Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a “Tummy Tuck“, involves removing skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from Abdominoplasty, especially if no amount of exercise seems to resolve the problem.  Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become loose or even to sag. Abdominoplasty can also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.

Ideal Candidates for Abdominoplasty

• Are in good health
• Have realistic expectations
• Are not planning to lose a lot of weight – their weight is stabilized
• Have excess fat that is concentrated on the abdomen
• Have excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
• Have weakened and separated abdominal muscles that don’t respond to exercise
• Have an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
• Are non smokers, or who have quit one month before the procedure

Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure

An incision is made along the lower abdomen within the pubic triangle so the incision is not visible when wearing bikini undergarments. The length of the incision depends upon how much skin needs to be removed. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. The skin is then lifted up to the ribs and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. This narrows the waistline and provides a firmer abdominal wall. The skin is pulled down and the excess is removed. An incision is made over the original navel and then the navel  is pulled through and sutured in place with extra care to create a new navel in which the incision is hidden. The lower incision is closed in multiple layers so a fine scar is created. Dressings are applied and a temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. On average, the procedure takes two to three hours to perform.

A Mini-Tummy Tuck

Ideal candidates for a Mini-Tummy Tuck have skin laxity and muscle weakness which are confined to the area below the navel. The scar will be shorter, and an incision around the navel is not required.
Because everyone’s shape is unique, Dr. Gartner has used variations of these procedures along with Liposuction to sculpt the body for the best results.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

For the first few days you will probably have swelling and discomfort which can be controlled with medication. Although you may not feel comfortable standing up straight right away, patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible. The drains are removed in one week and most patients return to work in two weeks. Patients are encouraged to wear a support garment for six weeks after the surgery. You may experience some numbness over the abdominal area which can persist for several months. Keep in mind, a Tummy Tuck leaves a long scar across the bottom of your abdomen above the pubic area.  Although the scar is placed where it will be hidden by panties or a swimsuit, it is considered permanent and visible, but it should fade over time.  Most patients do not mind the long scar as they feel it is preferable to living with a sagging belly.  If so, then you’re a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years after a Tummy Tuck. Most patients find that it makes them more comfortable in clothing and that they can now wear clothes they haven’t worn in years. Abdominoplasty restores a more youthful contour giving patients more confidence about their appearance. Take a look at some before and after photos.