An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, removes excess skin and then repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles that can accompany weight gain or pregnancy. It can be an effective procedure for both men and women seeking to restore a flat abdominal contour.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. The ideal candidate has a stable, healthy weight, and is not planning on having more children. For some patients, a tummy tuck can restore their waistline, something diet and exercise alone may not have achieved.
Wake Forest Baptist Health's plastic surgeons have years of experience to help you choose whether the abdominoplasty - either alone or with other procedures - is right for you.
An incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel. The surgeon lifts a skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are then tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. For a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” the incision is shorter and the navel may not be moved.
A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and most patients are able to return home the same day. Compression garments are generally worn for a few weeks.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. The ideal candidate has a stable, healthy weight, and is not planning on having more children. For some patients, a tummy tuck can restore their waistline, something diet and exercise alone may not have achieved.
Wake Forest Baptist Health's plastic surgeons have years of experience to help you choose whether the abdominoplasty - either alone or with other procedures - is right for you.
Abdominoplasty: What to Expect
During your consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region and carefully assess your skin tone.An incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel. The surgeon lifts a skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are then tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. For a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” the incision is shorter and the navel may not be moved.
A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and most patients are able to return home the same day. Compression garments are generally worn for a few weeks.