Abdominoplasty or a 'tummy tuck' is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. It is used to tighten muscles that have become loose or split following pregnancy, or to remove fat and extra loose skin from the abdomen after massive weight loss.
A Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen). It can involve removing excess loose skin, fat and stretch marks and tightening the abdominal muscles. The aim is to remove excess skin on the tummy that cannot be removed through exercise – for example, excess skin caused by pregnancy or losing a lot of weight.

Tummy Tuck Procedures

After consultation with your cosmetic surgeon, you can decide between two procedures: a complete tummy tuck and a partial or mini tummy tuck.

• Complete abdominoplasty - In this surgery, the plastic surgeon places the scar very low in the “bikini line” in order to disguise it as much as possible. Excess skin and fat are removed, and sometimes the muscles are repaired to create a flat contoured abdomen.
• Partial or mini abdominoplasty - This procedure focuses on one part of the abdomen and requires a smaller scar. The surgeon may opt for endoscopic-assisted surgery, which is less invasive and reduces the procedure time. However, this is reserved for special cases of abdominal muscle weakness and laxity.

Depending on which abdominoplasty procedure you will have, surgery may take anywhere from 1-3 hours. You will receive general anesthesia or intravenous “twilight” sedation. This surgery may require an overnight stay, as well as standing and sleep modifications for up to a week. You will have drainage tubes in place in order to remove any excess fluid that your body produces. This is normal and the tubes will be removed over 1-3 weeks.

Recovery from a Tummy Tuck

Recovery will take several weeks. Your doctor can give you medication to reduce the pain. Swelling should begin to disappear in a matter of weeks and resolve completely in a few months. You will have to restrict exercise and other activity as advised by your doctor.Scars are normal, and they will fade over the course of a year. Your plastic surgeon will take care to ensure that the scars will be hidden by bathing suits and clothes. The surgeon may also recommend Scar Treatments such as laser that help scars fade and soften.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Costs

It ranges in price depending on where you go and the body areas being treated. For more information, please contact us.