abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and by tightening the abdominal wall muscles. It is often considered when a person has loose or sagging abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise, or after pregnancy or substantial weight loss.

There are several techniques. A full abdominoplasty uses a long horizontal incision below the waistline and may involve repositioning the navel. A mini or partial abdominoplasty uses a smaller incision and targets the lower abdomen. A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty adds a vertical component to address excess skin in multiple directions.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts several hours. The surgeon makes incisions, removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles with sutures, and repositions the navel. Liposuction may be used to contour the flanks. Drains are often placed to remove fluid during healing.

Candidates include adults with stable weight who have localized loose skin after pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. It is not a weight‑loss operation and is not ideal for people with significant obesity. Smokers should quit well before surgery, and realistic expectations are essential.

Risks include infection, bleeding, seroma or hematoma, numbness, wound healing problems, scarring, and anesthesia complications. Rare risks include blood clots and tissue loss. Outcomes vary; scars are permanent and may improve in appearance over months.

Recovery typically involves several days of rest, with limitations on heavy lifting and exercise for 4–6 weeks. A compression garment is worn during healing. Final contour improvements are usually evident after several months.