A tummy tuck removes excess folds of skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and may tighten the abdominal muscles for a leaner, flatter tummy.

The procedure falls into two basic types: mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck. Plastic + Hand performs both types at our state-of-the-art surgical center.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck takes an hour or less. For your comfort, we will use either general anesthesia or local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

We recommend a mini tummy tuck (or partial abdominoplasty) when the problem area is mainly below the navel and involves a minimum of excess skin. For this procedure, we make a small horizontal incision low on the abdomen and leave the navel intact. Often liposuction of the upper abdomen is performed at the same time as a mini abdominoplasty.

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck usually takes up to two hours. If the fullness and loose skin are more extensive and involve the entire abdomen, you are more likely to benefit from a full tummy tuck (or standard abdominoplasty). Your surgeon will make an incision across your lower abdomen that curves up toward your hips. We will also make a small incision around the navel so that we can position your belly button properly on your re-contoured tummy.

Extended tummy tuck

An extended tummy tuck is an expanded abdominoplasty procedure, in which the surgeon also removes excess skin from the patient’s sides and improves muscle laxity at the flank (or “love handles”) and hip region. The extended tummy tuck was developed after it was noted that, in some tummy tuck patients, although the abdomen was remarkably improved, the flank and back areas still had folds of extra skin and fat. This procedure has been performed on thousands of patients with excellent results.

As surgery is completed, we may place small drainage tubes within your abdominal tissue to keep fluid from accumulating. We will carefully monitor your progress in the recovery room and may give you the OK to go home after just a few hours.

For several days after surgery, you may be unable to stand up completely straight. However, we do encourage you to take short walks to promote good blood circulation. You should avoid straining, bending and lifting, and sitting for long periods of time.

Swelling and bruising are to be expected and will subside over the course of several weeks. Reddening of the incision areas may last for several months. There may also be some temporary numbness over parts of your abdomen.

Most likely within a week of your surgery, we will remove drainage tubes and change or remove your dressings. Stitches will be absorbed over time.

While incision lines will fade over time, it’s important for you to know that they will never completely disappear. Your Plastic + Hand surgeon will do everything possible to keep incisions within your underwear and bathing suit lines.

It may be months before you see the final results of your tummy tuck, but it should be well worth the wait. Your abdomen will be flatter and firmer than it’s been in years, giving you a whole new level of confidence. Unless your weight shifts significantly, or you become pregnant, you can expect to enjoy your younger new shape for many years to come.

Tummy tuck surgery can make you look younger and slimmer, but it is not a substitute for weight loss. The procedure is most effective for people of normal weight who have weakened abdominal muscles and excess skin and fat that aren’t responsive to diet and exercise. A consultation at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates will determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.