Plastic Surgery: Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck,” is a major cosmetic surgical procedure. An abdominoplasty is performed in order to create a flatter, smoother, firmer look for the abdominal region. This is achieved through the removal of excess skin, body fat, and the tightening of the abdominal muscles. There are several different types of abdominoplasty, including the “traditional tummy tuck,” the “endoscopic tummy tuck” (to minimize scarring), the “circumferential tummy tuck” (usually performed after gastric bypass surgery, bariatric surgery, or significant weight loss), the “extended tummy tuck” (which also targets the “love handles”), and the “mini tummy tuck” or partial abdominoplasty. Most abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, but in some of the less invasive types of procedures (such as the partial abdominoplasty) can be performed under local anesthesia in conjunction with a sedative.

People seek abdominoplasty for a variety reasons. Many women who have had children find themselves dissatisfied with their post-childbearing bodies because they still have an excess of skin and/or fat in their abdominal region leftover from their pregnancy, so they choose to have an abdominoplasty, sometimes as part of a larger “Mommy Makeover,” which combines multiple cosmetic surgeries to help women counteract some of the changes that child bearing imposes upon the female body. If a woman is still considering having more children, she should wait until after her final pregnancy to have an abdominoplasty performed because pregnancy weakens and stretches the abdominal muscles. People who have experienced a significant weight loss (usually 100+ pounds) also often require an abdominoplasty to remove the excess skin that still remains. Some people, though physically fit, find that they are unable to rid themselves of the dreaded “belly flab” through diet and exercise alone. The overall shape of the body is largely determined by genetics, so some people are genetically pre-disposed to have a tendency to accumulate fat in their abdominal region. These otherwise physically fit people who are unable to lose their “belly flab” through diet and exercise often elect to have an abdominoplasty. Some men and women also choose to have an abdominoplasty to counteract the effects that aging has on the body. Even if they do not have an excess of fat in their abdomen, their skin may be sagging and their abdominal muscles may have become too lax.

As with any major surgical procedure, some significant risks are associated with abdominoplasty. It is of the utmost importance that you carefully follow your surgeon’s pre and post-surgical instructions. Whenever a person undergoes anesthesia they risk possibly having a reaction to it, which in rare cases can result in death. During surgery there is also the risk of excessive bleeding. Post-surgery, there is an elevated risk of blood clots for the first few days following the procedure. There is also an increased risk of infection, so it is important that you only use sterile bandages and dressings and that you closely monitor any drainage for changes in colors. Infections are usually treatable with antibiotics, but they often slow the healing process. In some rare cases, slow or uneven healing can lead to tissue death, so that person may require a skin graft or additional surgeries. It is important to note that an abdominoplasty will result in a permanent surgical scar. Usually the surgeon will attempt to place the scar below the “bikini line” so it will not be visible to others. In the year following your abdominoplasty, the scar should flatten out a bit and lighten in color. However, if you are prone to keloids, your scar may be more prominent. Your surgeon will also advise you to avoid heavy lifting and other vigorous activities for an average of four to six weeks.