Tummy Tuck
or
Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck is done to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Patients who have lost a great deal of weight or women who have had multiple pregnancies are the usual candidates for this procedure. Many women are candidates for a limited tummy tuck with a shorter incision over the tummy and none around the belly button.
Usually the incision is made just above the pubic area. The muscles and hernias are repaired, the skin flap is pulled down, and the excess skin removed. If needed, the belly button is repositioned. This procedure may narrow the waist as well as providing a firmer tummy. Liposuction of the abdomen is done at the same time. Other areas can also be liposuctioned if desired.
The procedure takes one to two hours and is done with sedation or general anesthesia. Surgeons use the tumescent technique in which large amounts of dilute local aesthetic are injected to minimize blood loss and bruising as well as to decrease the amount of general or sedation anesthetic required. Insurance will only cover the hernia repair portion of the procedure. The rest is purely cosmetic.
Patients will go to the hospital or a private overnight care facility for the first night after surgery. Swelling is to be expected. Medication will control the minimal pain and discomfort that patients usually experience. You can plan on not driving or working for two weeks and no vigorous exercise for six weeks.