Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

Abdominoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall. It can help after pregnancy or major weight loss, when skin has stretched and muscles have separated.

It is a body contouring surgery, not a weight-loss treatment.

It is usually for adults in good general health whose weight is stable and who are bothered by loose skin or a bulge that diet and exercise do not change. It is generally planned for after you have finished having children.

Tell us about your medical history, medicines, allergies, and whether you smoke, because these affect healing and safety.

Your surgeon makes an incision low on the abdomen, tightens the stretched muscles, and removes the excess skin and fat. The navel is repositioned if needed, and the skin is closed. Drains are often placed to collect fluid while you heal.

Liposuction can be added to refine the shape around the waist. The exact plan depends on your body and what you want to change.

Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and soreness at first. You will usually wear a compression garment, and walking a little bent forward is common in the first days. Your surgeon tells you how long to wear the garment and how to care for the drains and incisions.

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until you are cleared. Healing takes weeks, and the scar keeps maturing for months. We give you clear do's and don'ts before surgery and see you at follow-up visits.

Every surgery has risks. With abdominoplasty these include bleeding, infection, a collection of fluid under the skin, problems with wound healing, visible scarring, numbness over the lower abdomen, blood clots, an uneven contour, and the possibility of a revision.

Results differ from person to person and are not a promise of your own result.

Am I a good candidate, and what can realistically be improved? Where will my scar be? Will liposuction be part of the plan? How long will I need drains and a garment, and when can I go back to work and exercise?