1. What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a procedure that tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin and fatty tissue on the abdomen.


2. What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

During pregnancy, the connective tissue of the abdominal wall is stretched. Unfortunately, it does not always snap back with diet and exercise. The procedure provides repair and tightening of the stretched tissue and removal of sagging loose skin on the abdomen. Stretch marks below the belly button are also removed.


3. Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?

Patients that are close to ideal body weight, do not smoke, and have excess skin on their lower abdomen are the best candidates.


4. How is a tummy tuck performed?

An incision is made across the lower abdomen. The skin is elevated off the abdominal wall. The stretched connective tissue is tightened with permanent stitches. The excess skin and fat are removed. Drains are placed, and the skin is closed.


5. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

The procedure takes one and a half to four hours depending on the size of the patient.


6. Is anesthesia used during the tummy tuck procedure?

General anesthesia is required.


7. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery can be performed very safely in properly selected patients. This procedure should not be done on over-weight patients or patients who smoke, as the risks of developing blood clots in the calf or lung veins increases dramatically in those patients. Complications are rare. Bleeding and infection occur less than one percent of the time. Scarring varies from one individual to the next. Skin numbness can occur, but is rarely permanent.