Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery begins with a relatively long incision across the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone. The shape of the incision is like a smile. The flat part of the smile is at the bottom of the abdomen right above the pubic area. The sides of the smile form a gentle curve along the pelvis to the top of the hipbone.

A second incision might be made around the belly button to free it from the abdominal tissue. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, up to the ribs, exposing the vertical abdominal muscles (rectus muscles). The rectus muscles are stitched into a new position, tightening them and reducing the waistline. After the muscles have been repositioned and tightened, the excess skin is stretched and removed. The remaining skin is re-draped over the abdominal area and sutured in place. The belly button is then brought out through the overlying skin in its new location.

After Tummy Tuck Surgery

Some patients might not need an overnight hospital stay after tummy tuck surgery, while others might spend one or two nights in the hospital, depending on the extent of the procedure. The physician will prescribe pain medication and give instructions on wearing special garments, cleaning incisions, bathing, restricting activities and more.

Bruising and swelling are normal and can take up to 18 months to flatten and lighten in color. Creams or ointments are usually recommended for scars. Antibiotics are also prescribed to counter infections.

Tummy Tuck Drains

As the tummy tuck incision heals, you will need less and less bandaging. If your surgeon inserted drains, you will need to drain your wound two to three times a day. Tummy tuck drains are silicone tubes that are inserted into your abdomen either through specially made incisions or through the tummy tuck incision. These tubes connect to bulbs that provide suction for excess fluid that accumulates during your recovery period.

The purpose of tummy tuck drains is to decrease the risk of seroma formation (fluid collecting between the muscle layer and the skin flap), which could be the source of infection. The use of drains after tummy tuck surgery provides a point of exit for this fluid, which reduces the risk of complications. Usually, the patient measures the drainage each day, discarding the fluid and keeping track of the amount.

The drains might be removed three to five days following tummy tuck surgery, though it might take three weeks or more, depending on how much fluid is draining.

Tummy Tuck Follow-Up

You will need a follow-up visit with your tummy tuck surgeon three or four days after your surgery. He or she will check your drains, examine your incision and check to see how you are doing. The sutures from your incisions might be removed in stages because parts of your incision might heal faster than others. Suture removal can take five days to a couple weeks to complete.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Patients who were in good physical condition at the time of surgery will have a shorter tummy tuck recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and regular activities. The more extensive your tummy tuck surgery, the longer the time off from work and other activities will be.

Many doctors agree that beginning a regular regime of light exercise about a week after surgery can help you heal faster and more completely. Walking is usually the best exercise to engage in after tummy tuck surgery, but other forms of non-aerobic exercise might also be acceptable. A gentle exercise plan that has been approved by your doctor can reduce swelling, prevent blood clots and strengthen your immune system. You will be encouraged to do a bit of walking every day in the first weeks, adding more as the weeks pass. Walking prevents blood-clot formation and eases swelling.

Tummy Tuck Healing Process

While the tummy tuck incision is open, do not smoke or use nicotine patches or gums because they interfere with your healing.

Your tummy tuck doctor might advise you to wear a support garment around your abdomen. Support garments or binders will compress your abdomen and help in healing and controlling the swelling. You might wake after the tummy tuck surgery wearing an abdominal binder. You might want to purchase a second one at a pharmacy or surgical supply store, so you have one to wash, one to wear. You might be required to wear elasticized stockings for a short period to decrease the risk of blood clots in the legs.

You must have your head and shoulders elevated for the first week to 14 days when sleeping. Because of the extent of the soreness, you will probably stay in bed for a few days. Plenty of sleep is required and is good for you while you heal.

Find Out More About Tummy Tuck Surgery

For more information on tummy tuck surgery, see the menu items to the left. To find a tummy tuck doctor near you, use our Surgeon Locator.

Top Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Surgeon

• What are your qualifications?
• How much experience do you have doing this operation? How many times have you done this tummy tuck?
• What are the alternatives to tummy tuck surgery?
• Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery? What results can I expect?
• What other medical staff will assist with the tummy tuck? Will you be performing the whole surgery?
• Where will my surgery be performed?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery? What is the complication rate?
• Can I see before-and-after pictures of patients on whom you have performed tummy tuck surgery? Can you provide me with references of other patients?
• How much will the tummy tuck surgery cost? What is the breakdown of fees, and will my insurance cover any of them?
• How long will it take me to recover? To drive or go back to work? To exercise?
• Do you have malpractice insurance?

Tummy Tuck Precautions

Like any surgery, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) carries with it certain risks. You should carefully consider these before you decide to undergo the surgery.

Many surgeries are performed without any instances of complications. However, it is best for a patient to know about risks before going under the knife. The more a patient knows, the better able he or she will be to make the right decisions.

You can reduce your chances for complications by following your tummy tuck surgeon's directions to the letter.

For more information on tummy tuck surgery, use the menu to the left.