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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Overview

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a type of cosmetic surgery that reduces a bulging abdomen and slims the abdominal profile. The procedure creates a tighter, flatter abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and in some cases, by restoring weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal area. Even though excess fat is removed during surgery, the tummy tuck is not a type of weight loss surgery and should not take the place of regular exercise or desirable weight control.

The ideal patient for a tummy tuck is a healthy individual of normal body weight and proportion who has developed an abdomen that protrudes or has excess skin that hangs loose and sags. This may result from pregnancy, aging, significant weight loss, heredity, or other surgical procedures. If you are dissatisfied with your abdominal profile and want to improve your overall appearance, abdominoplasty is an option to consider.

About the Procedure

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has received special training and is experienced in abdominoplasty techniques. It is important to choose a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon, not only to increase your safety, but to improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Tummy tuck surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient status in a surgical center. It may take 2 to 5 hours for a full tummy tuck and 1 to 2 hours for a mini tummy tuck, depending on the extent of surgery and individual circumstances. The patient is given anesthesia for surgery, either a local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia.

When surgery is finished, the incisions are closed with small sutures and a small tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate. The incisions are covered with dressings and bandages and the abdominal area is wrapped with an elastic bandage or compression garment to minimize swelling and provide support during healing.

Tummy Tuck Options

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck treats the complete abdominal area. It usually requires two incisions; one is made across the lower abdomen (between the pubic area and navel) and another incision is made vertically to the navel. This releases the navel for repositioning and allows the skin to be pulled back from the abdominal wall up to the ribs to expose the underlying muscles. The surgeon then tightens the weakened or separated abdominal muscles and removes the excess fat and skin. The size of the incisions will vary between patients based on the amount of the excess skin to be removed.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck treats only the lower abdominal area. It is a less complex procedure than a full tummy tuck because it treats a smaller body area and does not involve restoring muscle tissue. The surgery involves making one shorter incision directly above the pubic area. Unlike a full tummy tuck, a second incision to the navel is not needed as the belly button should not have to be repositioned. If excess fat is the only factor, liposuction may also be an option. The mini tummy tuck is commonly performed on patients whose excess fat and skin is limited to the area below the navel and who do not need abdominal muscle restoration.

Recovery

After getting a tummy tuck, patients may experience temporary swelling, discomfort, itching, bruising, and numbness in the abdominal area for several weeks or several months. Recovery time varies among patients and by the extent of the procedure (it usually requires less time to heal from a mini tummy tuck than a full tummy tuck). Depending on the healing progress, it can take several weeks before the sutures are removed and a compression garment is no longer required.

• Patients who have had a full tummy tuck can often resume normal sedentary activities within 2 to 4 weeks and more strenuous activities after 4 to 6 weeks or more.
• Patients who have had a mini tummy tuck can often return to normal sedentary activities within 1 to 3 weeks and more strenuous activities after about 4 weeks.

Although it may only take a couple of months for the incisions to heal, the incision scars often continue to flatten and fade for up to a year or two.

Before you go home, the surgeon will provide you with instructions for post-surgery care, including; how to clean and care for your incisions, pain medications, when to schedule a follow-up appointment, expected healing time, and when to resume your normal activities. It is important to follow the surgeon's post-surgery instructions, as this greatly affects the overall outcome and success of the surgery.

Risks

Any surgical procedure involves some degree of risk, even with a skilled surgeon under the best of circumstances. Before undergoing an elective cosmetic procedure such as abdominoplasty, a patient should discuss the options with the surgeon and carefully consider both the benefits and risks of surgery. Unexpected events, such as an infection or reaction to the anesthesia, are always a possibility.

Other possible complications that may occur with a tummy tuck, include:

• Poor healing
• Bleeding beneath the skin flap
• Blood clots
• Conspicuous scarring
• Skin loss
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Tummy Tuck Cost

The average cost of abdominoplasty is generally from $3,000 to $8,500. The primary expenses are the surgeon's fee (which is determined by training, skill, experience, and geographical location), hospital or surgical facility costs, and anesthesiology fee. Other fees may include medications, compression garments, medical tests, follow-up appointments, and revisions.

The overall cost of getting a tummy tuck is greatly affected by the extent of the procedure. As a general guideline, one can expect that the cost will go up based on how much excess skin and fat must be removed and whether or not the muscle tissue must be restored.

Results

Initial results may appear in as soon as 2 to 4 weeks, but it may take several months before the final results are reached. The new body shape will emerge as swelling subsides and healing progresses. The results are usually long-lasting, but can be affected by weight fluctuation and pregnancy. Patients who continue to control their weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle will enjoy long-term results.