Tummy Tuck

What is a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck" as it is commonly known, is a procedure that contours the abdominal area. With this procedure, the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened with sutures.

Possible complications associated with abdominoplasty

Possible complications associated with abdominoplasty may include:

Significant scarring. If the incision area does not heal properly, there is a chance of poor quality scar. This can often be treated by a second operation. There can be delays in wound healing if you have problems with the blood supply in your skin.

Blood clots and infection. As in any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, blood clots, or reaction to the anesthesia.

About the procedure

Although each procedure varies, tummy tuck surgeries generally cover the following considerations:

Location options may include:

Surgeon's office-based surgical facility

Outpatient surgery center

Hospital outpatient

Hospital inpatient

Anesthetic options may include:

Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation

General anesthesia

Average length of procedure:

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes several hours, depending on the extent of work required.

Some possible short-term side effects of surgery:

Abdomen is swollen

Abdomen is painful

Final results:

Healing is a slow and gradual process. It may take weeks or months to reach a full recovery.

Scars may appear to get worse during the first 3 to 6 months as they heal. It may take up to a year for scars to flatten out and lighten in color, although they may never completely disappear.