Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) — Cosmetic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama

Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, but it does produce a permanent scar that, depending on the extent of the excess tissue and what is required to correct it, can sometimes extend from hip to hip.

How is the abdominoplasty procedure performed?
What will I look and feel like afterward? | Who are the best candidates?
Will I have to be in the hospital? | What kinds of risks are involved?

Download abdominoplasty Postop Instructions (PDF)

How is the abdominoplasty procedure performed?

Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. With a mini abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.

Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall and lifts a large skin flap revealing the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position, this provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched into place. The incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied and a temporary drain will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

What will I look and feel like afterward?

For the first few days, your abdomen will be swollen and you will feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled with medication. You will be given instructions for showering and changing your dressing. You will have an abdominal binder, or compression garment, that you will be required to wear at least 2 weeks. You should start walking as soon as possible following the procedure.

It will be 4-6 weeks before you can get back to a strenuous exercise routine. You should not do any abdominal work for that time. You may get back into mild exercise 3-4 weeks following the procedure.

Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful for women who, through pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin.

Will I have to be in the hospital?

An abdominoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure. You will in most cases return to the comfort of you own home the same day. The procedure will be done in your surgeon's office based surgical suite, hospital or outpatient surgery center. Most commonly, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used, although in some cases a surgeon may suggest general anesthesia. Both methods will ensure your comfort during the process, and your physical condition will be constantly monitored both during the procedure and in the recovery room.

What kinds of risks are involved?

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery.

To find out more about abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, contact Hedden Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama today.