Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems.  In such cases, a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty).  A tummy tuck is the surgical removal of excess skin  or skin and fat from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdomen muscles into a tighter formation.  The results are often dramatic.  This bodily enhancement procedure is designed for those who wish to have a flatter and tighter abdomen.  It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdominal muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.

Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty:

• Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area.
• Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss.
• Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdominal muscles) due to pregnancy.
• The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits as well as the proper alignment of the abdominal muscles to produce a more flattering look.

General Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from two to three hours, depending on the desired look and the patient’s unique anatomy.  The procedure is done in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia.  The operation begins by making an incision  just above the pubic bone.  This incision goes horizontally across the lower abdomen.  The incision is long but low and easily hidden.  The skin is then lifted away from the muscle  and excess skin and fat is removed.  The abdominal muscles are tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline.  Two drains are placed before closure of the skin to allow excess fluid removal. Finally, the incision is closed; and the skin is sutured  back into place.  All the sutures are placed deep under the skin to produce the finest scar possible. The umbilicus (belly button) is then brought back up through the skin at the same level it originally was.

What can I expect after surgery?

The majority of patients spend one night in the hospital.  During this time the pain will be controlled, the patient will learn how to take care of the drains and how move in the proper manner to avoid healing problems .  After a tummy tuck the patient can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort.  Medication will be prescribed to relieve any pain caused by the procedure.    Normal activities can generally be resumed within two weeks.    Due to the muscle repair heavy lifting and exercise will be  restricted for 4- 6 weeks.  With proper diet and exercise the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.

What are the risks? 

As with any operation there are risks involved.  The risks of an abdominoplasty are very rare.  Some risks include bleeding, infection, slow healing, fluid accumulation and blood clots in the legs.  Patients are thoroughly screened prior to the procedure to eliminate those in which the surgery cannot be done safely. 
Smokers are always at a higher risk of poor healing after surgery and quitting prior to the operation will be stressed.