you will be instructed to wear for several weeks.

Bed rest is recommended, with legs bent at the hips to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You may be up and around in a few days, but you should avoid straining for three or four weeks.

At first you may not be able to stand up straight without feeling a tugging sensation, but you should start walking as soon as possible, so your body gets used to your newly tightened abdomen. Post-op bruising is minimal but swelling may take up to three months to settle. You may also lose some sensation in the abdominal skin, which can take several months to return.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper, non-dissolving sutures-with ends that protrude through the skin-will come out in two to three weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably, at about four to six weeks. It will take nine months to a year before your scars will flatten, soften and fade away.

Before and After images

Click thumbnails for larger images.

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