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Tummy Tuck Procedure (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and improve one’s appearance and self confidence.

Loose skin of the abdomen may be hereditary, aging related or the result of substantial weight loss. The muscles in the region often get damaged and weakened by pregnancy, causing sagging of this region. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin, weakened muscles and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from a tummy tuck.

If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the belly button, you may require a less complex procedure called a mini- tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty), also know as a mini-tummy tuck, sometimes done in conjunction with liposuction.



The best candidates for tummy tucks are men or women who are in good shape but are bothered by loose abdominal skin or large amounts of fat that won't respond to diet or exercise. This surgery is welcomed by woman who through pregnancy have had their abdominal muscles weakened and their skin stretched beyond the point where it can return to normal.

If someone is intending to lose a lot of weight or get pregnant, this procedure should be postponed.


The Tummy Tuck Surgery

During a tummy tuck an incision is made from hip to hip within the “bikini” or “boxer” line to hide the scar under clothes following the procedure. Mini-tummy tucks are performed using a smaller incision to minimize the scar.

Excess skin and fat are removed, the muscle beneath is tightened, the skin is redraped to produce a newly contoured abdomen and smaller waistline. When indicated, fat is removed from the abdomen as well. Whereas a full tummy-tuck can take 2-4 hours, a mini-tummy tuck may only take an hour or two.


What about after the tummy tuck surgery?

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program after the surgery.

Your scars will mature over a 6-9 month period. For those who want to improve the long term appearance of their scars, the Vbeam pulsed dye laser and Fraxel laser may be utilized right after the stitches come out.


An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.




Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.





The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.





Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. With complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. Both incisions are stitched closed.





After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.