Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems.  In such cases, a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty).  A tummy tuck is the surgical removal of excess skin or fatty deposits from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdomen muscles into a tighter formation.  This bodily enhancement procedure is designed for those who wish to have a flatter and tighter stomach.  It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.

Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty:

• Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area.
• Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss.
• Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy.
• The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits as well as the proper alignment of the abdomen muscles to produce a more flattering look.

General Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the desired look and the patient’s unique physiology.  To begin the procedure, an incision is made just above the pubic bone area.  This incision goes horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back.  The skin is then stretched away from the muscle tissue, and excess skin is removed.  The abdomen muscle tissue is tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline.  Finally, the incision is closed; and the skin is stitched back into place.  Sometimes the procedure requires an additional incision around the navel in order to provide the best results.

Preparing for surgery

One month prior to surgery:  It is very important that any tobacco usage is stopped.  Nicotine reduces circulation to the skin and subcutaneous tissues, impeding healing and increasing the chances of a postoperative complication.

2 weeks prior to surgery:  Stop all medications that can thin the blood at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.  In your preoperative examination and workup, be sure to discuss with us any doctor prescribed blood thinners such as coumadin (warfarin), lovenox, or aspirin  In addition, stop any over the counter medications and herbal remedies that may cause bleeding.  For a list of these medications, please click here.

One week prior to surgery:  Call our office to report any changes in your health that may affect your surgery such as recent colds or local skin infections.  We may decide to postpone your procedure to maximize safety.

The day before Surgery:  Do not eat or drink anything after midnight except for a small sip of water to swallow any blood pressure or heart medication pills.  Shower with an antibacterial soap twice the day before surgery.

The day of surgery:  Shower once more the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes.  Do not wear jewelry.  Do take any blood pressure medications with a small sip of water.

Post Operative Instructions:

Diet:  start with liquids and some crackers.  If those are tolerated, you may progress to a regular diet.

Driving:  Do not drive for 7 days after your procedure or while taking pain medications that contain narcotics.

Activity:  You may walk and climb stairs immediately after surgery.  Make sure you walk about the house for at least fifteen minutes three times a day to decrease the risk of developing clots in the leg.  After a month you may resume your excercise routine.

Work:  Most people are able to return to work 2 weeks after the procedure.  Discuss your profession with us so that we may be able to give you a better estimate.

Wounds:  there may be some fluid drainage from the incision sites for the first several days after surgery.  Keep the incisions covered with a dry sterile dressing to catch the drainage.

Drains:  typically, you will have one or two drains placed during surgery.  The drains consist of a plastic tubing that is attached to a bulb.  These need to be emptied and the amount drained recorded.  To empty, uncap the drain which will let the air in, then hold the drain over a measuring container and squeeze the fluid out.  While still squeezed, recap the drain which will recreate suction. 

Showering:  you may shower the day after surgery.  Pad your skin dry and apply new dressings if you do.  do not submerge any incision site under water, but sprayed shower water is acceptable.

Medications:  you will typically be placed on a short course of antibiotics and on pain medication.  Resume your typical home medications except blood thinners, which you should restart only after discussing with your surgeon.

Call your doctor if you experience pain not relieved by the pain medication, bleeding, redness at the incisional sites, or high fevers.

Frequently Asked questions Relating to Tummy Tucks:

1) Can I have children after a tummy tuck?