What Should I Expect from an Abdominoplasty?

Quick-fix options such as body contouring or skin tightening may not fully address problems like loose skin or stretched-out muscles after significant weight changes or pregnancy. 

An abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, removes excess skin, fat, and tissue, tightens your core, and gives your midsection a smoother, firmer look.

“People often show up wanting a non-surgical solution, but once they see what a tummy tuck actually does, their expectations shift,” says Texas plastic surgeon Matthew Steele of Matthew H. Steele, MD Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. 

If you are considering this procedure, here is what you should know before moving forward.

What is Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the abdominal area. People usually undergo this surgery after losing a lot of weight or having a baby, when their skin and muscles just don’t snap back the way they used to. In the end, your midsection looks flatter and feels more in line with the rest of your body.

Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck 

When you are thinking about an abdominoplasty, you have two options: a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck. The decision comes down to how much loose skin, fat, and muscle laxity you are dealing with.

A mini tummy tuck is effective at removing small amounts of excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles in the area below your belly button. The incision is shorter, as is your recovery time.

On the other hand, a full tummy tuck covers the whole abdomen, from your ribs down to your pelvis. It tightens stretched muscles, removes a larger section of skin, and the incision runs from hip to hip, often meaning moving your belly button. 

The Process of a Tummy Tuck

You will be put under general anesthesia for a tummy tuck. This means you will be asleep the entire time and will not feel a thing. The first incision the surgeon makes is a horizontal incision low on your stomach, between your hip bones. This is where they will remove your excess skin and fat. After this, they will pull your abdominal muscles tight.

When a surgeon is performing a full tummy tuck, the surgeon will make a small incision around your belly button to relocate it to its proper position. After that, the surgeon tightens all the muscles, then pulls down your skin and excises the excess skin. To prevent fluid accumulation, the surgeon may insert a drain. The final result will be a smoother and more toned abdomen. 

Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

Recovery after a tummy tuck operation requires some patience and a little planning ahead. Most patients go home the day of surgery, although in some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be necessary. 

For the first few days, you can expect swelling, discomfort, and that feeling like you have done too many sit-ups, although in reality, things go much deeper than that. 

You should plan to take two to three weeks off from work. If your job involves heavy activity, you will likely need to take all three weeks. Light activity comes first, but anything that involves heavy lifting, exercise, or similar activities has to wait six weeks.

Picking the Appropriate Surgeon

Abdominoplasty is a serious surgical procedure, and you definitely want a board-certified plastic surgeon on your side. Do not risk your health on touted “bargain” facilities and “doctors” who may give you poor results, infections, and even nerve damage.

Be sure to look at the “before and after” pictures and read the patient reviews before deciding on your surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will guide you through the process and ensure your safety at all times.