Traditional Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck (known medically as abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. It is performed to enhance the appearance of the abdominal region through the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the ab muscles. In 2010, more than 116,000 patients underwent tummy tuck surgery in the United States, making it the fifth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure.

Traditional tummy tuck surgery involves an incision across the midsection, from hip to hip. This incision enables the surgeon to access all of the underlying tissues, including muscle, fat, and skin. These layers are carefully sculpted, leaving patients with a smoother and more toned-looking stomach. While this method does enable the surgeon to access all of the underlying tissues, enabling dramatic changes, it also requires longer incisions and a longer recovery period than procedures such as the ‘mini tummy tuck,’ which is an abbreviated form of tummy tuck surgery.

Are you a good candidate?

If you have excess fat and skin in the abdominal region, you may be a good candidate for the traditional tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty is popular among women who have recently gone through childbirth, since pregnancy can radically alter the physical appearance of the abdominal region. The tummy tuck procedure will tighten the abdominal muscles which are generally loosened as a result of pregnancy. It is also popular among both men and women who have recently lost a significant amount of weight, which can leave loose skin as well as stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise.

The ideal candidate for this procedure is in good overall health and at a stable weight, less than 30 pounds over their ideal weight. Patients range in age from 25 to 60 years old. While most patients are women, this procedure may also be performed on men. This procedure may not be a good option for women who plan to become pregnant again, or for anyone planning to lose a significant amount of weight, since fluctuations in body weight will continue to change the appearance of the abdomen.

Procedure

First, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision across the front of the abdomen. Usually, this incision is low enough that any resulting scar will be covered by underwear or a bikini. This incision is longer than that used for the mini tummy tuck, but shorter than that required for an extended tummy tuck; its exact length depends on the patient’s physical size and goals.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the belly button may need to be repositioned to a higher location if a significant amount of skin has been removed. Finally, the remaining tissues are sculpted to achieve the desired appearance, and the incision is closed with sutures.

Complications & Risks

Risks associated with traditional tummy tucks include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, infection, and visible scarring. It is important to recognize that tummy tucks are considered major abdominal surgery, and do come with a range of possible risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.

Recovery Time

After a tummy tuck, several days of bed rest are required. The abdomen will be covered by surgical dressing and a compression garment. You can expect to feel soreness and tenderness in your abdominal area after a tummy tuck. Some of the most common side effects experienced by patients who undergo abdominoplasty include bruising, swelling, redness, muscle soreness, and skin tightness. These typically subside within two to three weeks as your body begins to adapt to its new contours and the incisions begin to heal. Most patients return to work about two weeks after their tummy tuck surgery.