Tummy Tuck

For a full tummy tuck, an incision is made around the navel and just above the pubic hairline, extending to the hips. The shape and length of this incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin needing to be removed. The more excess skin there is, the longer the horizontal incision will be.

During the procedure, the abdominal skin and fat is lifted off of the muscles. Using permanent sutures, the abdominal muscles are stitched together. The lifted skin and fat is then stretched back down over the abdominal muscles; any access skin is removed. Sutures used to close the incision are mostly dissolvable, however a few temporary sutures will be applied and removed one week after surgery.

With this procedure, you will be kept overnight for recovery. You will have two drainage tubes which will remain for at least 10 days. During this time you will not be able to drive. There will be discomfort, so in addition to medication you will also have a pain pump inserted for the first three days following your procedure. Steristrips are applied to incisions while they heal, and topifoam is placed over the abdominal skin. You will be encouraged to walk immediately after surgery. However, bending, lifting and vigorous activity is limited for the first month. You will be required to wear an abdominal binder for at least one month. Initially, you will see immediate improvement, however the final result will not be seen for months.