Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck is indicated when the abdominal muscles have lost their tone. This is a common problem after pregnancy or severe weight loss. The procedure can help reduce the appearance of loose skin around the abdomen by tightening and strengthening the stomach muscles. This is not a weight loss procedure. If patients wish to undergo significant weight loss, weight gain or become pregnant should wait to have the surgery.

Common Questions

How is a Tummy Tuck performed?
An incision is made along the lower abdomen under the bikini line usually hidden by undergarments. The abdominal muscles are pulled closer together and tightened into a new position. After this, extra skin is removed. The incision is closed. After the surgery is performed, dressings and bandages are used and a drainage tube may be used to help drain additional fluid.

What about recovery?
After surgery patients experience swelling, which can last a few weeks, pain and discomfort, which will last for the first few days and can be combated with medication. There is usually little bruising, however, numbness may persist as long as 6 months. Mild exercise such as walking can shorten the recovery time and help the body heal. Time away from work can range from 3 to 4 days to 2 weeks or more.

Lipoabdominoplasty

Dr Weiler has recently published a paper in the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal about a procedure called Lipoabdominoplasty. This procedure combines the traditional tummy tuck procedure with liposuction.

It is not uncommon
for patients to lose
6-8 dress sizes
with this procedure.

Dr. Weiler believes that combining the two procedures into one gives vastly superior results with a similar safety profile.