1. Will abdominoplasty tighten up loose skin?

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) always involves the removal of the undesirable lower abdominal skin and fat layer between the umbilicus (belly button) and the the pubic area. This full-thickness skin and fat layer is also removed from hip to hip. Most abdominoplasty also involves the tightening of the rectus abdominus muscle and fascia resulting in a tighter and more shapely abdomen. Finally, the abdominal wound is closed by advancing the upper skin to the pubic area below resulting in a much tighter appearance of the tummy skin.


2. Can the problems come back after abdominoplasty?

It is rare, but possible for the problems such as excess loose abdominal skin, stretch marks, laxity of the abdominal muscles and a bulging tummy to recur if a patient becomes obese, pregnant, develops abdominal or pelvic tumor, or just has poor quality of skin, muscle and fascia.


3. Is a Tummy Tuck a good way to lose weight?

Tummy tuck was not designed to be a weight loss surgery. However, all of my abdominoplasty patients lose 12-25 pounds and 2-6 sizes by 6-8 weeks postoperatively. Their body always becomes more shapely and youthful. They also tend to experience a secondary weight loss in other areas including in areas such as the chin, arms and thighs. This is why this is such a popular surgery. Morbidly obese patients should lose sufficient weight prior to undergoing abdominoplasty surgery. I have numerous moderately obese Type 2 Diabetes patients who lose so much weight after abdominoplasty that their blood sugars improve to a point where their insulin is reduced or no longer required.


4. Can men benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

Men may also benefit from a tummy tuck especially if they have the same problems treated in question 1. However, most men carry more fat inside their belly than in the skin layer, and tend to have limited improvement in abdominal shape and tightness postoperatively. These men should lose weight and decrease the size of their "gut" prior to surgery. Finally, both men and women tend to accumulate large amounts of fat in the hip and flank areas over time and after pregnancy. These patients benefit dramatically from combining liposculpture to these areas to significantly improve their shape and contour.


5. Will I feel pain afterwards?

Unfortunately, abdominoplasty is one of the more uncomfortable cosmetic surgery procedures we perform. This is mostly due to the abdominal muscle fascia tightening and also the tight skin closure. Delicate technique, preoperative stool evacuation and avoidance of constipation, adequate postoperative pain medication and local anesthetic pain pumps significantly help. Despite this concern, tummy tuck remains one of my most popular procedures with excellent results and almost never a patient regret. This is definitely a life improving operation!


6. Why do patients seek a tummy tuck?

Most patients seek a tummy tuck after developing a loose and bulging abdomen with excess lower abdominal skin, stretch marks, unsightly scars or other deformities. These patients try to improve their tummies with aggressive diet and exercise but over time realize that excess stretch marked or scarred loose skin will ultimately only improve with surgery. Similarly, laxity or diastasis of abdominal muscles and fascia will only improve with abdominoplasty surgery.


7. Is the recovery time different for full and mini tummy tuck?

Recovery for a full tummy tuck takes about 7-10 days before the pain tolerance without narcotics is comfortable enough to drive, shop, work or perform other light activities. Most of the downtime is related to the discomfort and skin / muscle tightness experienced with a full abdominoplasty. I also have my patients wear a compression garment and limit lifting to 20 pounds for the first six weeks. Recovery after a mini- tummy tuck is faster, about 3-7 days, especially if no muscle fascia tightening is performed and if the skin is less tight and the incision shorter in length. Mini-tummy tucks are limited to only a few good candidates.