Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that can dramatically reduce protruding abdominal skin and fat. The surgery can also tighten muscles and fascia of the abdomen, giving a flatter, firmer, more sculpted waistline that diet and exercise often cannot achieve on their own.
The tummy tuck can be performed on an outpatient basis at an ambulatory surgical center, so you do not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Advancements in the types of anesthesia available today minimize postoperative pain, so you may not even need to take any opioid medications. The recovery period after a tummy tuck is relatively short, but you will need assistance with basic daily tasks at home for one to two weeks and up to six weeks if you have a physically strenuous job.
During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals. He or she will examine your stomach and take pictures for your medical records. In some cases, fluid can accumulate beneath the skin following a tummy tuck (seroma), and drainage tubes might be inserted to help remove it.
The tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution, so your doctor will probably recommend that you maintain a stable weight for several months before the procedure. This will help ensure that you have permanent results. Additionally, your doctor will likely recommend that you postpone a tummy tuck until you are done having children, as pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin again. tummy tuck
