Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Pregnancy, weight loss and the effects of time can all lead to loss of skin elasticity and abdominal muscle weakness. This leaves the body with a lower abdominal bulge and sagging skin that no amount of exercise can correct. A tummy tuck addresses these issues by removing excess abdominal skin and fat as well as tightening the muscles. Tummy Tuck is frequently combined with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast procedures.

Click here to view Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) before and after examples.

Reasons to Consider Abdominoplasty

• Exercise and diet do not improve the shape of the torso.
• Weight loss leaves large amounts of loose skin.
• General desire for a more pleasing body contour.
• Loss of skin tightness after pregnancy.

Abdominoplasty FAQ

1. How will my Plastic Surgical Arts surgeon evaluate me for abdominoplasty?

Your surgeon may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the amount of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

2. What will the day of surgery be like?

Your abdominoplasty may be performed our in-office surgical suite, the Lincoln Surgical Hospital or St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Often, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. Abdominoplasty may be performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed within the abdominal tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.

You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.

3. When can I resume my normal activities?

It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor.

Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer.

4. How long will the results last?

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.