All Procedures
Standard Abdominoplasty: Full Tummy Tuck
Useful information for patients on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) procedures
What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and, when needed, repairing laxity or separation of the abdominal wall (rectus diastasis).
Pregnancy, significant weight loss, weight fluctuations, aging, and genetics can result in loose abdominal skin and weakening or stretching of the abdominal wall that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone.
During a standard abdominoplasty, an incision is placed low on the abdomen, typically in a location designed to be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear when possible. Excess lower abdominal skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is carefully redraped to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour.
When abdominal wall laxity or rectus diastasis is present, the abdominal fascia can be tightened to improve abdominal wall contour and support. In a full tummy tuck, the belly button usually remains attached to its underlying stalk and is brought through a new opening in the repositioned abdominal skin.
Liposuction is frequently combined with abdominoplasty to further contour the abdomen, waist, and flanks. This combination is sometimes referred to as Lipoabdominoplasty.
Depending on the surgical technique and extent of the procedure, temporary surgical drains may be used to help reduce fluid accumulation during the early healing period.
Who Is It For?
Abdominoplasty may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have loose, sagging, or excess abdominal skin
- Have abdominal wall laxity or rectus diastasis, often following pregnancy
- Have excess skin after significant weight loss
- Have localized abdominal fat in combination with skin laxity
- Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke or use nicotine, or are able to discontinue nicotine as directed before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery
Patients considering future pregnancies may wish to postpone abdominoplasty, as pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and abdominal wall and affect the surgical result.
A tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure and is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
How Does a Full Tummy Tuck Differ From Other Types?
The appropriate type of abdominoplasty depends on the location and extent of skin laxity, abdominal wall changes, previous surgery, and the patient’s individual anatomy.
- A mini tummy tuck is generally best suited for selected patients with limited skin laxity primarily below the belly button and does not require an incision around the umbilicus.
- A standard or full tummy tuck treats more extensive abdominal skin laxity and typically includes removal of excess lower abdominal skin, redraping of the abdominal skin, and repositioning of the skin around the belly button. Abdominal wall tightening may also be performed when indicated.
- An extended tummy tuck carries the incision farther around the sides of the body and is designed for patients whose excess skin and tissue extend beyond the front of the abdomen into the flanks.
Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best matches your anatomy and goals.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients typically undergo a detailed medical history and physical examination. Depending on age, medical history, and the extent of surgery, laboratory testing or additional medical clearance may be required.
Patients should ideally be at a stable weight before surgery because significant weight gain or weight loss after abdominoplasty can affect the long-term result.
Nicotine significantly increases the risk of wound-healing complications and should be discontinued before and after surgery according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Certain medications and supplements that may increase bleeding or interfere with surgery may need to be temporarily discontinued. Patients should discuss all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and weight-loss medications with their surgical team.
Specific fasting and medication instructions will be provided by the surgical and anesthesia team before surgery.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
The duration varies depending on the extent of surgery and whether liposuction or other procedures are performed at the same time.
Tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere approximately two to five hours.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
Abdominoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Many appropriately selected patients can undergo abdominoplasty as an outpatient procedure.
An overnight stay may be recommended depending on the extent of surgery, combined procedures, medical history, and individual circumstances.
Additional Information
Temporary effects during recovery may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Tightness or a pulling sensation in the abdomen
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation, particularly in the lower abdomen
- Discomfort or soreness
- Temporary fluid accumulation
- Fatigue during the early recovery period
- Swelling improves gradually and may take several months to fully resolve.
As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty carries potential risks, including:
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Seroma or fluid accumulation
- Delayed wound healing or wound separation
- Skin or fat necrosis
- Unfavorable or widened scarring
- Changes in skin sensation or persistent numbness
- Contour irregularity or asymmetry
- Umbilical healing problems
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Need for revision surgery
Individual risk varies according to health history, body mass index, nicotine exposure, the extent and duration of surgery, and whether multiple procedures are performed together. Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile and appropriate measures to reduce complications.
Recovery varies depending on the extent of surgery, whether abdominal wall repair is performed, whether liposuction is included, and whether abdominoplasty is combined with other procedures.
Early walking is strongly encouraged after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Patients typically walk slightly flexed at first because of abdominal tightness and gradually return to a more upright posture as healing progresses.
Many patients can resume light daily activities during the first one to two weeks and return to desk-based work within approximately two weeks, although some patients require additional time.
Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that place significant tension on the abdominal wall are restricted during early healing and gradually resumed according to your surgeon’s guidance.
A compression garment may be recommended for several weeks to provide support and help manage swelling.
Patients should not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or until they can comfortably and safely perform all movements required for driving.
Abdominoplasty can create:
- A flatter, firmer abdominal contour
- Improved abdominal wall support when muscle separation or laxity is repaired
- Removal of excess, loose abdominal skin
- Improved definition of the waist and abdomen, particularly when combined with liposuction
- Removal of some stretch marks when they are located within the skin that is surgically excised
Stretch marks outside the area of skin removal will remain, although their position or appearance may change as the skin is redraped.
An improvement in abdominal contour is visible after surgery, but swelling initially obscures the final result. The contour continues to improve over several months as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Results can be long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations and future pregnancy can alter the result.
Please note: Individual results vary based on anatomy, skin quality, age, previous surgery, weight stability, and overall health. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine the most appropriate surgical approach and establish realistic expectations.