Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a "Tummy Tuck" involves removing skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become much looser or even hang lower. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. No amount of exercise seems to resolve the problem. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty

• Are in good health
• Have realistic expectations
• Are not planning to lose a lot of weight - their weight is stabilized
• Have excess fat that is concentrated on your abdomen
• Have excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
• Have weakened and separated abdominal muscles that don't respond to exercise
• Have an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
• Are a non smoker or quit one month before the procedure

A Mini-Tummy Tuck

An ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck is if your skin laxity and muscle weaknesses are confined to the area below your navel. The scar will be shorter, and an incision around the navel is not required.

Because everyone's shape is unique, Dr. Gartner has used variations of these procedures with liposuction to sculpt the body for the best results.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

An incision is made along the lower abdomen within the pubic triangle so the incision is hidden when wearing average bikini undergarments. The length depends on how much skin needs to be removed. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. The skin is then lifted up to the ribs and the abdominal wall muscles are tightened. This narrows the waistline and provides a firmer abdominal wall. The skin is pulled down and the excess is removed. An incision is placed over the navel and it is delivered through it and sutured in place with extra care to create an inner navel so the incision is hidden. The lower incision is closed in multiple layers so a fine scar is created. The dressings are applied and a temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. The surgery on average takes two to three hours to perform.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

For the first few days you will probably have swelling and discomfort which can be controlled with medication. Although you may not stand up straight right away, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible. The drains are removed in one week and most patients return to work in two weeks. Patients are encouraged to wear a support garment for six weeks after the surgery. You may experience some numbness over the abdominal area; this may persist for several months.

Keep in mind, the tummy tuck leaves a long scar across the bottom of your abdomen above the public area. If you can live with this, and you prefer it to your chronic problem with excess skin and a "pouch" belly, then you're a good candidate for tummy tuck.

The scar is placed where it will be hidden by panties or a swimsuit. Although it's considered permanent and visible, it should fade over time.

Unless you gain or loose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. Most patients find that it makes them more comfortable in clothing and find they can now wear clothes they haven't worn in years. Abdominoplasty restores a more youthful contour giving patients more confidence about their appearance. Take a look at some before and after photos.