A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. But, regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery and significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.
A Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.
In general, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.
If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate to help achieve your goals. A tummy tuck is best performed on adults of any age who are in good health, are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size, are moderately fit, and, overall, have good muscle tone. Good candidates are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
In addition, previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated or revised for new incisions.
A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how abdominal contour surgery or a tummy tuck can improve your body image and abdominal contour. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a non-pressured environment, and will include:
- A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
- The options available in tummy tuck surgery
- The likely outcomes of tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
- The course of treatment recommended by the doctor
The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:
- Honestly share your expectations
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Understand what results can be expected from the procedure you decide to pursue
- Commit to following all of the doctor’s instructions precisely
By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Possible risks of a tummy tuck inlcude but are not limited too:
- Blood clots
- Blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma)
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection or poor healing of the incision site.
Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.
Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
- Postoperative care and follow-up
It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.
A tummy tuck may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. It is more commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be used.
If your tummy tuck procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Your tummy tuck will be individualized to your specific condition that may include:
- Excess localized fat in the abdominal area
- Loose and sagging skin in the abdominal region
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging
Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combined with liposuction during a tummy tuck. There are variations to tummy tuck surgery; the technique selected is dependant on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and firmer abdomen. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.
Liposuction may be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck or to recontour other areas of the body by removing localized excess fat deposits. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical session as a tummy tuck.
Once your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.
The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.
Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. You will be instructed to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications.
For the the first few days following surgery you should:
- Avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything
- Avoid standing fully upright, to avoid stressing any internal sutures
- Sleep with pillows elevating your knees
Initial would healing may take 5 to 10 days. Any sutures will be removed some time after that, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
Continue to follow the doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
The results of a tummy tuck are visible almost immediately; however it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over the following months. It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree. Although they are permanent, these scars are hidden by most clothing and swimsuits.
Your new profile with a firm and flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. As your body ages you may find that some firmness is lost in the abdomen. However, this is minimal compared to the initial conditions that were corrected to achieve your now toned abdomen.
