The Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is a procedure used to remove excess skin and fat around the abdomen or just simply used to strengthen the abdominal wall. Although the procedure is very useful in reducing a protruding abdomen and tightening the abdominal region, it does unfortunately leave a permanent scar.

There are three types of tummy tucks: mini, partial, or complete. A mini-tummy tuck is usually performed when the fat or excess skin is below the navel and usually leaves a smaller scar than other tummy tuck procedures. Partial or complete tummy tucks are performed when the excess skin or fat reaches above the navel.

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed either under local anesthetic and a sedative, or under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will create an incision that runs from hip to hip, right above the pubic area. Then, a second incision is made around the navel. During a partial tummy tuck, these incisions are much smaller or may not need to be made at all.

Throughout the procedure, the muscles in the abdomen are pulled and stitched closer together, and the skin is pulled down. This creates a narrower waist and strengthens the abdominal muscles. The skin is then stretched and stitched into place, and a new hole is made for the navel, which is then stitched back into place.

Recovery time for the tummy tuck procedure is longer than other plastic surgery procedures due to the extent of the alterations made. Also, scars from the procedure will tend to be more noticeable in the months following the surgery and can take up to a year to flatten and return to a more natural color and look.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are people who are relatively in good shape yet are concerned about a fat deposit or extra skin that resists dieting and exercise. Usually women who were pregnant and had their abdominal muscles and skin stretched elect to have tummy tucks to give them a tighter abdomen. Moreover, people who have lost a lot of weight (including weight loss through surgery) very quickly and older people choose to have tummy tucks to improve their skin’s elasticity.

When deciding if a tummy tuck is the cosmetic surgery choice for you, your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the extent of the procedure. Sometimes, depending on the results you want, the plastic surgeon will suggest liposuction before of or in combination with the tummy tuck.

To determine if a tummy tuck is the right option for you, please select the city of your choice from the top menu bar or the links at the bottom of this page.