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Tummy Tuck
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What is a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, involves the surgical removal of excess fat and loose skin on the abdomen. The stomach muscles are also tightened to provide a flatter, firmer tummy and smaller waist. When is it used? Weight gain and loss of muscle tone may result from an inactive lifestyle. Multiple pregnancies can stretch muscle and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity caused by aging can make the stomach appear flabby and fat. Diet and exercise can help, but something more may be needed to achieve the desired look. Men or women who are in good shape and bothered by loose skin or abdominal fat are ideal candidates for a tummy tuck. How is it done? A complete tummy tuck usually takes 2 to 5 hours. A long incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. Another incision is made around the navel to free it from surrounding skin. The large skin flap is then separated from the abdominal wall and lifted all the way up to the ribs to reveal the muscles. The muscles are pulled close and sewn together to tighten and narrow the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the excess skin is trimmed away. After the extra skin has been removed, the belly button is realigned. Incisions are then closed and an elastic dressing is put in place. If flabby skin is limited to below the navel, a partial tummy tuck is sometimes performed. For this surgery, the skin is tightened from the pubic area to the navel and takes only an hour or two. What happens after the procedure? Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few hours or for 2 to 3 days. The outer stitches are usually removed in 5 to 7 days. Light activity after surgery is encouraged. Vigorous exercise should be avoided until the surgeon approves it. You may need to wear support garments for several months. Scarring is usually minimal, but permanent. Within nine months, the scars flatten and lighten in color. If you follow a reasonable diet and regular exercise, the results of a tummy tuck can be long lasting. What should I do before having the procedure? There are risks and complications with a tummy tuck. Before agreeing to the surgery, find out as much as possible about the procedure, the risks involved, and the plastic surgeon you may be considering. Always select a board certified plastic surgeon with training and experience in the procedure you want done. The surgeon will explain the benefits and costs. Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery. Call your health plan to find out about your benefits.  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a
replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File SRG5011F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.
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