Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Many of Doctor Arons’ patients have turned to abdominoplasy after multiple pregnancies or large weight loss. In those and other circumstances, abdominal muscles weaken, and skin of the abdomen becomes loose and flaccid.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes, however, those methods cannot achieve our goals. Even people of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. Abdominoplasty can tighten the abdominal muscles and in some instances improve stretch marks.

In men and women who have fat that is concentrated in the abdomen, a tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat. Many times, this procedure is combined with liposuction. Abdominoplasty will not eliminate minor wrinkling or take the place of dieting, but it can improve a loss of skin elasticity in combination with slightly overweight older individuals. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence. In a full abdominoplasty, the bellybutton is preserved and relocated to a new position. Extra skin is cut away and removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened. Resulting scars across the pubic area and around the naval are permanent, but flatten and lighten in color over time. They are usually easily covered by typical bathing suits, but tummy tuck scars are by no means small.

This operation is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room, and patients spend one night in the hospital under observation status. You will be advised to wear an abdominal binder or support garment for a minimum of six weeks, during which time you will have to avoid strenuous activity. When you awaken from abdominoplasty surgery, you will have at least two drains in place to collect extra blood and fluid since one of the more common complications of the surgery is known as a seroma, which is a collection of fluid beneath the skin. Often a small catheter is also inserted beneath the abdominal skin that is used to administer a medicine for pain control during the first 4-5 days following a tummy tuck. Patients go home with these catheters, which are removed later in the office.