Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin in the abdomen that may accumulate after pregnancy, obesity or age. In most cases, the surgery restores weakened or separated muscles, creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Who is a Candidate?  |  Intended Results  |  Procedure Description  |  Recuperation and Healing  |  Other Options  |  Insurance Guidelines  |  Note

Who is a Candidate?

People who:

• Have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (frequently secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery).


• Are unable to tighten abdominal wall skin with exercise.

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Intended Results

• A smoother flatter abdomen.

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Procedure Description

• The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia either within the hospital or in an outpatient setting. (Mini- and modified abdominoplasties are similarly performed.)


• Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal skin only (shortest scar).


• Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair.


• Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles (standard scar).


• Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back).

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Recuperation and Healing

• Abdominoplasty recovery is sometimes uncomfortable and may require more time-consuming and limiting recovery.


• One day of hospitalization or skilled nursing care or assistance at home is usually indicated.


• You will be encouraged to be moving and walking regularly within one to two days.


• Light activity is comfortable in 10 to 20 days. Sports will not be comfortable for about six weeks. No heavy lifting for six weeks.

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Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance the result are liposuction, thigh lift or breast procedures.

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Insurance Guidelines

• This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

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Note

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

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