What Happens During an Abdominoplasty?
A slimmer midsection is a common goal of many plastic surgery patients. An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that can help patients improve their midsection by removing excess fat and sagging skin. The best way to determine candidacy for the procedure is through an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, but before doing so it’s important to understand how an abdominoplasty is performed. How Does It Work? A full abdominoplasty is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will make an incision between the pubic hairline and the belly button, and then adjust the abdominal skin and muscle as needed. Occasionally, liposuction will also be used to remove excess fat. The surgeon will then close the incisions, the results are a flatter, slimming looking stomach. When Will I See Results? Following a tummy tuck procedure, patients should plan to rest for at least 1-2 weeks, and should avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects. Patients are typically able to return to work after 1 week, and can resume normal daily activities after 4-6 weeks. Results will be fully noticeable 6 weeks following surgery, as the post-surgery swelling and bruising will have diminished. Patients will notice a flatter, more contoured stomach area, particularly in the months following treatment. View Our Gallery Am I A Candidate? Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty typically have excess stomach skin or fat that will [...]