Tummy Tuck

Loose folds of skin may remainon the abdomen after pregnancy, weightloss or just with aging. A “tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty removes thisexcess skin and fat +/- tightens the muscles to create a smootherabdomen.Liposuction may be combined with this procedure.

About the Procedure

A long incision will be made across the lower abdomen and another aroundthe umbilicus/”belly button” to remove the excess skin and to advance theskin from the upper abdomen to close the area of the lower abdomen fromwhich the skin is removed. There will be a permanent scar but usually itis at or below the panty line.

Complications are rare, but include hematoma (bleeding under the skin)andseroma (tissue fluid under the skin). Numbness just above the scar will bepresent but will diminish with time.Advice to avoid straining the abdominal muscles for six weeks may begiven. Most people can return to work within two weeks.