A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can change the appearance of your abdomen, smoothing and tightening the abdominal wall. In general, this procedure is performed to improve body image.

Occasionally, weakening of the abdominal wall with excess skin, common after pregnancy or significant weight loss, can cause recurrent skin irritation and infections or chronic back pain. All of these are appropriate reasons to seek evaluation for the abdominoplasty operation. 

“While there is no blanket statement that applies to all patients who undergo abdominoplasty, your plastic surgeon will discuss what to expect during the recovery period and the different factors that may impact recovery time,” says bariatric and general surgeon, Dena Arumugam, M.D.

Which patients might benefit from a tummy tuck?

People may have less elasticity of the skin or weakened connective tissue of the abdominal wall for many reasons, including:

• Significant weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Hernias or rectus diastasis
• Increased age

What to Expect During an Abdominoplasty

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you are completely asleep with a breathing tube placed in your airway. During the procedure, plastic surgeons:

• Make an incision in the lower abdomen by the bikini line in order to hide the scar
• Remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, for a smoother, trimmer look
• Stitch (suture) weakened, separated abdominal muscles together, which makes the tummy appear firmer
  
  

Three types of abdominoplasty procedures are available:

• Partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck). This procedure focuses solely on the area below the belly button. It’s appropriate for patients who only have loose muscles of the lower abdomen.
• Complete abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck). This procedure involves the full abdominal area, above and below the belly button. Patients who want to flatten their entire tummy may choose this option.
• Circumferential abdominoplasty (extended tummy tuck). This procedure alters the entire abdominal area plus the hips and/or back. It eliminates excess skin and fat from adjacent areas, for a more proportional look.
  
  

Your surgeon will have a discussion with you to decide which procedure would provide the best results based on your body composition.

What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?

After abdominoplasty, patients go home with bandages over their sutured incisions. There is typically no overnight stay in the hospital for this procedure. Small tubes that drain fluid from the surgery site may remain in place temporarily.

Patients typically wear an abdominal binder for several weeks during the healing process. It supports the abdominal muscles and helps prevent fluid from building up.

Factors That Influence Abdominoplasty Healing Time

How long your recovery takes may be influenced by:

• Your age
• Your overall health
• The type of tummy tuck that you get
• How you care for yourself after surgery
  
  

In general, patients who are younger, healthier and more physically fit heal more quickly. When your doctor talks about your recovery time, they will consider these factors. Smoking should be avoided around the time of surgery to improve overall healing.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, which always requires recovery. Because partial abdominoplasty is less extensive than other procedures, its recovery should be shortest.

Abdominoplasty Post Surgical Care 

How you care for yourself after a tummy tuck also influences your healing time. Following your doctor’s orders should encourage healing while minimizing your risk of infection.

After abdominoplasty, you’ll need to learn how to care for yourself at home. Your doctor should tell you how, and when, you will need to:

• Take medications that are prescribed
• Remove your bandages
• Care for your incision
• Bathe before and after you remove your bandages
• Resume normal activities
• Visit the doctor for follow-up appointments
  
  

Part of caring for yourself means taking it easy while your incisions heal. Your doctor may tell you to:

• Seek help at home. Have someone help you do everyday tasks the first few days after abdominoplasty. You may be in pain, and you may have limited mobility.
• No driving. Take a break from driving for one to two weeks, if not longer. You won’t be able to drive yourself home from the hospital or anywhere else.
• Take it easy. Skip visits to the gym or other forms of exercise for several weeks. Working out may hamper the recovery process.
• Avoid lifting heavy items for several weeks. This includes small children, not just boxes or heavy grocery bags.
• Take time off from work. Stay home from work for up to a month, unless you do heavy lifting. If so, you may need to stay home longer or do different work temporarily.
  
  

It can take several weeks for incisional swelling to disappear and for you to see your new body contour. After abdominoplasty, most people can resume their normal activities in two to three months. Your timeline may differ slightly, based on the above-mentioned factors. 

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Dena Arumugam, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Arumugam, or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website. 
• Learn more about our surgical services.
  
  

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.