Tummy Tuck Surgery - Abdominoplasty

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While the euphemism 'tummy tuck' may sound benign, abdominoplasty is in fact a major surgery.

Depending on your desired results, this surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. Abdominoplasty can be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure, and can be done with local anesthetic and a sedative, though in most instances general anesthesia is preferred. 

The surgeon begins by making an incision across the patient's abdomen, right above the pubic area, and around the navel. Next, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the patient's abdominal wall, stretching from the pubic area to the rib cage, including the area around the navel. The surgeon also tightens the patient's abdominal muscles with sutures to further flatten the abdomen. The surgeon then creates a new hole for the belly button, pulls down and trims any excess skin, sutures up the incision and applies a firm elastic dressing to the patient's abdomen. In some cases, small tubes will be inserted through the incision area to allow fluid to drain out of the area.

Because tummy tucks are invasive procedures, patients usually remain in the hospital from one to three days. Patients typically experience pain and discomfort for a week or more, and muscle soreness can last several weeks or longer. Numbness, fatigue and bruising can also be expected. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for four weeks or so, and are told to wear an elastic support garment, much like a girdle, for up to three weeks for additional abdominal support during the healing process. The cosmetic results of tummy tucks are apparent fairly soon and, with the proper diet and exercise, can last indefinitely. However, because of the nature of the surgery, patients may not feel like their old selves for several months. Also, while the incision scars will fade, they will never go away completely.