Tummy Tuck Body Contouring

Restore a more attractive profile

Flabby abdomens that protrude or sag are a common condition caused by aging, inherited traits, pregnancies or weight fluctuations. Loose and sagging skin can persist despite a proper diet and a good amount of exercise. An unfortunate but true fact is that no amount of sit-ups or dieting will give you a washboard stomach.

A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure performed to restore the appearance of the abdomen with a flatter, firmer and more attractive profile. During a tummy tuck, your board-certified plastic surgeon will remove the excess tissue and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures to create a more toned, youthful appearance. Most patients opt for liposuction to be performed along with their abdominoplasty procedure.

A tummy tuck is intended to be a body contouring procedure rather than a way to lose weight. The best results with a tummy tuck are seen with patients who have a stomach that is out of proportion to the rest of the body because of excess skin and fat. People who are considering an abdominoplasty should be in good health and relatively fit. Woman who are planning to become pregnant or people who want to lose a considerable amount of weight should postpone a tummy tuck.

Full tummy tucks are usually performed using general anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep and unable to feel any pain. Plastic surgeons may use local anesthesia with IV sedation to keep you comfortable during a mini tummy tuck.

During abdominoplasty surgery, your surgeon will typically make an incision just above the pubic area. A second incision may be made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue, especially if your belly button has become distorted after pregnancy or weight gain. The navel will then be repositioned during full tummy tuck surgery.

The layers of abdominal skin and fat are lifted to expose the underlying muscles, which are tightened with sutures. The tissue layer is then stretched back over the muscles of the abdominal wall and the excess skin and fat are removed. Drainage tubes are inserted through small incisions to help remove excess fluid and residual blood during the healing process. These drains are usually left in place for about 1 week.

Results can last for years

Most patients are asked to wear a compression garment for a few weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and help the skin adhere to the new abdominal contour. As with any major surgical procedure, some degree of pain, swelling and bruising are to be expected. Moderate pain will be controlled by pain medications prescribed by your doctor. Your plastic surgeon's office will give you complete instructions for taking care of yourself during the recovery process.

Abdominoplasty procedures will leave scars as the body's natural response to wound healing. Scarring may fade over time but will never completely disappear. Incisions for a tummy tuck are usually made where the scar is well hidden along the bikini line.

Tummy tuck results can be permanent if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise. If you make the right choices after surgery, an abdominoplasty can give you a slimmer and more toned appearance for years.