No matter how much you diet or exercise, sometimes a flat, toned stomach remains out of reach. Pregnancy, significant weight loss, and aging can leave you with loose, sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles that no amount of crunches can fix.
A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is the definitive solution. It is a transformative body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and stubborn fat, while surgically tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to restore a firm, flat, and youthful waistline.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Correct?
A tummy tuck addresses the three main layers of the abdomen to create a comprehensive result:
- 1. Loose Skin: It removes the “apron” of excess skin that hangs below the belly button (often caused by pregnancy or massive weight loss).
- 2. Stubborn Fat: It removes pockets of fat resistant to diet. (Note: Liposuction is almost always performed alongside a tummy tuck for better contouring).
- 3. Muscle Separation (Diastasis Recti): This is crucial. Pregnancy often causes the vertical abdominal muscles to separate. A tummy tuck is the *only* way to surgically repair and sew these muscles back together, acting like an “internal corset” to flatten the bulge and narrow the waist.
Types of Tummy Tucks We Offer
The right technique depends on the amount of skin you need removed.
1. Full Tummy Tuck (Standard Abdominoplasty)
This is the most common procedure. It addresses the entire abdomen, both above and below the belly button.
- Incision: A horizontal incision from hip bone to hip bone (hidden in the underwear line) and a small incision around the belly button.
- Best For: Patients with significant skin laxity, muscle separation, and a “protruding” tummy. The belly button is repositioned to look natural.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck
This is a less invasive option for patients with milder concerns.
- Incision: A shorter, C-section-like scar just above the pubic area.
- Best For: Patients who *only* have a small “pooch” of loose skin below the belly button and do not need significant muscle repair. It does not address the area above the navel.
3. Extended / 360 Tummy Tuck
For massive weight loss patients, the incision may extend around the hips to the back (Body Lift) to remove excess skin from the sides and lower back as well.
Are You an Ideal Candidate?
A tummy tuck is **not a weight loss surgery**. You are an ideal candidate if:
- You are at or near your stable, ideal weight (BMI under 30-32 is preferred).
- You have loose abdominal skin and stretch marks.
- You have a protruding abdomen due to weak muscles (post-pregnancy).
- You are finished having children (future pregnancies can stretch the muscles again).
The Procedure and Recovery
This is a major surgery that requires a dedicated recovery period.
- The Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2-4 hours. You will likely stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights.
- Week 1 (The “Hunched” Phase): Your abdomen will feel tight. You will need to walk slightly bent over at the waist for the first few days to protect the incision. You will wear a compression garment 24/7.
- Drains: You may have surgical drains (small tubes) for a few days to prevent fluid buildup.
- Week 2-3: You can stand upright and return to desk work.
- Week 6-8: You can resume gym activities and heavy lifting.
- Final Result: The swelling can take several months to fully resolve, but the flat contour is visible immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tummy Tuck
Will the scar be visible?
The scar for a full tummy tuck is long, running from hip to hip. However, our surgeons place it very low, just above the pubic bone. This means it is designed to be completely hidden inside your underwear or bikini bottom. Over time (12-18 months), the scar fades significantly.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, it is safe to get pregnant. However, we strongly advise waiting until you have completed your family. A new pregnancy will stretch the skin and muscles again, likely undoing the results of the surgery.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Which one do I need?
If you have good skin elasticity and just fat, you need **Liposuction**. If you have loose, hanging skin and stretched muscles, Liposuction alone will make it look *worse* (like a deflated balloon). You need a **Tummy Tuck** to remove the skin and repair the wall. Often, we combine both.
Is this part of a “Mommy Makeover”?
Yes! The Tummy Tuck is the centerpiece of the **Mommy Makeover**, usually combined with Breast Surgery (Lift or Implant) to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body in a single operation.