Plastic Surgery

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

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An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, while tightening both the skin of the upper abdomen and the abdominal muscles. The best candidates for this procedure are in good health, but have excess fat in the abdominal area, in combination with loose skin and/or weakened muscles.

Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anesthesia, for the patient’s comfort and safety. A postoperative overnight stay can be arranged where appropriate and necessary. An abdominal binder is used for comfort and wound care for two weeks after surgery; drainage tubes are typically removed within five to seven days.

Who are candidates for an abdominoplasty?

  • The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in good physical condition, but are bothered by large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise.
  • People who intend to lose weight, and women who plan future pregnancies, should postpone the surgery.
  • Patients who have more minor degrees of abdominal/skin laxity, a mini-abdominoplasty may be an option. This procedure involves a smaller incision below the bikini line, with no scar around the belly button. Recovery time is substantially lessened in comparison with regular abdominoplasty. 

Patients who have undergone significant weight loss may benefit from other body contouring procedures. These include the lower body lift or belt lipectomy, arm lift (brachioplasty), medial thigh lift, panniculectomy (lower abdomen) and breast lift (mastopexy). While some of these procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, the more extensive surgeries require a multiple day hospital stay.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)