1. Will abdominoplasty tighten up loose skin?

Abdominoplasty is very effective at tightening up loose abdominal skin. In additon, excess fat can be removed and shaped and loose, separated muscles can be repaired. In the appropriate candidate the results are nothing less than dramatic.


2. Can the problems come back after abdominoplasty?

Assuming the patient stays relatively close to her surgical weight, an abdominoplasty improvement is basically permanent. If there are dramatic weight shifts, or ,of course, a post abdominoplasty pregnancy, the result can be worsened. In addition, as we age, our skin loses elasticity over time and this can present as aging changes in the abdomen and over the entire body.


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

A tummy tuck is definitely not a good way to lose weight. This procedure can tighten skin and musculature and remove and shape abdominal fat resulting in a more youthful, slimmer and toned appearance. However, if a patient needs to lose a significant amount of weight, this should be done first. The result will be better and the risks will be lessened.


4. Can men benefit from a Tummy Tuck?

Men can certainly benefit from tummy tuck surgery, but the procedure is slightly different. In a woman, especially post child bearing, a major component of the surgery is the rectus muscle repair. This is almost never necessary in a man and the surgery is therefore most commonly performed in a man who has lost weight and has redundant skin and fat.


5. Will I feel pain afterwards?

Abdominoplasy surgery is after all abdominal surgery and as such does have some element of post op pain. I recommend most abdominoplasties be performed in the hospital with an overnight stay for safety reasons as well as pain control. In the hospital, I utilize a pain pump for the first 24 hours, which can give the most effective pain control early on. After that, patients are comfortable with simple medication.


6. Why do patients seek a tummy tuck?

Most patients seek tummy tuck surgery because they are not satisfied with the appearance and shape of their abdomens. Most commonly this is due to post pregnancy changes and these patients wish to return to their pre pregnancy shape. A tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles, remove and shape fatty bulges and tailor and tighten extra skin. If combined with a breast lift, this would be the classic "mommy makeover."


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

Recovery times for a full vs a mini tuck are dependent on the amount of surgery performed. As a simple rule, if muscle tightening is involved, the recuperation is longer, about 2 weeks or so. A small mini tummy tuck can recuperate in a week or less, once again depending on the amount of surgery performed.