A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, restores a firmer, flatter stomach and removes excess fat to improve the appearance of your midsection. This surgery can improve the look of your abdomen after childbirth, aging or weight loss. The results are long lasting but can be affected by significant weight gain or loss.
Talk to your plastic surgeon before the procedure about what you hope to achieve. A good plastic surgeon will listen and be honest about whether a tummy tuck is right for you. Discuss any health conditions that might affect your healing, including smoking, and tell your surgeon about any previous abdominal surgeries.
Your doctor will put you under general anesthesia for the tummy tuck, so you won’t feel any pain during the operation. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision across the pubic area near your navel and remove excess skin, if necessary. They will repair any weakened abdominal muscles and then close the incision.
You’ll have drainage tubes inserted to help drain fluid from the surgery site. You’ll need to empty them often and keep track of what comes out. You’ll also have stitches and a bandage over the surgical site.
As you recover from a tummy tuck, you’ll develop scars at the incision sites. Your plastic surgeon will explain where the scars will be located and offer advice on how they’ll fade over time. You’ll need to wear a support garment for several weeks or months and limit your physical activity. Abdominoplasty