Abdominoplasty (tummytuck)

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as "tummytuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

MINI TUCK  may be performed on patients less than 10% of overweight.  In those cases, we recommend the use of a low abdominal incision  that do not extends beyond the pelvic bone prominence.  The navel is left intact.  Conservative amount of tissue is excised. Limited liposuction may be indicated on those cases either prior or during the procedure.

REGULAR or ONE WEEK TUCK (with a recovery time one to two weeks)

Performed under extended regional or under general anesthesia.  The incision is extended beyond the iliac crest.  Dissection is carried above the umbilicus which has to be repositioned.  Over five pounds of tissue is generally removed.  Liposuction is optional. 
Observation and drains are recommended for 24-48 hours.  The patient may be sent home after all vital sign are stable although we usually keep patients for 2-4 days depending on recovery, age of the individual and travel home distance. 

EXTENDED TUMMYTUCK  (recovery time 3-4 weeks).

This is an extension of the regular or one week tuck. The surgical incision is extended more laterally than the previous one.  Dissection  is extended up to the xyphoid process.  Tissue removal is often in excess of ten  pounds. Close monitoring is recommended for a minimum period of 48 hours.  Blood, electrolyte and cardiac observation are essential. 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL TUMMYTUCK (Mayor Abdominoplasty)  (recovery time four to eight weeks).

Those cases involve the removal of massive amounts of fat and skin tissue and are only indicated in extreme cases of obesity and or skin redundancy. Those cases are often termed as of medical necessity,  often performed following bariatric procedures and subsequent weigh loss. They should be performed only by experienced surgical teams with medical and cardiological evaluation, before, during and after the surgery. 

BEST CANDIDATES FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.