Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Abdominoplasty, most commonly called 'tummy tuck,' is a cosmetic procedure in which the muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin is removed to recontour the abdomen. While this cosmetic procedure is most commonly performed in women to restore body shape following damage from pregnancy, men and women who have lost large amounts of weight (usually in excess of 100 pounds) may need this procedure also.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight can develop a less than desirable abdomen that protrudes. Most commonly due to:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Fluctuations in weight
• Heredity
• Previous surgery

Patients considering this cosmetic procedure should remember that all surgery involving an incision leaves some kind of scar. Also, if the problem is only one of excess fat on the abdomen, with good skin quality and muscle tone, then liposuction is a better choice for the patient.

About the procedure:

This cosmetic surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, although sometimes patients stay overnight at the surgery center for '23-hour' recovery. The operation itself takes three or four hours, and is done under general anesthesia.

Time off from work after this operation varies, depending on one's job description. While many patients feel well enough to do light office work after a week, usually a two-week minimum is recommended before returning to office jobs, two or three weeks minimum before driving a car or doing serious stair climbing, etc. For those whose jobs are more physical, up to six weeks MAY be needed.

One of the more common questions asked is, 'Will my medical insurance pay for this?' Unfortunately, the best answer we can give is, 'Maybe.' In order for insurance to pay, the patient must have such weakness of the abdominal wall that a true hernia is present.