ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Sometimes the skin stretches so much, especially after pregnancy or weight loss, that it doesn’t relax back to a tight flattened state.  The underlying muscles also can spread apart leaving a less appealing belly.  An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, involves tightening the abdominal muscles, and removing the loose excess skin to give a tighter, more youthful appearing abdomen.  This is traded for a scar, which be hidden under a swimsuit or underwear.

Good candidates for this surgery are at a stable weight.  It is especially suitable for those who have lost a lot of weight or have had children.

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Tummy Tuck Surgery

Surgery is done under a general anesthetic, and takes 2 to 4 hours.  An incision is made horizontally in the pubic area.  Skin is elevated and the muscles are found and tightened with stitches.  The belly button is moved into a new position.  The right amount of skin is removed, and this is tightened in place with dissolving stitches.

Expect some downtime afterwards, and 4 -6 weeks to get back to normal activities.  Most patients will wear a girdle for a few weeks to hold everything in place.

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