An abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a major surgical procedure that dramatically reduces the appearance of a patient's abdomen. Abdominoplasty surgery can be done using a few different techniques, which involve removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower stomach area and tightening up the abdominal muscles underneath those structures. Abdominoplasty surgery is one of the most popular body contouring plastic surgery procedures available today.

The ideal candidate for abdominoplasty surgery is a patient who is in excellent physical and emotional health. Both men and women who are in relatively good shape, but are dissatisfied with the appearance of their midsection, can make great candidates for abdominoplasty surgery. Some people develop stubborn pockets of fat or loose skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. Women who've triumphed through multiple pregnancies may find that their midsection is not as aesthetically pleasing as it once was. Aging can cause a reduction in the skin's elasticity, causing excess skin to sag in the belly area. For these people, an abdominoplasy can be an excellent surgical option.

Like all surgical procedures, there are abdominoplasty risks that should be carefully considered before determining if this procedure is right for you. One of the biggest drawbacks to abdominoplasty surgery is the permanent scar, which depending on the procedure, can extend from one hip all the way to the other. In some ways, a patient trades one cosmetic problem for another. Other risks of abdominoplasty can include poor healing, infection, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and complications in future pregnancies. Female patients who wish to have children in the future are often advised to wait to have abdominoplasty surgery.

Once you have decided, with the guidance of a plastic surgery professional, that an abdominoplasty is right for you, you will want to familiarize yourself with the procedure itself and all after care instructions recommended by our surgical specialist. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and can take anywhere between two and five hours to complete. An incision is made laterally from hip to hip and possibly to reposition the navel. The surgeon will remove excess fat and skin and tighten up the muscles if necessary. The surgical site is then stitched up and dressings will be applied around the midsection to help the side heal.

The first few weeks of healing process from abdominoplasty surgery can involve some discomfort, swelling, and other symptoms that can be improved with medication, proper care, rest, and time. Usually after a few weeks or months, an abdominoplasty patient begins to feel like their old selves. After about six months the permanent results can be seen. The abdominoplasty produces a dramatic, but natural looking result, that many patients find extremely satisfying.