Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Surgery, Benefits, Risks, and Recovery

Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery intended to remove excess skin and tighten underlying muscles in the waist area, resulting in a firmer and more toned appearance. It is usually performed on individuals who want to achieve a flat stomach or enhance its contour after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing, when desired effects cannot be obtained with diet and/ or exercise.

A tummy tuck can be a transformational solution for women and men who are struggling with the shape and appearance of their abdominal area. It can also be an effective treatment option for certain health conditions, like some cases of back pain or incontinence.

Here is everything you need to know about tummy tuck to help you understand what to expect from the surgery as well as the risks, benefits, and recovery involved. It is important to note that only a plastic surgeon would be able to recommend if you’re a suitable candidate for this procedure.

What Is a Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A tummy tuck surgery is designed to address the weakening of the abdominal wall, leading to the overhang or drooping of surplus skin along the midsection. It is, first and foremost, a body-sculpting technique rather than a weight-loss procedure.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can be combined with other cosmetic surgeries to enhance their overall results. For instance, your plastic surgeon may recommend you get a tummy tuck after liposuction, or together with other reshaping procedures, including breast operations (whether reduction or augmentation), and removal of extra skin in any part of the body, such as the arms or thighs.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

A tummy tuck is not the same as liposuction. While both are surgical procedures that can improve the abdominal area, they are suited for different candidates.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck surgery is done under general anesthesia. You’ll be asleep and numb the whole, so you will not feel any pain. How your surgeon performs the procedure may vary based on the type of tummy tuck you’re getting. Generally, a plastic surgeon will:

1. Make a horizontal incision (cut) across the abdominal area (typically between the belly button and the pubic region)

2. Pull the abdominal skin downward, stretching it to see how much can be taken away.

3. Remove extra skin.

4. Create an opening to reposition your belly button.

5. If needed, insert tubes to drain excess fluid

6. Close the incision site, stitch your skin back together, and cover it with bandages.

More often than not, tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure. This means you’ll most likely be discharged when the anesthetic wears off and allowed to go home a few hours after the surgery. You may only need to stay in the clinic overnight if you’re undergoing more than one cosmetic surgery.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck surgery is mainly done for cosmetic reasons, but it can also help with certain health conditions.

The benefits of tummy tuck include:

• Reduces excess skin in the abdominal area.

• Tightens and repairs muscles, restoring the abdominal wall.

• Enables you to achieve personal aesthetic goals, boosting confidence.

• Helps relieve chronic back pain caused by weakened muscles or the weight of extra skin.

• Enhances posture with less weight pulling you forward or making you slouch.

• May improve urinary incontinence as it decreases pressure on your bladder.

• Can fix certain types of hernia

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is ideal for individuals who struggle with excess skin and fat in the abdomen even with exercise or diet. Tummy tucks are typically recommended to people who:

• Are in good health and desire a smoother abdomen.

• Have loose skin drooping or hanging from their belly from weight loss or after liposuction.

• Plan to maintain a stable weight after surgery.

• Are nonsmokers or are willing to quit the habit.

• Have had several births and want to repair muscles that may have separated and reduce skin that may have stretched during pregnancy.

• Have realistic expectations about the procedure.

Risk Factors of Tummy Tuck

Like any other major surgery, tummy tucks have risks. This is why having an in-depth consultation with your plastic surgeon is crucial, as much as it is important to follow post-op instructions to prevent and minimise potential risks.

It is normal to experience some soreness, tiredness, and swelling for the first few days following your tummy tuck surgery. You may also have bruising and/ or numbness around the incision site. Not to worry, it will subside and your surgeon will prescribe medication to best manage pain or relieve discomfort.

Though rare, complications after a tummy tuck may include fluid buildup in the skin (seroma), poor wound healing, and bleeding or blood clots. See your doctor and surgeon immediately to address these concerns as soon as possible.

Tummy tucks will also leave scars, but they’re usually hidden below the bikini line, and they may fade over time. Your surgeon may also recommend topical ointments or creams to diminish the appearance of scars.

Who Should Not Have a Tummy Tuck?

Surgeons will suggest you postpone a tummy tuck when you still intend on having children or losing a significant amount of weight. This is because future pregnancies and weight loss could affect or alter the long-term results of your tummy tuck.

Expectations and Recovery

A tummy tuck is a major surgery, but the transformational results make it a worthy undertaking. To help ease your mind and aid in your decision-making, here are some considerations before and after the procedure:

Expectations Before Tummy Tuck

• Review of Medical History

For your initial consultation, be ready to answer questions about your medical history. This includes your current health condition, any medication you’re taking, allergies, weight fluctuations, and past surgeries.

Discussing this information with your plastic surgeon will help them assess if you’re a suitable candidate.

• Physical Exam

Your surgeon will examine your abdominal area to evaluate all possible treatment options and discern which type of tummy tuck is best for your unique concerns. They may also take pictures for medical records.

• Set Treatment Goals

To help ensure your desired results, clearly communicate why you want a tummy tuck and how you would like your abdominal area to look after the procedure.

To manage your expectations, they will explain the benefits and risks of the surgery, and help you understand scarring. Note that previous abdominal surgeries may influence the outcome or limit results.

• Preparation

To prepare for your surgery, you will be asked to:

• Stop smoking as it can affect the healing process

• Discontinue taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements.

• Maintain a stable weight for at least 6-12 months, following a healthy diet plan.

• Arrange for help for the first few days. You will need someone to take you home as you may be a little disoriented from the anesthesia and may need assistance getting or moving around.

• Plan for time off from work or your regular duties. You will need at least 2 weeks to heal and recover.

Recovery from Tummy Tuck

• Stitching and Bandaging

The operated area will be stitched, and your doctor or surgical team will apply a dressing before the bandage.

• Aftercare Instructions

To facilitate the healing process and ensure the desired result, your surgeon will instruct you:

• On the best positions for sitting or lying down.

• To refrain from strenuous physical activity for at least 6-12 weeks. This includes exercising or lifting heavy objects.

• On wearing an abdominal binder for 6-8 weeks to help support your abdomen

• To take 2 weeks to a month off work, depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery you had.

• On booking follow-up consultations to supervise your healing.

• Results and Outlook

While you will notice immediate improvement in your abdominal area, the final result will vary from person to person and the type of tummy tuck surgery you had.

Generally, clients see optimal results and are able to return to their daily life after 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tummy tuck take?

The duration of the procedure depends on your desired results and the type of tummy tuck you’re getting. Generally, this surgery may take 1-5 hours.

Is a tummy tuck safe?

Like any major surgery, tummy tucks have risks, but they are safe when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.

Is tummy tuck the same as liposuction?

No. The tummy tuck surgery, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is not the same as liposuction. While both cosmetic surgeries can improve and lessen fat in the abdominal area, they are suited for different individuals.

Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Yes. A tummy tuck surgery can remove stretch marks along with excess skin.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

While you may still get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it may affect the outcome or limit the results. The abdominal muscles that were tightened and the skin could stretch again, so surgeons usually advise women to wait until after they are done having children to undergo the procedure.

Are the results of tummy tuck permanent?

Tummy tuck surgery delivers permanent results or is long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and embrace a healthy lifestyle. However, factors such as pregnancy and significant weight gain or loss can impact the results.

Will I have scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, tummy tucks involve incisions, which will leave scars. However, the surgeon will place the incision as discreetly as possible, usually along the lower abdomen, where it can be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Scars will fade and improve over time but may not disappear completely.