Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

This document is provided to help your surgeon clearly explain Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, as well as possible alternative treatments. This information is important, and should be carefully read so that you understand the surgery and have realistic expectations.

Tummy Tucks are performed under amnesia producing IV sedation or general anesthesia in outpatient surgery centers or Hospitals on an ambulatory basis. Abdominoplasty can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including limited volume suction-assisted fat removal, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries. There are several types of Tummy Tuck procedures, including limited ("mini-"), modified, or full abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasty can only help tighten the lower abdominal skin (below the belly button), and the final scar is shorter than the modified or full abdominoplasties.

What It Does: Removes excess abdominal skin and fat, and allows access for tightening of weak stomach muscles if needed

Best Candidates: Women and men with hanging excess skin on abdomen, and weakness of the central abdominal wall muscles

Length Of Procedure: 2-4 hours, depending on extent

Recovery Time: compression garments or binders for 2-4 weeks, and some restriction of activity for 1-3 weeks depending on extent of surgery required

Back To Work: Usually 7-10 days with mild lifting restrictions

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure to designed for reduction of excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen, and may include a tightening of midline muscles of the abdominal wall.

Abdominoplasty is not a procedure which can treat obesity, and should not be entered into with weight loss at the primary goal. Obese individuals are advised to seek qualified counseling by a physician and staff who offer comprehensive weight management programs. If you feel the need to lose weight, it is sometimes suggested that you do so prior to having a Tummy Tuck. Loss of weight after such surgery may reduce the effectiveness of such treatment. Full abdominoplasties include additional muscle tightening and skin removal, with incisions extending to, or beyond, your hip bones. Some fat removal (liposuction) may be done at the same time, but cannot be as extensive as could be provided after your Tummy Tuck has healed. Liposculpture is often performed 6-12 months after the Tummy Tuck to reach best results.

Recuperation time will depend on many factors, but is usually 2-4 weeks following the full abdominoplasty. You will be given specific instructions as to extent and types of activities recommended for the first several weeks. Having someone to assist you for the first 2-3 days if often an advantage, as you will have stiffness and limited mobility in the early days following surgery of this type.

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Alternatives to Tummy Tuck

Suction assisted fat removal (liposuction) may be an effective surgical alternative to abdominoplasty providing that you do not have defects in the muscle wall (hernias, widening of the midline, etc.) or very limited about of fat under the skin surface. Diet controls (including medical management tools) and planned exercise programs to strengthen the abdominal muscle wall may be of benefit in improved tummy wall shape and size. As this is an elective procedure, you may elect the option of not having any treatment.

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. In this type of surgery, you should weigh the potential gain against the possibility of risk. Minor or unexpected complications may occur which have a relatively small impact on the results. Major complications are possible, but are considered relatively unusual.

"Since my liposuction 6 months ago, I am so much smaller. It has given me the incentive to continue taking better care of myself both for my looks and my health. " - Thanks again, TR

Body Contouring

What Is Body Contouring?

Body contouring includes a group of procedures designed to address irregular deposit of fat, laxity of skin, or excess of skin following bariatric weight loss surgeries. Selection of procedures will be discussed with you following examination of the areas of concern. Sometimes a combination of lipocontouring and excess skin removal will be discussed.

Before	After	Before	After
Before		After

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What It Does: Surgical removal of fat deposits, sagging skin such as after major weight loss, pregnancy, or loss of elasticity resulting in aging changes

Best Candidates: Women and men with severe sagging of skin associated with weight loss or severe skin laxity of the abdomen, thighs, or buttock areas

Length Of Procedure: 2-4 hours

Recovery Time: Gradual reduction of swelling, firmness and tightness over 3-4 week period. Mild exercise restriction for 10 days to 2 weeks

Back To Work: Usually within 4-7 days (varies)