What is a tummy tuck?

It is a surgical procedure that tightens the abdominal skin, soft tissue and muscles.

Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

Any patient with excess abdominal skin and lax abdominal muscles. The most common candidates are Moms (after pregnancies) and people after massive weight loss. One must be in good health for the surgery.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

The benefits are a smoother, tighter abdomen without overhanging tissue and loose abdominal muscles. Anecdotally some patients report improved back pain when their abdominal muscles are plicated (tightened).

How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

It typically takes 3-4 hours with you asleep. Many people choose to have other procedures performed at the same time they are under general anesthetic such as breast lift or augmentation, eye lift or nose surgery.

Will a person have a scar after the tummy tuck?

Yes you will. However, I like to hide it within the are of the underwear or bikini. In fact, I have you bring your favorite underwear or bikini bottom to preop so I can mark out the scar and make sure it will be hidden.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

An incision is made in the supra pubic area (where your bikini would be). The skin and soft tissue are elevated off of your muscles. Your belly button is left on its stalk to the abdominal wall but transposed to another location after all of the excess skin and tissue are removed. Your abdominal muscles are tightened if preoperatively it is determined that they are lax (loose); which is common after pregnancies. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with you asleep. Postoperatively, there will be drains in place and a pain pump to administer local anesthetic for several days.

Will smoking slow down the healing process after a tummy tuck?

Definitely. Smoking interferes with wound healing. If you are a smoker, you have a much higher rate of having problems with your wound healing. There is a risk that the wound can open up, get infected or not heal. I ask that all patients either quit smoking prior to their procedure or refrain for 6 weeks before and 4 weeks after.

Is anesthesia used during the tummy tuck procedure?

Yes! The procedure is done with you completely asleep under general anesthesia. As well, postoperatively, we use a pain pump that delivers local anesthetic to the area for pain control.