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Tummy Tuck
(Abdominoplasty)
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Quick Facts about Tummy Tuck
Medical Name: Abdominoplasty
Estimated Cost: $5,000 - $9,000
Type of Anesthesia: Local, General
Total Recovery Time: 4-8 Weeks, Down Time 2-4 Weeks
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that tightens stretched abdominal muscles and removes the excess fat and loose skin. Tummy tuck is a major surgery effective for men and women who have experienced loss of skin elasticity and slackening of muscles due to excessive weight or aging.
Tummy tuck surgery results in a flatter stomach, strengthened abdominal muscles and a reduction in waist size. The sixth most popular plastic surgery procedure, 169,000 tummy tucks were performed in 2005, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Did You Know?
A partial or "mini" tummy tuck is a much less invasive and shorter procedure than a full tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is extremely effective in enhancing contour problems in the lower abdomen due to weight fluctuations or following pregnancy.
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THE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
Abdominoplasty surgery is performed in a hospital or a plastic surgery center. For a full tummy tuck, the patient is required to stay overnight for post-operative monitoring. Tummy tuck surgery lasts from one to five hours, dependent upon the type of procedure being performed, full or partial tummy tuck.
The surgeon will make a horizontal incision just above the pubic area. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall and the abdominal muscles and tissue are drawn and stitched together. The abdominal skin flap is stretched down and the excess skin is trimmed. For patients with loose skin above the belly button, the surgeon creates a new hole for the navel and stitches it into place. The incisions are stitched and temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluid after surgery.
The surgeon may suggest a light exercise routine following surgery to reduce swelling. Strenuous exercise and lifting is avoided for several weeks following surgery to allow the body time to heal properly. A tummy tuck does leave a permanent scar that will flatten out and lighten in color within a year.
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TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE OPTIONS
There are two common abdominoplasty procedures: full tummy tuck and partial tummy tuck and one newer, non-invasive procedure: endoscopic abdominoplasty.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is effective in extensive tightening of the abdominal muscles and loose skin and removing stretch marks. The surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen, generally from hipbone to hipbone, detaches the belly button temporarily, tightens the stomach muscles and removes excess skin. General anesthetic is used and surgery lasts from two to five hours, depending upon the amount of work required.
Partial (or Mini) Tummy Tuck
A partial tummy tuck is commonly performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic. A mini tuck requires a smaller incision, generally four to six inches, a quicker recovery time and is less expensive than the full tummy tuck. Generally, the surgery lasts one to two hours and the patient returns home the same day. This procedure can be used in conjunction with liposuction to remove unwanted fatty deposits.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
A newer, minimally-invasive procedure gaining popularity, the plastic surgeon uses a small camera and makes tiny well-concealed incisions. Endoscopic Abdominoplasty is only recommended for minor muscle tightening, as it will not remove loose skin. This procedure offers no visible scars, a quick recovery with only mild discomfort and swelling and is less expensive than a tummy tuck.
IS A TUMMY TUCK RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, is mentally stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a tummy tuck. Candidates with fat or stretched abdominal muscles or loose abdominal skin and are in a normal weight range will see the greatest results. All age groups can achieve excellent results with abdominoplasty.
Other Considerations for a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a major surgery and is suitable for most healthy people. Patients who are obese, suffer from hypertension, heart disease or diabetes are at greater risk when having a tummy tuck.
At your initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review your pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues with your plastic surgeon.
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TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. In general, fees average $6,200 for a full tummy tuck and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as support garments and prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
TUMMY TUCK PROS & CONS
Pros
| Patients benefit from a flatter stomach, smaller waistline and improved abdominal muscle tone |
| Skin is taut and firm with no sagging or excess skin folds |
| Procedure recipients report feeling better, looking younger and have increased self esteem |
| Results are immediate with complete results when all of the swelling disappears
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| Results are long lasting with healthy diet and exercise
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Cons
| Discomfort and pain lasts several weeks; medication may be prescribed |
| Some swelling may take up to six months to disappear completely |
| Numbness in the abdominal region is very common and disappears in a few months |
| Permanent scars; will become flatter and lighter with time
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| Three to five weeks absence from work is required
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT TUMMY TUCK - FAQ
Are the results permanent?
A tummy tuck offers lasting results. Abdominal muscles may weaken with age but never to the pre-surgery extent. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program will help with long lasting results.
Do I need a general anesthetic?
With a full tummy tuck, general anesthesia is required. A partial tummy tuck can be performed on an outpatient basis using only a local anesthetic. This can vary depending upon your surgeon and your requirements.
What if I get pregnant again?
Pregnancy will affect the results of your tummy tuck. It is advisable to wait until after your last planned pregnancy to have tummy tuck surgery.
Will all my stretch marks be gone after surgery?
Stretch marks below the belly button can be removed in most cases. Stretch marks above the navel are moved to a lower body position but will not be removed entirely, however, they will be tighter, smoother and less noticeable.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck is a major surgery so expect a certain level of pain and discomfort, especially with a full tuck due the extensive tightening of the abdominal muscles. The level of pain depends upon your level of general health and how fast you heal. Your surgeon can prescribe you with pain medication after surgery.
How long will it take to see results?
As soon as the swelling starts to subside and your body begins to heal, you will start noticing results. Every day your body will transform and within a few months, you will see the full results of the surgery.
Can't I just exercise to tighten loose skin instead of having a tummy tuck?
Although exercise is important for all of us, it works to build and restore muscle and burn unwanted fat. There is no exercise that will shrink or remove excessively loose skin; only a surgical procedure can do this.
How long does it take to fully recover?
Total recovery is different for everyone. By the end of week three, most patients are able to ride an aerobic bicycle or a treadmill. Most patients return to work after three to four weeks.
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