A Tummy Tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that lifts, tightens and re-contours the stomach area by removing excess skin and fat. This may be due to excess fatty tissue in the area, or skin loosened by pregnancy or weight loss. Like liposuction, a tummy tuck is not an overall weight loss solution, but is best suited for men and women of relatively normal weight who have loose skin or excess fat in the abdominal region. It can also be extremely helpful for women whose abdominal muscles have been stretched and weakened by pregnancy.

Tummy tucks begins with an incision made across the pubic area. In most cases, the incision can be made low enough that the small scar will be covered by a swimsuit. The length of the incision depends on how much skin needs to be removed. In a full tummy tuck, a new belly button is created, whereas a mini tuck only removes skin and fat below the existing belly button.

General Recovery Information: After your abdominoplasty, you will likely experience some swelling and pain-- be assured that this is normal. Our surgeons will prescribe pain medication to help reduce your discomfort. Your stitches will be removed about a week after surgery, and the dressings covering your incision will be replaced by a support garment about a week later. Plan to miss a week or two of work as part of your recovery period, but speak to your surgeon about your case for a more accurate estimate of your healing time.