Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

“Tummy tuck” surgery can be done at any time and is a well-established option to tighten and enhance the contour of your abdomen. The results are most dramatic when a tummy tuck is done after multiple pregnancies or massive weight loss, because these are situations where a lot of excess skin can collect around the lower abdomen and hips; the entire abdominal wall can even become loose. (Note: It’s recommended to have this procedure only once your weight has stabilized.)

A tummy tuck is different from liposuction, though these procedures are sometimes combined. Liposuction is an effective way to remove excess fat under the skin, but it cannot alter the presence of excess skin or tighten the fascia—the connective tissue—of the abdominal muscles. In fact, for people with very lax skin, liposuction alone can actually exacerbate the issue, leading to a worse aesthetic outcome.

During a tummy tuck, on the other hand, excess abdominal skin and subcutaneous fat can be easily removed. The connective tissue covering the abdominal muscles can also be tightened and pulled together, improving the midsection’s contour. The cut edges of the skin are sutured together meticulously to minimize the visibility of the scars.

Talk with your plastic surgeon about whether you’re a good candidate to get both of these procedures together.

A tummy tuck surgery can be very effective in removing loose, excess skin and fat, as well as tightening weak fascia. The incisions and resulting scars tend to heal extremely well, but the exact effects will depend on your surgeon’s abdominoplasty method.

Here is a breakdown of various types of abdominoplasty techniques:

The classic tummy tuck leaves a scar consisting of a thin line that lies along the bikini line and a second small scar around the belly button. (Note: if you’ve had a C-section, the surgeon may be able to incorporate your existing scar into the new one.)

The mini-abdominoplasty typically leaves a shorter scar but also achieves less in terms of abdominal contouring and tightening. An ideal candidate for a mini-abdominoplasty (also known as a “mini tummy tuck”) is typically someone with mild to moderate skin laxity who is at or near their ideal weight and, preferably, has completed their childbearing.

The umbilical float abdominoplasty avoids a scar around the belly button but ends up lowering the location of the belly button on your abdomen.

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty adds a vertical scar to the abdominal midline, allowing for the greatest amount of skin and fat removal in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. This is most useful for people who have experienced massive weight loss after surgical or medical therapy and now have an excessive amount of loose skin.

In contrast to a tummy tuck, a body lift is a more extensive procedure that addresses multiple areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, removing excess skin and improving overall body contour, especially after significant weight loss.

Speak with your surgeon about which option best suits your situation and desires.

Before you go
Discuss your medical history in detail with your surgeon. Work together to determine which type of tummy tuck makes the most sense for you. As part of the preparation, your surgeon will examine your abdomen and take photos. Make sure you ask to view before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s previous work, as well as ask any questions you have about the procedure. This includes what results you can expect and what scarring might look like.

There may be requirements to meet before the surgery itself, such as stopping certain medications, reaching your ideal weight or maintaining a stable weight for a set period of time. Follow these guidelines closely.

During the procedure

Abdominoplasty is usually done in a hospital or outpatient clinic under general anesthesia. This means you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure itself.

Typically, your surgeon will make incisions that allow them to remove the greatest possible amount of skin and fat from the abdominal area. The fascia—connective tissue—that lies on top of the muscles may also be tightened with sutures to further improve the abdomen’s firmness. The surgery typically takes two to three hours.

Tummy Tuck Aftercare

After the operation, you will usually have a drain on each side of your abdomen. Drains prevent the accumulation of fluid in the space that was operated on and shorten the healing process.

The drains are usually kept until the output has decreased, which may take one to three weeks. The sutures used for the skin incisions are usually absorbable and will not need to be removed. In general, you’ll be asked to wear an abdominal binder at all times, unless showering, for about two weeks; the exact length of time depends on your surgeon’s postoperative protocol.

You should be able to return to daily activities within one to two weeks. But you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous core exercise for six to eight weeks. This will help minimize tension on the incisions and help you heal without complications as your body gradually adjusts to your new and improved midsection.

Postoperative recovery requires attention to posture and positioning. The results of abdominoplasty are usually long-lasting but can be affected by significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy.