1. What are the specifics of the abdominoplasty procedure?

The goals of the abdominoplasty procedure are to tighten the abdominal wall and remove the excess skin and fat in order to achieve a firmer, flatter abdominal contour. In order to do this, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area. The skin and fat are then lifted from the abdominal wall, the belly button is separated from the surrounding skin and left on the abdomen, and the dissection proceeds to the ribs. Next, the abdominal muscles are stitched together so that any laxity in the abdominal wall is repaired. This allows the rectus abdominus muscles to be better aligned again as they are often separated as a result of extreme stretching of the abdominal wall during such events as pregnancy. Once this is completed, the skin is advanced downward again and the excess skin and fat are removed, thereby achieving a smooth abdominal contour.


2. Can scars in the abdominal region, such as those from Cesarean sections or appendicitis, be corrected during surgery?

Often this is the case. C-section scars and appendicitis scars are often removed with the excess skin and fat excision. This can effectively improve the contour in the area as well, since sometimes the original scars are thick or depressed. In the case of open gallbladder scars, most of the time the scar is too high on the abdomen to be removed.


3. After losing a lot of weight, my tummy hangs out. Can you fix this?

Large amounts of weight gain and loss can result in severe laxity in the abdominal wall. In addition, large amount of stretched skin may result as well. A tummy tuck is ideal for fixing both of these problems.


4. Is there much pain following a tummy tuck?

You will need to take pain medications for a period of time after an abdominoplasty. In addition, many surgeons inset a pain pump into the abdominal area during the time of surgery to assist in controlling post-operative discomfort. I find that my patients have really benefited from this device. It is designed to slowly infuse local anesthetic into the abdominal area over a period of 3-5 days. When the pump is finished delivering all of its medicine, the acute recovery, and thus acute period of discomfort, has been completed, and the pump can be easily removed by the patient.


5. Can a tummy tuck be combined with liposuction?

Often liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck to achieve the best overall contour. The overall goal for many patients is to achieve a slim midsection. The abdominoplasty effectively rejuvenates the front of the midsection. Liposuction can help to reduce the love handles, or flank areas, on the sides and the back, in order to achieve a circumferential slimming. Liposuction in conjunction with an abdominoplasty must be performed judiciously, however, because the liposuction can interfere with the circulation in the abdominal skin and potentially cause problems with wound healing. Your surgeon can best advise you of the safest areas to treat.


6. Can I have work done on my breasts done at the same time as a tummy tuck?

Combining procedures is ideal in that it cuts down on overall recovery time and can be financially beneficial, and so many of my patients opt for this approach. The breast work that can be done at the same time as an abdominoplasty includes breast augmentation, breast lift or mastopexy, and breast reduction. Two types of procedures, on the breast and the belly, make up the so called "mommy makeover" procedure that is so popular today.