Abdominoplasty Overview

A tummy tuck flattens and tones a saggy, protruding abdominal area. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed, the muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is repositioned to give the abdomen a flatter, more attractive contour.

A tummy tuck can benefit a woman who's gone through multiple pregnancies, a person who's experienced weight loss, or someone who simply considers the abdomen to be a "problem area."

Tummy tuck categories:

• Mini: tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar)
• Standard: tightens all of the abdominal wall skin (standard scar).
• Extended: tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back).

Time Required

It can take 2-5 hours to perform tummy tuck surgery. Time requirements vary between each situation, depending on the extent of surgery.

Side Effects

Tummy tuck side effects include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry a risk of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Specific tummy tuck risks can include:

• Noticeable scarring
• Skin loss
• Need for second operation

Results Duration

Tummy tuck results can be permanent, but are subject to change with future weight fluctuation or pregnancy.

Recovery

It is usually required that patients rest in bed for up to about 3 days after surgery

Most patients can return to work about 2-4 weeks into the tummy tuck recovery period

4-6 weeks should be allowed after surgery before any strenuous activities are attempted

Discomfort Level

After a tummy tuck, discomfort is definitely evident. The surgeon will offer instructions for easing any pain, and prescription pain medication can be taken to help control it.

Anesthesia

The tummy tuck anesthesia of choice is usually general, though local anesthesia with sedation may be used for less extensive surgeries.

Inpatient/Outpatient

Tummy tuck is most often performed on an outpatient basis, though some situation may require a hospital stay.

Can be combined with

For enhanced results, a tummy tuck may be combined with:

• Liposuction
• Thigh or Buttock Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation

Abdominoplasty also known as

Tummy Tuck . Abdominal Lipectomy.