Thinking About a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to tighten skin and sagging tissue in a patient’s abdomen area. Age, a sedentary lifestyle, major weight loss, pregnancy, and other factors can contribute to a person’s stomach area becoming larger, losing firmness, and appearing less attractive. A tummy tuck is meant to counteract these effects and give patients a slimmer and tighter abdomen.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

The tummy tuck process involves an incision (length of incision is dependent on the extent of the procedure) below the navel, from hip to hip. An incision may also be made around the navel. Skin covering the abdomen is separated from the underlying muscle and fascia. The surgeon uses sutures to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall and hold them in place. Liposuction may be combined with this procedure to more naturally sculpt the transition between the belly, hips and thighs.

Any excess skin and fat are removed with a scalpel before suturing the remaining skin back into place. The surgeon may create a new hole for the patient’s navel if that portion of skin was removed, moving the belly button stalk to the new hole.

Abdominoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as thigh lifts, breast lifts, and liposuction. A tummy tuck combined with a breast lift or enhancement is popularly referred to as a “mommy makeover.”

After the surgery, patients should follow the advice of their surgeon. Most people are directed to refrain from strenuous activities or sports for at least a month, and it may be a week or more before one can return to work. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s directions to speed healing and reduce complications and scarring.

Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty procedures share the risks common to all surgery, including post-operative bleeding, infection, and negative reactions to anesthesia. Bruising and swelling will cause some discomfort immediately after surgery, and it may take up to a year before swelling subsides completely. Scarring resulting from abdominoplasty is unavoidable and can be extensive, though scars are normally placed where they will be hidden by clothing. You should carefully weigh the risks described here, and any additional risks and complications conveyed by your doctor, with your expected results during your consultation before deciding on surgery.

Click on the link to see our photo gallery of Philadelphia tummy tuck patients.

The content of this Web site is intended to be used for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or instruction. If you have more questions about Philadelphia tummy tuck surgery, other cosmetic treatments, or plastic surgery procedures, please call Dr. Lohner’s Main Line Pennsylvania office and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation.