Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure intended to create a more toned, leaner appearance in the midsection. It typically includes removing excess skin and fat as well as tightening core muscles, particularly after one or more childbirths or a significant weight loss.

Abdominoplasty is ideal for patients who are at or near their target weight and do not expect any major changes to their weight in the foreseeable future (such as a pregnancy). Candidates should understand that abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Otherwise, patients who are in good health are optimal candidates for the surgery.

Once a patient is fully sedated by our board-certified anesthesiologist, an incision is made at the pubic area and around the umbilicus (belly button), the abdominal muscles are tightened, and the excess skin is removed.

At that point, a new opening for the patient’s umbilicus will be created. The skin is sutured and bandages are applied to the surgical sites. The patient is then sent to the recovery room. After the patient regains consciousness and goes through an observation period, patients are cleared and able to leave accompanied by a caretaker, usually a friend or relative.

The initial flatter abdominal appearance should be immediately apparent, but it can take several weeks for swelling to subside and the complete results to show.

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most can return to work approximately one to two weeks after surgery. The complexity of the surgery is typically a major factor in the length of recovery, and more in-depth procedures are likely to require more downtime. In any case, a follow-up appointment approximately several days to one week later will be made. At that time, we will remove the bandages and ensure that healing is progressing appropriately.

Patients will be given individualized instructions to follow after the procedure. Physical activity will be gradually increased over the first several weeks and a normal routine can usually be resumed between six to eight weeks after the procedure. Patients should avoid anti-inflammatory medications and drinking alcoholic beverages following surgery, as these can increase bruising and bleeding. The doctor will advise you when it is safe to start taking anti-inflammatories and drinking beverages with alcohol in moderation.

There is some evidence that a tummy tuck may provide relief for lower back pain because weight distribution no longer favors the stomach region and it may also be due to the newly supported abdominal muscles. Some female patients have also reported an improvement in terms of decreased urinary incontinence. Finally, some individuals who have lost a very large amount of weight, such as following a bariatric procedure, have reported relief from symptoms created by excessively large folds of skin that remain after a weight loss.

Yes. While all procedures are customized to the specific patient, tummy tucks generally come in two types. A full tummy tuck is usually recommended for individuals with hanging skin and fat above and below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is less extensive for patients with excess skin and fat restricted to the area below the belly button. One notable difference between the two: a mini tummy tuck does not require a new incision to reposition the navel. Additionally, liposuction and/or muscle repair are often included but are not necessary for every patient.

Yes. The larger the weight gain, the more the skin and underlying tissues are stretched. If the weight is shed again, a new procedure may be necessary to correct disproportional fat distribution and hanging skin. Not surprisingly, it’s best to maintain a stable weight after the procedure.

No. While some weight may be lost because of skin and fat removal, abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and should never be considered a treatment for weight issues.

Dr. Varkony is an innovator in the area of minimizing post-operative scars and he will do everything he can to make them as inconspicuous as possible. Generally speaking, the scar is placed very low on the abdominal wall, at the level of the pubic bone, so it is usually well hidden, even in a bikini.