If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (frequently secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery), you may be a candidate for abdominoplasty. You may also be a candidate if you are unable to tighten abdominal wall with exercise. The procedure is intended to give the patient a smoother, flatter abdomen.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in our office. (Mini and modified abdominoplasties are similarly performed as outpatient procedures.) Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar). Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair. Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles (standard scar). Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and probably requires more time consuming and limiting recovery. You will be encouraged to be moving and walking within 1-2 days. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.

A tummy tuck is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment. The specific risks and the suitability of abdominoplasty for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.