Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a cosmetic surgery used to tighten muscles that have become loose or split following pregnancy, or to remove fat and extra loose skin from the abdomen after weight loss.

In most cases, abdominoplasty helps reduce the size of the belly and improve the contour of the abdominal muscles. Some of the benefits of the tummy tuck procedure are:

Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or regular exercising. One can achieve a flatter, toned stomach by following a strict diet and regular exercise, but it is not always the case. Many doctors and surgeons advise their patients to consider undergoing abdominoplasty after they have achieved the right body shape after dieting and exercise.

If you are unhappy with your weight and your body shape, you can consider cosmetic procedures like abdominoplasty to boost your confidence.

If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your stomach, you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty. This surgery can address weakened connective tissue in the abdomen, excess belly fat, and poor skin elasticity.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

In some cases, an unsatisfactory abdomen may simply be from a person’s natural body type. Whatever the cause of the problem is, a good candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is in good overall health, is at a stable weight, is a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations for the outcome.

A tummy tuck can warrant general anesthesia. Sometimes, however, patients may choose regional anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Dr. Kay will begin surgery by making a horizontal incision between the belly button and the pubic hairline. Then, he will repair and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. These often become separated due to childbirth. Excess fat and skin will be removed. Lastly, the incision is closed. The average tummy tuck surgery takes about one to two hours.

You may have heard that patients often have drains placed after a tummy tuck surgery. However, Dr. Kay has found that he usually doesn’t need to place these. Instead, he uses a progressive tension suturing technique to prevent fluid accumulation. The result is a faster, more comfortable recovery.

In addition, Dr. Kay will place a thin catheter in the surgical area. For three to four days post-op, this catheter will release local anesthetic in the area to improve your comfort level during your recovery. You can also expect to wear a compression garment for about six weeks to provide support and minimize swelling.

After your tummy tuck, it is important that you follow the surgeon’s instructions on how to care for the stitches. Follow the surgeon’s instructions about the best way to sit, lie down, etc. to avoid excess pain and to ensure proper healing.

You will need to limit any form of strenuous activity for at least six weeks post-surgery. You might be asked to take up to one month off work to ensure proper recovery. The surgeon will advise depending on your case.

When planning to undergo a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, choose a board-certified surgeon who is experienced and trained in these types of surgeries. For the best results, choose a cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Peter Kay who is a board-certified plastic surgeon as well as a member of the American College of Surgeons. He has been practicing plastic surgery in Tucson, AZ, for more than 25 years.