FAQs about Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery

1. What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a “Tummy Tuck” or simply “TT”, is the surgery of the abdomen to remove the excess skin and fat that may accumulate after pregnancy, obesity or age. With a full abdominoplasty, benefits are also tightening of the abdominal muscles that may have become stretched out or lax over time. Even a new bully button can be obtained as a result to go along with your new, taut stomach! This isn’t a simple procedure and you should definitely be aware of the risks and post-operative care and attendance that will be needed.

2. Am I a candidate for Abdominoplasty?

First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery. Communication is crucial in reaching one’s goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your surgeon if he is to understand what your desired results are. Discuss your goals with the surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved. You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure. This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the healing period. There is sometimes a full or depression after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a procedure. If the above describes you and you have the desire to rid yourself of loose sagging skin of the abdominal area, you may be a good candidate for Abdominoplasty. An “ideal” patient would have incredibly elastic skin. But, of course, we human beings are never ideal. But good elasticity certainly helps! Normally women seek this procedure after pregnancy – although it is advised to wait until you are finished having children to have this procedure as the skin and muscles can get stretched out again as well as the dangers of your newly taut skin being unable to accommodate another pregnancy. Also, if you are considering losing weight you should wait until after your desired weight is met. You may need additional surgery to remove the excess skin after you have lost the desired weight which would mean that the money spent on the previous abdominoplasty would be waster and your skin can only be stretched so much.

3. Can exercise tighten the skin without abdominoplasty?

Unfortunately no. Exercise is good for the mind and body in general, and toning the muscles can help fill out loose skin in the vicinity. By suppressing the appetite, and by slightly increasing the metabolism, exercise can assist weight loss. But there is no such thing as a “spot” exercise, to make the body lose weight in a certain area, nor to make the skin tighter. Exercise can increase muscle bulk, and that in turn can make skin look tighter in some areas, but exercise cannot tighten the loose abdominal skin.

4. Does abdominoplasty take care of cellulite?

There is nothing special about “cellulite”, it is just fat, but it is fat located just under the skin, making a rippled look that is quite apparent. Abdominoplasty removes some of this cellulite fat also, but it is difficult to eliminate entirely. Weight loss by dieting is the best way. Sometimes, these skin irregularities can become more noticeable after abdominoplasty.

5. Does abdominoplasty take care of stretch marks?

Stretch marks are scars. They are produced by distention of the skin, but only in situations in which there are various hormones circulating, as in pregnancy and puberty. Those stretch marks located on the lower abdomen will be removed with the extra skin. Those located on the upper abdomen will be shifted downward as the skin in brought downward. The stretch marks that remain are tightened and smoothed out somewhat.

Even in the most extreme balding patterns, a permanent ‘wreath’ of hair exists on the sides and back of the head. This hair is unaffected by the balding process. Once transplanted, this hair behaves as it was programmed to behave in the original area it came from and will grow naturally for the rest of your life.

6. Where are the scars located involving an Abdominoplasty?

This is not a scar-free surgery; in fact the scars may be quite severe depending upon the amount of skin needed to be removed, your body’s ability to heal, if you scar well, the skill of the surgeon and the technique utilized. Most surgeons choose to offer their patients lesser scarring techniques that leave a well-hidden horizontal or slightly bowed scar which can be covered by a standard bikini. We will discuss the incision types, techniques and placements at your consultation.

7. What should I expect post-operatively?

You are usually able to walk immediately after surgery and is in fact encouraged to do so 3 to 4 times per day for 1-2 minutes each time. However, you will more than likely not be able to stand up straight – more of a hunched over type of posture. The skin of the abdomen will be quite tight and you are usually instructed to remain bent over at least 45 degrees for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery. Patients will often note some back discomfort due to the 45 degree positioning for 4-5 days after surgery. We will prescribe muscle relaxants and pain relief medications for the same. The drains that have been placed will generally be removed 4 to 14 days after surgery. At the end of 4 days the patient may begin to straighten up and by six days post-op may or may not be fully straight. You should take it easy for at least two weeks after surgery. While the drains are in, you will be on bed rest with a very small amount of walking as outline above. However, if your drains are in for an extended amount of time, you will of course not be expected to sit in bed all day. An abdominal pressure garment will be placed around you during one of your post-operative appointments and you will be instructed to wear this for 3 to 6 weeks. Some swelling and discoloration are normal but generally this is minimal. Of course this is dependent upon the individual.