Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from your lower abdomen and the muscles of your abdominal wall are tightened. This procedure can drastically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The procedure is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies have stretched their abdomen so far that it does not return to its normal shape. A tummy tuck is also helpful if you have lost a significant amount of weight but still possess loose, sagging skin. Tummy tucks are often performed in conjunction with liposuction. You are a good candidate for an Abdominoplasty if you are:

• In good health and relatively good shape, but are bothered by a large abdominal fat deposit that does not respond to diet or exercise.
• Concerned with excessive loose skin and/or lax abdominal muscles due to pregnancies or excessive weight loss.

You should not undergo a tummy tuck procedure if you are considering losing a significant amount of weight, you are a woman still planning future pregnancies, or if you are not in good health.

Tummy tuck surgery is done under general anesthesia and lasts anywhere from one to three hours depending on the type of tummy tuck done.  During the procedure, Dr. Jones makes a horizontal incision just above your pubic area and your excess skin and fat is removed from your abdomen. You skin is then separated from the abdominal wall. The underlying muscles of the abdominal wall are then tightened. Your abdominal skin is then drawn downward and your excess is removed.  The remaining abdominal fat may be reduced with liposuction or trimmed down before your skin is closed.

Some of the risks of tummy tucks include infection and blood clots. These can be treated easily, but are rare. Tummy Tucks will improve your abdominal appearance; however, the procedure has been known to leave scarring. Some scarring can be bothersome and may require a second operation.

There are other alternatives to the tummy tuck procedure. A mini tummy tuck can be performed which will improve the appearance of your abdomen below the navel. During a mini tummy tuck, only a short horizontal incision is made and your skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. Another alternative is undergoing liposuction in order to remove your abdominal fat deposits. Liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck. Please consult with Dr. Jones as to which procedure will best meet your needs.

Following tummy tuck surgery, detailed instructions will be given to you as to your postoperative care and activity. It is important for you to follow these instructions in order to minimize any complications and to help achieve your best results. Dr. Jones will also advise you as to when you can return to your normal activities. Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks, and more strenuous activities in about three weeks following surgery.