Abdominoplasty, also know as tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure
in which excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen in order
to restore a more youthful contour to the trunk. While not a treatment
for obesity, it can be very helpful to those patients who have localized
fat collections and / or excess skin on their abdomen.

The procedure is commonly combined with tightening of the abdominal
wall muscles and liposuction of adjacent areas such as the flanks,
upper abdomen and thighs.

Who is a candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Some patients will do well with liposuction alone. Since liposuction
removes fat only, the skin tone must be good or excellent so that it
contracts after surgery. The determination as to which procedure is
best can only be made after an examination. However, if there is
excess skin, stretch marks or significant laxity, liposuction alone will
not suffice.

Abdominoplasty is not recommended for the very obese and is not
used for weight loss. Patients who are quite overweight  should
consider other options, such as gastric bypass first.

Are there different types of Abdominoplasty?
Yes. The operation varies from a “mini-tuck” involving a short incision
up to a “full abdominoplasty”. The difference depends on the extent of
the incision similar to that for a c-section while a full abdominoplasty
incision runs across the entire lower abdomen.

What about recovery time?
The surgery requires an overnight stay. Most patients go home the
next day. You will be out of bed and walking the day after surgery.
You will be very sore and your abdomen very tight. Most patients
walk in a bent over posture for a few weeks. You will not be allowed
to lift anything for two weeks and then only light lifting until six weeks
after surgery. Patients can shower the day after surgery and require
only light dressing. You will wear an abdominal binder full time for
two weeks.

There is usually quite a bit of bruising and swelling afterward. It takes
about six to eight weeks for most of it to resolve and six months for
complete resolution.

Is it painful?
Most patients require narcotic pain pills for one to two weeks and
then taper off gradually. The most common complaint is that the
abdomen feels very tight and swollen. 

What are drains and will I need them?
Drains are always in an abdominoplasty. They are small tubes which
pass under the incision and drain tissue fluid which your body
produces. They stay in for one to two weeks after surgery. 

What are the most common complications after the procedure?
Abdominoplasty is relatively straightforward, but there are risks and
specific complications associated with this procedure. The most
common problems are wound infections or problems with healing.
Infections can usually be managed with oral antibiotics alone.
On rare occasions intravenous antibiotics might be necessary.
Wound healing problems are often minor but might require
debridement and special dressings in rare cases. Both infections
and healing problems are much more likely in smokers. Therefore,
all patients who smoke must quit prior to surgery.

Patients sometimes develop seromas. This is a fluid collection
underneath the incision which arises after removal of the drainage
tubes. It is treated by draining it in the office. This represents little
danger but is a nuisance as repeated aspiration might be necessary.

Patients can also develop deep venous thrombosis, which is a blood
clot, usually in the legs. This can cause pain and swelling in the leg,
but more importantly can lead to an embolus. This occurs when the
blood clot travels to the lungs. It can lead to serious breathing
problems or even death. Thankfully the risk of this is low. All patients
have leg pumps placed during surgery to reduce the risk of blood
clots forming. However, no intervention can reduce the risk to zero. 

Where will I stay after surgery?
All patients will be given a hotel room in my office. It is very fully
furnished and equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and cable
TV. Some patients might require a sitter to spend the first night
with them. This depends on the type of surgery and availability
of a friend or family member to spend the night. See our rooms.

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