Tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty is by far one of most common abdominal contouring procedures performed by the CACS members. Patients that have loose skin, stretch marks and loose muscles either due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging are good candidates for a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck is not a weight reduction procedure. In fact, if the patient is overweight it is best that they lose the weight prior to undergoing this procedure.

The surgeon usually makes an incision low in the suprapubic area or Bikini line in between the hip bones as well as around the belly button. All the skin below the belly button is removed, the recti muscles are tightened in the middle and the rest of skin is stretched down and the belly button is replanted in the new skin. The incisions are closed carefully in several layers.

After the procedure the patient is placed in an elastic compression garment which they wear for a few weeks. There is usually drainage tubes left in place that come out in a few days.

The recovery time can be two to four weeks depending on the extent of tummy tuck needed and patient’s pain tolerance. It is important that patients move around after surgery as one of the risks is development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in the deep veins of the leg that can travel to the lungs. Therefore patients are encouraged to move and walk around early. The first few days they may have to walk slightly bent over but within one to two weeks they can straighten up and walk normally.

A tummy tuck is a gratifying procedure that can lead to a flat well-toned abdomen in the appropriate patient. Patients usually look very good already at three months but their results continue to improve unto 1 year after surgery.