What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is an operation to remove loose skin and stretch marks from the lower stomach. The stomach muscles can also be tightened during the operation. The trade-off is a scar that goes from hip to hip across the lower part of the stomach.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

The benefits of a tummy tuck are the elimination of loose skin and stretch marks from the lower abdomen as well as tightening of the abdominal muscles resulting in a slimmer, flatter abdomen. Clothing may also fit better following a tummy tuck.

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone with loose skin +/- stretch marks of the lower abdomen, especially someone who is not contemplating any future pregnancies. This loose skin will not tighten up with diet or exercise but can be removed with surgery. The stomach muscles can also be tightened during the surgery.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

A marking pen is used to mark where the incision is going to be across the lower part of the abdomen. In surgery, we cut along this line and go all the way down to the stomach muscles. We do NOT cut into the stomach muscles but, rather, go right over the top of the muscles all the way up to the ribs on each side. When we get to the belly button, we cut around the belly button leaving it attached to the muscles underneath. Once we have everything up to the belly button cleared away, we can look at the stomach muscles and see if they need tightening. If they do (and most people do), we use stitches to tighten the stomach muscles from the base of the chest bone all the way down to the bottom of the incision. We then bend the patient slightly at the waist so that we can remove as much loose skin as possible. Usually, a wedge of skin from the belly button to the top of the pubis can be removed. We then use stitches to put the skin edges back together again and make a new hole for the belly button to come out.