A “Tummy Tuck” or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to flatten a protruding abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin. The procedure is a common one and can benefit men and women who are bothered by a protruding abdomen.

PROCEDURE

An abdominoplasty involves an incision around the belly button and another incision that runs from hip to hip. Your entire abdominal wall is tightened with permanent sutures, and the excess skin and fat is removed. Dr. Spera usually performs liposculpture of the upper abdomen and flanks in conjunction with this procedure, to achieve better contouring of the torso.

RECOVERY

You will stay overnight in our recovery suite. Bed rest is needed for the first few days. Any pain or discomfort that follows surgery can be controlled with oral medication. If drains are used, they may remain in place for three to seven days until discharge fluids decrease. The sutures around your navel will be removed in 2 weeks. The sutures in your abdominal incisions are re-absorbable. A special abdominal support garment is often necessary for several weeks. There will be some scarring that will fade significantly over time. During your recovery, you must refrain from any strenuous activity or lifting. Most patients are back to work within two weeks.

Results can be quite dramatic and patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures and flatter abdomens.