What is a tummy tuck?

The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a way to tighten the tummy. It may include, tightening the skin, removing fat, tightening the abdominal muscles or all three. Liposuction can be substituted when the skin and the muscles are already tight, but liposuction cannot give the same benefits as a tummy tuck.

Tummy tucks are performed most frequently after childbirth or weight loss. Both situations cause stretching of the abdominal skin and muscles that may not respond to diet and exercise. Tummy tucks work best when you are near your ideal body weight. Excess weight can limit the amount of improvement that can be achieved.

An incision is made below the bikini line, and around the belly button. This allows access to the anterior sheath of the abdominal muscles. The muscles can be tightened like a corset. The excess skin and fat is removed leaving a scar around the belly button and low across the abdomen. The bellybutton is not removed, but is left in its original position on the belly.

Tummy tucks are normally performed under general anesthesia, and frequently an overnight stay is arranged at the operating facility. Drains are usually used, and are often removed within a week of surgery. Your surgeon may also provide you with a pain pump. Pain pumps allow for the administration of local anesthesia into the operative site. This decreases post-operative discomfort, and reduces the need for narcotics after surgery.

More information on tummy tuck is available on my main web site: www.DrMele.com, and my blog www.SanFranciscoPlasticSurgeryBlog.com. Just click on the links below:

Website Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information.

Blog Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information.

Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, FACS
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery
Walnut Creek, CA (925) 943-6353
www.DrMele.com
www.SanFranciscoPlasticSurgeryBlog.com
www.CirugiaPlasticaSanFrancisco.com
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