An abdominoplasty procedure, or a “tummy tuck”, is a cosmetic surgical procedure. During a typical tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall to give the patient a flatter stomach. In some cases, the patient may also undergo liposuction.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is done under general anesthesia. The abdominal muscles are completely relaxed while the patient is unconscious, which makes the procedure safer for the patient and easier for the surgeon. The surgery usually takes under three hours to perform.

The details of the surgery vary from patient to patient, since each patient’s body is unique. However, during a typical abdominoplasty procedure, the plastic surgeon will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat. The plastic surgeon will reposition the belly button and pull the skin taut. The end result is a tight, toned midsection with a smoother, slimmer contour.

What is the Recovery Like?

The patient should plan to stay home from work for at least two to six weeks after the tummy tuck. They should sleep with their head elevated for at least two weeks after the surgery. Our surgeon will most likely have the patient wear a compression garment around their stomach.

While the patient will be able to walk, they should not engage in vigorous exercise until our doctor says they can. Since they may not be able to exercise for some time, the patient should make sure to eat a very healthy diet, as this will also help to promote healing.

Who is a Good Candidate for an Abdominoplasty?

Men and women in good overall health make the best candidates for tummy tucks. Women who have been pregnant several times may find the procedure useful in tightening abdominal muscles that have been loosened by multiple pregnancies. People who have lost a lot of weight may also benefit from the procedure.

To see if an abdominoplasty procedure can help you achieve your goals for your body, visit the office of Dr. Beth Collins, MD in Guilford. Dr. Collins can evaluate your figure and help you determine if this is the right cosmetic surgical procedure for you. This is your opportunity to ask questions and look at before-and-after pictures of people just like you. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation to learn more.